European telecom CEOs urge EU to reform connectivity and cybersecurity rules

telecommunications Digital Networks Act Cybersecurity Act spectrum licensing European investment

Seventeen major European telecommunications executives, representing companies such as Deutsche Telekom, Orange, and Telefónica, have issued a joint statement urging the European Union to rethink its digital connectivity and cybersecurity regulations. The group argues that current legislative proposals, specifically the Digital Networks Act (DNA) and the Cybersecurity Act (CSA), could stifle innovation and divert essential capital away from network modernization.

A primary concern involves the Cybersecurity Act, which executives warn could impose costs of up to €40 billion due to requirements for replacing certain high-risk equipment. Additionally, the group is calling for a shift in spectrum licensing policies, requesting that licenses be granted indefinitely by default or for terms of at least 40 years to allow for more stable long-term investment in 5G, fiber, and future 6G technologies.

The executives emphasized that the connectivity ecosystem already contributes approximately 5% to the European GDP. They noted that while operators invest roughly €64 billion annually, an additional €475 billion is required to establish world-class mobile networks across the continent. The group also advocated for market-driven decisions regarding the retirement of legacy copper networks rather than regulatory mandates.

Entities

ANACOM · Connect Europe · Deutsche Telekom · European Commission · European Union · MEO · NOS · Orange · Telefónica · Ursula von der Leyen

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 8 SOURCES] The connectivity ecosystem contributes approximately 5% to the European GDP. www.redestelecom.es · cincodias.elpais.com · www.key4biz.it · 24.hu · digitaltvinfo.gr · +3 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Replacing high-risk third-country telecom equipment could cost operators up to €40 billion. cincodias.elpais.com · www.naftemporiki.gr · todaytech.eu
[● 12 SOURCES] European telecom executives are calling for a course correction regarding the Digital Networks Act and Cybersecurity Act. techfocus24.com · www.drweb.de · www.key4biz.it · www.lightreading.com · digitaltvinfo.gr · +7 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Operators argue that the transition from copper to fiber should be driven by market demand rather than regulatory mandates. techfocus24.com · www.drweb.de · www.lightreading.com
[● 8 SOURCES] The mobile sector requires €475 billion in investment to establish world-class networks. techfocus24.com · www.redestelecom.es · cincodias.elpais.com · www.key4biz.it · 24.hu · +3 more
[● 4 SOURCES] Telecom operators are requesting that spectrum licenses be granted indefinitely by default, with terms of at least 40 years in exceptional cases. techfocus24.com · 24.hu · www.drweb.de · www.economix.gr
[● 6 SOURCES] Seventeen European telecom executives have issued a joint statement calling for a course correction regarding the Digital Networks Act and Cybersecurity Act. techfocus24.com · todaytech.eu · digitaltvinfo.gr · typologies.gr · www.economix.gr · +1 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Telecom operators invest approximately €64 billion annually in networks. todaytech.eu · www.economix.gr · www.naftemporiki.gr