These topics and debates will shape European telecommunications policy in 2025

The new EU Commission will present its work program on 11 February. It is already possible to foresee a number of topics that will shape the debates, legislative and regulatory processes surrounding the telecommunications market.

1. frequency allocation and internal market:

• Harmonization of mobile frequency allocation: The EU Commission is striving for joint planning and implementation of frequency allocations in order to promote the expansion of mobile communications. This has met with resistance, as member states fear restrictions on competition.
• Creation of a single EU market: The Commission wants to create a single telecommunications market, which could put smaller providers at a disadvantage. This primarily concerns the mobile telecommunications market, but the fiber optic market could also be affected. The Digital Networks Act (DNA) initiated by the previous Commission is being pursued by the responsible Commissioner Virkkunen. It is intended to accelerate the expansion of digital infrastructures and remove barriers to investment. This includes measures to simplify approval procedures and promote cooperation between network operators.

2. copper-glass migration:

• Uniform switchover date: The EU Commission proposes that all member states switch completely to fiber optics by 2030. This is intended to create investment security, but is viewed critically by many member states, as national particularities must be taken into account. Such a target date would be illusory for Germany.

3. ex-ante vs. ex-post regulation:

• Regulatory approaches: The Commission is considering changing the regulation of former monopolists from preventive (ex-ante) to ex-post control. This could influence competition, particularly in rural areas.

4. infrastructure levy (fair share):

• Network usage fees: The debate about an infrastructure levy for large content providers such as Netflix and Meta continues. The former telecommunications monopolists in particular want to ensure that these providers make a “fair contribution” to network expansion. However, it is still unclear whether there is a majority for this initiative and how exactly such payments would be implemented.

5. role of the national regulatory authorities:

• Loss of influence: National regulatory authorities such as the Federal Network Agency could lose influence if supervision of the telecommunications sector is centralized at EU level. This is viewed critically by many member states.

These debates will have a major impact on European telecommunications policy in 2025 and are of great importance for fiber optic expansion and competition in the telecommunications market in Germany. BREKO will continue to actively follow these issues at close quarters, keep you regularly informed and actively contribute our positions to the discussions.