EC proposals on broadband development under SIngle Market

EC speech (230206, Helsinki)

• 6G: Launches R&D project Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (to lead the conception & standardisation of 6G)
• Broadband:
• Access regulation:
• plans Broadband Cost Reduction Directive Feb 2023
• plans Gigabit Recommendation (guidance for NRAs on how to use tools at their disposal to incentivise faster network deployment)
• Operating models: proposes morphing telcos from connectivity providers to infrastructure-as-a-service providers
• Fair share contribution (Internet Traffic Tax): plans consultation on "the future of connectivity and infrastructure": what is the infrastructure that Europe needs and how to timely mobilise investments? "raises the question of who pays for the next generation of connectivity infrastructure" (European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles for the Digital Decade already established that all market players benefiting from the digital transformation should make a fair & proportionate contribution to public goods, services & infrastructure)
• Harmonisation, consolidation: how we can build a true Single Market for telecoms (curently based on business models based on national markets & high costs for national spectrum licenses), requires reflection on encouraging cross-border consolidation