European telecom CEOs urge EU to reform connectivity and cybersecurity rules

telecommunications regulation Digital Networks Act Cybersecurity Act 5G deployment European connectivity

Seventeen CEOs of major European telecommunications companies, representing the industry group Connect Europe, have issued a joint statement calling for a “course correction” in European Union digital policy. The executives warn that current regulatory trajectories, specifically the proposed Digital Networks Act (DNA) and the Cybersecurity Act (CSA), risk undermining the continent's technological leadership and investment capacity.

The group highlights several critical areas for reform. They are requesting that spectrum licenses be granted indefinitely by default to allow capital to be redirected toward 5G, fiber, and future 6G deployment. Additionally, they oppose mandated copper-to-fiber transitions, arguing that the retirement of legacy networks should be driven by market demand and consumer choice rather than regulatory commands.

Regarding security, the operators expressed concern over the Cybersecurity Act, noting that requirements to replace high-risk third-country equipment—such as that from Huawei—could cost the industry up to €40 billion. They advocate for a more proportional, risk-based approach to mitigation.

The industry emphasizes that the connectivity ecosystem contributes 5% to the European GDP and currently sees annual investments of €64 billion. However, they estimate that an additional €475 billion is required to establish world-class mobile networks across the region.

Entities

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

Claims

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

[● 6 SOURCES] The connectivity ecosystem contributes approximately 5% to the European GDP. www.redestelecom.es · cincodias.elpais.com · www.key4biz.it · 24.hu · digitaltvinfo.gr · +1 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Telecom operators are requesting that spectrum licenses be granted indefinitely by default. techfocus24.com · 24.hu · www.drweb.de
[● 2 SOURCES] Replacing high-risk third-country telecom equipment could cost operators up to €40 billion. cincodias.elpais.com · www.naftemporiki.gr
[● 10 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 · +5 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
[● 6 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 · +1 more