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.
DNA
Digital Networks Act https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/digital-networks-act
Posts
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
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.
2026: a year for preparation and a sharper focus
2026 is the EU’s digital “set-up” year: a time to simplify rules, set priorities, and brace for transatlantic spillovers as major legislative initiatives race toward 2027.
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.
EU Commission’s 2026 work programme: what’s next for digital
19 EU leaders urge “self-restraint” on new laws, yet the EU's 2026 plan is packed: 68 new initiatives, 20 evaluations, 153 pending files. Digital highlights: Public Procurement, Cloud & AI Development Act, Digital Fairness Act, plus pending digital euro and Chat Control.
Five takeaways for tech from Draghi's speech
At today’s conference on Draghi’s competitiveness report, key takeaways included: telecoms reform (DNA), calls for deeper GDPR reform, a pause on AI Act high-risk rules, "Buy European" procurement, and faster merger reform.
Fragile truce: what the new US–EU trade deal means for digital
A week after the US–EU digital trade deal was unveiled, it is already under fire. Trump has threatened new tariffs, Brussels is pressing ahead with new rules, and both sides are sharpening arguments, underscoring how fragile yet vital the pact is for transatlantic tech.
Confirmed: the EU will not introduce network fees
Just in: The US and EU have agreed on a new Framework for Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade after weeks of talks. On digital policy, the EU confirmed it will not adopt or maintain network usage fees, reaffirming the White House’s earlier position.
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
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
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.
Innovation and consumer-centric insights into the EU’s digital policies and initiatives