Boosting 5G mobile networks for the future

New rules for telecom companies will help boost investments in next generation mobile networks (5G) and very fast internet as well as abolishing excessive fees on intra-EU calls and text messages.

“In the end, for Europe, it is all about making the best use of the new and greatly improved connectivity to fully seize all the potential of the more advanced technologies, such as 5G, Big Data, Internet of Things or Artificial Intelligence. And by doing so, Europe can position itself as a leading competitor at global level”, said Pilar del Castillo MEP, EPP Group Spokeswoman and the European Parliament's Chief Negotiator on the European Electronic Communication Code (EECC) after the adoption today of the deal on new rules for the telecommunication sector struck between the Council and the European Parliament.

Pilar del Castillo pointed out that almost every area and industry sector will rely on high performing connectivity in the years to come - be it smart cars, cities, energy, industry, banking, health, research etc.

“These challenges require a regulatory framework that ensures predictability, rewards risk-taking and long-term investment in very high capacity networks and supports the rapid development of 5G communications. This is exactly what we achieved in the Electronic Communications Code. It is going to be crucial”, she said.

A new emergency warning system for citizens in the EU is also among the tangible outcomes of the telecoms package.

“If there is an emergency situation, a warning message with instructions will be sent to all mobile phones in the geographic area of the emergency situation. I am happy to see that we convinced the Member States to commit to introducing the system and will contribute to saving lives”, added Lambert van Nistelrooij MEP, EPP Group Spokesman in the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee.

The ‘reverse 112 system’ could, for instance, be used to warn the population about floodings, forest fires or even attacks.

Lambert van Nistelrooij added that since last year, people can call home or surf the web from their holiday address without the fear of a bill shock, with the new roaming rules having abolished the extra costs.

“However, how can you explain that the costs for calling abroad from home were not covered by the same rules and often remain high? Fortunately, we can now put an end to this and as of May 2019 there will be no more excessive fees on intra-EU calls and text messages.”

It is estimated (by the European Commission) that the EU as a whole needs investment to the tune of €500 to €600 billion to achieve the connectivity we need.

“Connectivity is the backbone of the Electronic Communications Code and will harness all of these opportunities by boosting investment in very high capacity networks and 5G deployment through a regulatory framework that stimulates the necessary investment for their development”, Pilar del Castillo concluded.