GSMA

The GSMA today outlined seven policy steps necessary for Europe to regain a leading position in mobile. Demand for mobile data continues to rise across the continent, especially with the growth in 4G. As mobile technology progresses towards 5G, Europe has an opportunity to reclaim a leading digital role and extend fast mobile connectivity to all of its citizens. To make this a reality and better exploit the scale of a Digital Single Market, governments and policymakers must deliver a regulatory reset that attracts investment and promotes the rollout of advanced mobile solutions across industries and public services.

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“For Europe to catch up in 4G and become a leader in 5G, a fundamental change in approach to telecoms policy is required,” said John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA. “We have identified seven critical areas for action that, taken together, can propel Europe to the forefront of the global digital economy and deliver the next wave of mobile innovation to its citizens.”

Seven Policy Actions to Realise European 5G Ambitions

1. Change objectives of the EU telecoms framework to target investment and sustainable competition in the long term interests of consumers
European regulation must aim to achieve consistently higher levels of network investment than it has seen in recent years if it is to achieve Europe’s ambitions in 5G. This is only possible if regulators target sustainable levels of competition to maximise consumer benefits over the long term. The framework should therefore require regulators to promote growth, innovation, and investment in communications markets for the long-term benefit of end users.

2. Deregulate mobile services and refocus policy in relation to spectrum
With new forms of competition in telecoms services markets on the rise, policymakers must seize the opportunity to deregulate and gain a leading role for Europe in 5G. Sector-specific regulation should be withdrawn where competition exists. The “deregulation” initiative should also include the removal of conditions in spectrum licences, such as wholesale access obligations, which are unrelated to the efficient allocation of spectrum.

3. Launch an ambitious mobile cost reduction initiative
The significant increase in investment levels needed to drive a European roadmap to 5G will only be achieved if the costs of mobile network deployment are significantly reduced. The European Commission should examine what can be done to further reduce the costs of mobile network deployment, including the costs of sites, spectrum fees and other input taxes.

4. Focus on what drives high performance
BEREC should lead in developing a better understanding of the factors needed to produce high performing markets that meet the needs of consumers. Regulators should seek to expand the supply of spectrum in order to reduce the need for spectrum caps or other interventions.

5. Allow networks to meet new demands by providing flexibility
The demands placed on mobile networks today are straightforward in comparison with the future requirements of the “Internet of Things”, connected apps and an expected significant growth in data traffic over the next five years. Regulations that set simple, uniform targets for network coverage or that equate network quality with speed will no longer be appropriate or relevant in the future. Net neutrality regulations that ignore the vastly different performance standards required by different applications will inhibit innovation, raise costs and harm consumers.

6. Ensure spectrum rights promote investment
Spectrum policy needs to be growth and investment-focused if Europe is to take a leading role in 5G. We need to simplify and clarify renewal terms and aim to move to perpetual licences in the long term. As more spectrum is released, the need for spectrum caps should reduce, while action is needed on fees, reserve prices and regulatory obligations to ensure that spectrum is licensed in a way that promotes the network investment required to exploit it.

7. Prioritise mobile in delivering wider policy goals
European policymakers should ensure they prioritise mobile when designing policies to address wider goals and the delivery of public services to citizens. Many of these goals will be achieved commercially if the supplementary actions proposed by the GSMA are implemented. If subsidies are required to meet objectives that benefit society as a whole, then they should be met from general taxation.

-ENDS-

About the GSMA
The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than 250 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai and the Mobile 360 Series conferences.

For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com . Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA.

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Contact:

Media:
Olivier Lechien, +32 479 99 01 63
PR Director, Europe
olechien@gsma.com
or
GSMA Press Office
pressoffice@gsma.com