Signatories warn that unlimited spectrum licences without access safeguards would lock in oligopolies for decades

Brussels, 07 October 2026 – 13 associations and companies representing mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), fibre operators and municipal utilities today published a joint statement calling on the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission to amend the Digital Networks Act (DNA) to create an EU-wide right to non-discriminatory wholesale access to mobile networks and to tie any extension of spectrum licences to enforceable access obligations. 

With spectrum scarce, only a handful of operators can run nationwide mobile networks. Wholesale access lets MVNOs and fibre operators use these networks to offer their own mobile services and fixed-mobile bundles. This widens choice and drives innovation for consumers and businesses. 

Yet the Commission’s current proposal grants spectrum holders long licences while treating wholesale access only as a regulatory remedy, a combination the signatories warn would entrench oligopolistic markets. 

The signatories therefore call for Articles 31 and 32 to be revised and for any licence extension under Article 24 to be made conditional on enforceable access obligations. 

Long licences and stronger competition can go hand in hand, but only if the DNA makes them a package. Europe does not have to choose between investment and competition: the DNA should deliver both. 

Overview of the Signatory Associations and Companies:

• AIIP – Italian Internet Providers Association (Associazione Italiana Internet Provider)

• AOTEC – National Association of Telecommunications Operators

• BREKO – Federal Association for Broadband Communication (Bundesverband Breitbandkommunikation e.V.)

• CoopVoce – Coop Italia Cooperative Society (Coop Italia Società Cooperativa)

• easybell GmbH

• ecotel communication ag

• EWE AG

• freenet AG

• htp GmbH

• MVNO Europe

• Transatel

• vianova

• VKU – Association of Municipal Companies (Verband kommunaler Unternehmen e.V.)