United Group CEO Stan Miller discusses Europe's digital future

At the FT Connect Europe Forum, United Group CEO Stan Miller addressed the digital future of Europe, focusing on competitiveness and the proposed Digital Networks Act. The discussions centered on how new regulatory frameworks can enhance investment in digital infrastructure and reduce market fragmentation within the single market.

Miller outlined four key priorities for the Digital Networks Act. First, he advocated for spectrum licenses to be granted without time limits to provide providers with the certainty needed to invest in coverage and infrastructure. He emphasized that spectrum is a limited public resource that should reward those who actively develop networks rather than those who hold frequencies without utilizing them.

Second, Miller called for technological neutrality, suggesting that connectivity goals should be based on service quality. This would allow providers to choose the most cost-effective methods, such as combining fixed wireless or satellite solutions to reach remote rural areas. The forum also highlighted the importance of investment, which was a central theme in meetings with officials in Brussels.