Telco Sector Will Play Strategic Role in Europe’s Digital Roadmap

The GSMA said it applauds the European Commission’s vision in the Digital Strategy, which recognises connectivity as the most fundamental aspect of digitalisation. The Association believes that transforming Europe into the most connected continent, the Commission and the telecommunications sector must overcome formidable challenges.

Many structural changes that still must be addressed in the strategy, including low R&D investment and incentives for investors, the GSMA stated. To reduce Europe’s dependence on foreign tech companies, the Commission needs to create a sustainable digital industry structure. “Europe’s network operators will form the backbone of the region’s future economy,“ said Afke Schaart, VP and Head of Europe, Russia and CIS, GSMA.

“We are ready to work with European leaders to deliver secure 5G networks, create a truly single market for data, teach new digital skills and cut greenhouse gases. We are at a technological turning point,“ she added. “5G offers the potential for Europe to change its paradigm and rebuild its digital sovereignty. We look forward to working with the Commission to develop and deliver a realistic roadmap for success.“

The mobile industry is particularly focused on supporting the Commission’s plan to accelerate gigabit connectivity, achieve world-class cybersecurity, create a genuine single market for data and deliver on the Green Deal. The GSMA supports an ambitious revision of the Commission’s Broadband Cost Reduction Directive, which must be expanded to include mobile networks. The GSMA said that the joint goal is to create a genuine single market for data, where personal data are secure and businesses also have easy access to an almost infinite amount of high-quality industrial data.