Vodafone Pushes EU Over Market Rules

Vodafone Group pressures European regulators over the fragmented nature of their rules. The operator claims there is a stark difference in approach compared with the messages of unity governments preach.

Chief external and corporate affairs officer Joakim Reiter stated that a renewed push by the European Union to capitalize on the benefits of a single market is being hindered by telecoms regulations, which are markedly different from those of other key industries. He argued that these will ultimately hamper the region’s economic ambitions.

Reiter referenced One Europe, One Market, a commitment politicians made during a European Council meeting last month to boost the region’s competitiveness by deepening the single market, simplifying rules and cutting administration; providing affordable and sustainable energy; promoting industrial renewal; and encouraging investment. The Vodafone executive said the agenda is good news for energy and capital markets, but complained the telecoms sector was again overlooked.

It is an omission that Reiter believes puts the entire initiative in jeopardy. “Connectivity is the artery system of a modern economy, carrying the oxygen for productivity, innovation, and growth. Without advanced, secure and resilient networks, ambitions around AI, industrial modernisation, defence readiness and public service delivery do not materialise.”

He accused European authorities of governing “as if fragmentation is desired” and made now familiar calls for clearer regulations which would give markets the confidence needed to invest in communications infrastructure deployments, with a heavy focus on standalone 5G. Reiter called for authorities to ensure the Digital Networks Act, unveiled in January, fosters innovation, cuts business costs, and, crucially, delivers a real single market.