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Connectivity

Connectivity in technology refers to devices, systems, or networks communicating and exchanging data seamlessly. It includes wired (Ethernet, USB) and wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) connections, vital for data transfer and access to resources. Essential for IoT, smart homes, and global networks, connectivity drives innovation and enriches user experiences.

What Europe can learn from America's "rip & replace" slog

What Europe can learn from America's "rip & replace" slog

If Europe wants to compete with the US and China on AI, stanch market share losses to China’s state-sponsored champions, and improve broadband connectivity, it needs to ensure that it gets its “Rip & Replace" policy right, and right now.

Poland's feud with SpaceX over Starlink pricing poses a risk to SpaceX itself [updated]

Innovation Featured

Poland's feud with SpaceX over Starlink pricing poses a risk to SpaceX itself [updated]

Poland's feud with SpaceX over Starlink pricing posed reputational risks to SpaceX in Eastern Europe; however, Poland's reinstatement to the European region for Starlink roaming services ended speculation that the previous move was targeted at Ukraine.

Forever isn't a spectrum policy: how the DNA gets spectrum licensing wrong

Connectivity Featured

Forever isn't a spectrum policy: how the DNA gets spectrum licensing wrong

As the EU discusses proposals for the Digital Networks Act (DNA), opinions on future spectrum policy are divided.

Sovereign solutions for me, but not for thee: 5G version

Connectivity Featured

Sovereign solutions for me, but not for thee: 5G version

The Commission’s revised Cybersecurity Act may face resistance from China-friendly Member States and telecom operators, who warn of high compliance and vendor-switch costs and seek public reimbursement.

Cold (space) war: why the US and the EU are still in the same boat

Connectivity Featured

Cold (space) war: why the US and the EU are still in the same boat

Ukraine and SpaceX announced they have found a way to prevent Russian armed forces from using Starlink, while Russian propagandists reacted harshly - not only toward SpaceX, but toward Palantir too. Meanwhile, communications from two European satellites were intercepted by Russian spacecraft.

Confusing messaging on potential network fees at the ITRE committee

Connectivity Featured

Confusing messaging on potential network fees at the ITRE committee

At ITRE, EVP Henna Virkkunen pitched the Digital Networks Act. The DNA's Articles 191–193 revive fears of de facto network fees, and S&D’s Mattias Ecke pressed for safeguards. The Commission offered little clarity and hinted it could later “revise” the mechanism.

Digital Networks Act: backdoors for network fees and more

Connectivity Featured

Digital Networks Act: backdoors for network fees and more

The Commission’s draft Digital Networks Act would replace the 2018 EECC and reopen old fights: less national control over spectrum, a costly copper switch-off by 2035, and a “voluntary” conciliation backdoor that could revive de facto network fees.

EU’s plans to reduce dependency on high-risk vendors

Connectivity Featured

EU’s plans to reduce dependency on high-risk vendors

As the EU prepares to revise its Cybersecurity Act, the EU is quietly choking off funding for “high-risk” Chinese 5G vendors, pushing mobile operators and Member States toward European suppliers like Nokia and Ericsson.

Digital Networks Act: new pushback from 6 EU member states

Connectivity Featured

Digital Networks Act: new pushback from 6 EU member states

Six EU countries are challenging the upcoming Digital Networks Act, pushing to keep national control over key telecom rules. Meanwhile, European consumers, trade partners, and the EU’s own watchdog cast doubt on the Commission’s plans.

Network fees off the table: the US-EU trade deal

Connectivity Featured

Network fees off the table: the US-EU trade deal

The White House says the EU has committed to not introducing network fees, a significant step in transatlantic digital policy talks. While details about the EU's true commitment remain unclear, such fees risk undermining net neutrality and raising consumer costs, as seen in South Korea.

European sovereignty: the China factor

Connectivity Featured

European sovereignty: the China factor

The current debate on European digital sovereignty largely targets American tech, while 5G infrastructure sovereignty and security are often sidelined as "non-priority" or "too expensive".

European consumers say 'no' to network fees

Connectivity Featured

European consumers say 'no' to network fees

Eighty-one organizations representing European consumer interests have issued a joint statement opposing the revival of network fees - or "fair share" - in the context of the upcoming Digital Networks Act.

GPS jamming: how is Europe responding?

Connectivity Featured

GPS jamming: how is Europe responding?

Radio signals hijacked, pilots losing navigation, ships drifting off course - for many European nations, these scenarios are no longer far-fetched but pressing realities. Last year, Lithuania noticed a staggering 60% jump in GPS interference, which set off alarm bells across the continent.

Bridging the EU’s digital divide: how smarter satellite policy can close the gap

Connectivity Featured

Bridging the EU’s digital divide: how smarter satellite policy can close the gap

The tech to close Europe’s digital divide exists—but bureaucracy and protectionism keep millions offline. The EU must cut red tape, enable competition, and adopt hybrid solutions—fiber where possible, satellites where needed. Affordable, accessible internet isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

The EU Commission should respect Member States’ opinions on Europe’s digital infrastructure needs

E-governance Featured

The EU Commission should respect Member States’ opinions on Europe’s digital infrastructure needs

In December, EU ministers at the TTE Council largely opposed easing telecom mergers, extending telecom rules to digital services, and introducing new IP rules, citing risks to net neutrality and consumers. Will the Commission respect their opinion?

What happened at the TTE-Council? Cyber, conclusions on the EU's digital infrastructure needs, Polish priorities

Connectivity Featured

What happened at the TTE-Council? Cyber, conclusions on the EU's digital infrastructure needs, Polish priorities

The TTE Council approved conclusions on the EU's digital infrastructure needs but expressed caution about merger rules, fair competition, and dispute resolution changes, stressing that decisions must be evidence-based and carefully analyzed.

Digital Networks Act, digital network fees & extending telco rules to digital services: what to expect in 2025?

Connectivity Featured

Digital Networks Act, digital network fees & extending telco rules to digital services: what to expect in 2025?

One of the key agenda points for the upcoming Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union (starting on the January 1, 2025) will be the Digital Networks Act (DNA). The Polish objective is to have an orientation debate and progress report.

5G rollout vs uptake in the EU: challenges ahead

Connectivity Featured

5G rollout vs uptake in the EU: challenges ahead

The rollout and adoption of 5G technology in the European Union are essential for the region's digital future. This technology enables advancements in healthcare, smart cities, and connected vehicles. While the European dialogue lately revolves around the rollout and additional investments needed, the consumer uptake issues often are

Reducing Chinese influence in the EU's telco: Poland moves ahead

Connectivity Featured

Reducing Chinese influence in the EU's telco: Poland moves ahead

Poland has recently announced its plans to phase out Chinese equipment from its telecom infrastructure, particularly 5G networks, where Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE have significant market shares.

Bad ideas resurface: expanding telco rules to digital and cloud and rebirth of 'fair share'

E-governance Featured

Bad ideas resurface: expanding telco rules to digital and cloud and rebirth of 'fair share'

Brussels is back to business, so are the discussions on the European Commission’s White paper “How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs.”