European telecom operators have been struggling to keep up with the growing demand for bandwidth capacity, technological transformation, and international competitors.
Just as the future of connectivity is looking increasingly dynamic, European operators have been falling behind in the rollout of next-generation networks like 5G and fibre, compared to other economic powerhouses like China and the United States.
Meanwhile, EU policymakers have been racking their brains for ways to create more favourable conditions for investments in digital infrastructure, including a controversial proposal to make the largest traffic generators pay for network costs.
In this special report, EURACTIV explores the reasons why the telecom sector’s health in Europe is at an all-time low, in the throes of low profitability, raging domestic and international competition, and rapid technological transformations.
-
Is there such thing as too much competition in the telecom sector?
Est. 6minIn February, the European Commission launched an open consultation on the future of connectivity, questioning whether Europe is able to keep up the pace with telecom technological developments.
-
US telecom regulator throws his weight behind EU senders-pay initiative
Est. 5minUnpopular among European regulators, the European Commission’s idea of making Big Tech companies contribute to network costs has found an ally on the other side of the pond. Last February, the EU executive presented a Connectivity Package with measures to speed …
-
Telecoms stakeholders look to sector reset amid declining profits
Est. 5minThe European telecoms sector’s declining profits and international competitiveness have long been a cause for concern amongst business practitioners, leading to louder calls for the sector to be restructured.
-
Paving the way for the future of connectivity
Est. 6minMark Twain is often quoted as saying history does not repeat itself, but it often rhymes. We should listen to the past to avoid the repetition of missteps and errors. Joakim Reiter is Chief External and Corporate Affairs Officer at Vodafone. As …