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EU telecoms reform

The European Union is preparing for the era of widespread and very high-speed connectivity which will bring next-generation technologies such as 5G.

This is why the EU has introduced new rules for the telecoms industry. They have already capped the rate for international calls and bolstered consumer protection within the European Union. Going forward, the main objectives include:

  • ensuring the swift and extensive roll-out of 5G and other next generation technologies 
  • providing a boost for cutting-edge innovation

On 4 December 2018, the Council adopted the new EU telecoms rules - in the form of two pieces of legislation:

  • the European Electronic Communications Code 
  • a revised remit for the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communication (BEREC)

On 19-20 October 2017, the European Council described the Electronic Communications Code as important to the digital single market strategy. It is the only legislation dealing with the new infrastructure required for the digital economy.

Why do we need it?

Consumers and businesses are increasingly relying on data and internet access instead of traditional fixed networks such as telephones.

The EU needs to adapt to this new reality where emerging internet-based services compete with existing telecommunications services, while continuing to ensure a high level of consumer protection and market competition.

But in order to do so efficiently there are a number of significant challenges to overcome, such as:

  • limited very high speed connectivity for fixed and mobile infrastructures across the EU
  • risks of insufficient capacity to deal with rapid market and technological changes such as the rise of the 'Internet of Things'
  • administrative burdens resulting from regulatory redundancies and a lack of coherence

The expected result is the fast and very widespread adoption of next-generation networks such as fibre-to-the-home and mobile broadband technologies (5G). This increased connectivity could also facilitate the creation of new businesses and business models, and therefore be a very important driver for growth.

In June 2016, the European Council described this connectivity infrastructure as a precondition for future EU competitiveness.

According to the European Commission, if the proposed measures to roll out 5G across Europe were implemented by 2020-2025, the EU could gain an estimated €146.5 billion every year. These measures could also lead to the creation of up to 2.4 million jobs.

Connectivity package 

This initiative plans to achieve the following milestones by 2025:

  • gigabit connectivity for major economic drivers - such as schools, medium-sized and large enterprises, and main providers of public services
  • upgradeable connectivity of at least 100 Mb per second for all European households
  • 5G coverage for all urban areas and all major terrestrial transport paths. 
  • 1 January

    In detail

  • 2019

    21-22 March

    Security of 5G networks, on the agenda of EU leaders

    EU leaders agreed that a strong economic base is of key importance for Europe's prosperity and competitiveness. 

    To this end, the European Council called for action by the EU and its member states to include developing the digital economy. 

    EU leaders also look forward to the European Commission's recommendation on the security of 5G networks.

  • 2018

    4 December

    Better connectivity: EU adopts telecoms reform

    The Council adopted new EU telecoms rules to promote the rapid roll-out of 5G and other next generation network technologies throughout Europe, spur cutting-edge innovation and strengthen consumer protection in the area of electronic communications.

    This refers to two pieces of legislation, the European Electronic Communications Code and a revised remit for the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communication (BEREC).

    The Code includes measures such as: 

    • encouraging competition
    • stimulating investment in very high capacity networks
    • improving consumer protection - with related rules set to also apply to services such as messaging apps
    • introducing the 'reverse 112' public warning system at national level - alerting people, directly on their mobile phones, of major emergencies such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks

    Moreover, with the adoption of the two legal acts, new rules on cheaper intra-EU calls will cap the retail price of mobile or fixed calls from the consumer's home country to another EU country at 19 cents per minute. The cap for intra-EU text messages will be 6 cents per message. The new caps will apply as of 15 May 2019.

  • 2018

    29 June

    Member states approve EU-wide telecoms reform

    EU ambassadors approved a comprehensive set of new rules for the European electronic communications sector.

    This reform will bring changes such as:

    • the swift and extensive roll-out of 5G and other next generation technologies throughout Europe
    • stronger consumer protection 
    • a capped rate for international calls within the EU  

  • 2017

    4 December

    Ensuring consistent telecoms rules

    Council agreed its position on updating the rules for the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communication (BEREC). This agreement paves the way for negotiations with the European Parliament.

    In its position, the Council has ensured that the new rules proposed for BEREC are in line with its mandate on the Electronic Communications Code.

    BEREC was established in 2009 and started work in 2010. Its main goal is to ensure the consistent implementation of telecoms rules across the EU and provide technical expertise to national regulators and the EU institutions.

  • 2017

    24 October

    Council upholds 2020 goal for 5G spectrum

    During the Telecommunications Council, the Estonian presidency provided information on practical steps for achieving 5G connectivity.

    Ministers discussed the best way to meet the ambition set by the European Council of making the necessary spectrum available by 2020.

    "We all agreed that it was imperative that we create the right conditions for the swift and extensive roll-out of 5G networks in Europe." Urve Palo, Estonia's Minister for Entrepreneurship and Information Technology

  • 2017

    11 October

    New telecoms rules: Council to launch talks with European Parliament

    The Council granted the Estonian presidency a general mandate to begin negotiations with the European Parliament on new rules for the electronic communications sector.

    These rules will prepare Europe for the era of 5G by promoting investment, competition, consumer protection and the development of new services. 

    Boosting investment is necessary to ensure that the EU is able to meet the ever-growing demand for gigabit connectivity, which is a vital part of the digital revolution.

  • 2017

    18 July

    5G declaration

    Telecommunications ministers signed a 5G declaration confirming their willingness to position Europe as the global lead market for 5G. This objective is to be pursued through key measures such as:

    • making more 5G spectrum available in a timely and predictable manner
    • ensuring comprehensive mobile coverage of a high standard across Europe
    • facilitating the deployment of optical fibre

  • 2017

    8-9 June

    Debate on telecoms reform

    Telecommunications ministers held a policy debate on the reform of the EU telecoms rules. The discussions focused on the desired degree of EU coordination to achieve the ambitious connectivity goals.

  • 2017

    25 April

    EU boosts connectivity in run-up to 5G

    The Council adopted a decision ensuring the release of high-quality airwaves for wireless broadband services in all EU member states. This measure is considered essential to boosting mobile connectivity and introducing 5G technology.

    As a result, mobile operators will obtain exclusive access to the 700 MHz band by 30 June 2020. The coordinated use of the 700 MHz band, which offers high speeds and excellent coverage, will allow for faster and better internet connections across Europe.

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