Titled “Connecting Europe to 2030: A Mobile Industry Manifesto for Europe”, this initiative stresses the necessity for crucial policy reforms to ensure Europe maintains its leadership in innovation while striving for comprehensive 5G coverage by 2030.
According to the industry consortium representing mobile operators, Europe must confront various challenges hindering the growth and competitiveness of its telecom sector, including market fragmentation, regulatory obstacles, and investment barriers. The manifesto underlines a commitment to fostering collaboration and advancement, aiming to position Europe as a front-runner in digital technology and innovation globally. It emphasizes the imperative of establishing next-generation infrastructure to support the success and prosperity of European citizens and businesses beyond the year 2030.
In light of heightened global competition, escalating trade barriers, and the race for technological dominance, Europe stands at a pivotal juncture. The manifesto defines several strategic points, highlighting the significance of advancing connectivity, digital innovation, and transitioning towards sustainability. Noteworthy examples of successful initiatives across Europe, ranging from smart manufacturing and digital tools for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to innovative projects in agriculture and urban management, underscore the mobile sector’s potential to drive economic progress, environmental sustainability, and societal welfare.
Highlighted projects include the GSMA Open Gateway framework for standardized APIs, Deutsche Telekom’s establishment of a private campus network for research purposes at the Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Telefonica’s 5G-enabled factory operations in Barcelona, and KPN’s utilization of 5G technology for agricultural practices in the Netherlands. Additionally, the report discusses various advancements such as smart lighting initiatives by Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica’s Dynamic Line Rating device for enhanced grid efficiency, and smart streaming projects in France led by Bouygues Telecom, among others. Applications in eHealth, such as the collaboration between Orange and KU Leuven in Belgium, are also highlighted. Digital skills development and efforts to bridge the digital divide are underscored, alongside initiatives to expand open RAN networks and develop secure cryptographic processors, as exemplified by Tim’s endeavors in Italy.
The GSMA emphasizes that the manifesto serves as an urgent appeal to EU policymakers to adopt a new digital infrastructure framework conducive to investment, innovation, and the creation of a harmonized digital market, addressing the evolving market dynamics. Notably, the European telecom market comprises over 100 operators across 27 member states, each serving an average customer base of around 5 million subscribers. In comparison, major operators in China boast user bases of 450 million each, while those in the US serve 110 million customers apiece. Recommendations put forth include addressing market fragmentation, implementing spectrum policies conducive to investment, bridging regulatory gaps between different digital service providers, and modernizing regulatory frameworks to align with contemporary realities.
