Brussels, Strasbourg, 14 November 2018 – The European Parliament will hold today a plenary discussion and vote on the European Electronic Communications Code (the Code). This brings Europe one step closer to the formal approval of the new legislative framework that will regulate the telecom sector for years to come.

 

ETNO, the Association representing Europe’s leading telecom operators, is looking forward to working with all institutions involved in the implementation and transposition of the Code. We especially look forward to contributing to an open and transparent stakeholders’ dialogue on the development of the BEREC Guidelines and of the implementing acts. These will be crucial to ensure that, when the new rules are translated into practice, they deliver on the promise of driving investment and innovation in new networks and services.

 

ETNO believes it is vital to prioritise the massive network investment needed to ensure European competitiveness and to empower European users. A swift and pro-5G approach to spectrum management, including license conditions and prices that fully recognise long-term objectives must be among the key first steps. Similarly, we should ensure that all fibre investments are strongly incentivised.

 

Lise Fuhr, ETNO Director General, said: “5G and fibre deployment are crucial to help Europe achieve global digital leadership. ETNO is committed to informing and supporting the implementation process so that we can swiftly deliver more innovation and investment to European citizens”.