EU unveils Digital Networks Act
The European Commission has introduced the Digital Networks Act, a major proposal to modernise Europe’s connectivity framework. Its goal is to prepare the EU for a new era of high-capacity digital networks.
The Act aims to harmonise rules across Member States and create the right conditions for telecom operators to invest in next-generation fibre and mobile networks.
Why advanced connectivity matters
Ensuring that citizens and businesses across Europe can access these networks strengthens the EU’s competitiveness.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said that connected infrastructure allows start-ups to innovate, enables remote healthcare, and ensures technologies are safe, accessible, and fair for everyone.
Building a single market for connectivity
The Act aims to simplify the EU single market for digital services. Today, fragmented national rules make cross-border expansion costly. The proposal addresses this by streamlining regulatory requirements. Spectrum authorisation would move from national to EU-level, encouraging scale, innovation, and consistency.
Longer licences with automatic renewals will give operators confidence to invest long-term.
Transitioning to advanced networks
Copper networks are outdated for today’s digital economy. The Act introduces mandatory national transition plans to phase out copper and shift to fibre and modern mobile networks by 2030–2035.
Member States must submit plans by 2029.
Simplifying rules to boost investment
Regulatory simplification is a key pillar. By reducing administrative obligations, operators can focus resources on network deployment and innovation.
This approach aims to make Europe more attractive for digital investment amid global competition.
Security, resilience, and open internet
The Act emphasises secure and resilient networks. It introduces an EU-level crisis preparedness plan and sets criteria for pan-European satellite solutions.
Importantly, the proposal preserves net neutrality and open internet principles. The Digital Networks Act will now be debated by the European Parliament and Council.
