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Brussels (ANSA) – Europe presents the new Digital Networks Act (DNA) “to modernize and harmonize the rules on digital networks.” As already anticipated, the most significant innovation is the farewell to copper: by 2029 each member country will have to present a national plan to complete the transition to fiber by 2035.
Another critical front is 5G, still lagging behind the United States and Asia, especially in terms of network quality, penalized by costly auctions and fragmented markets: the DNA focuses on greater spectrum coordination and rules that favor stand-alone 5G, considered strategic for industry, logistics, healthcare and defense.
The major reform, presented in Strasbourg by the vice president of the EU Commission Henna Virkkunen, aims to create a true single telecoms market. A “single passport” is thus introduced that will allow operators to offer services throughout the EU by registering in just one country. In the same logic fall the harmonization of spectrum allocation – with licenses of unlimited duration – and EU-level authorization for satellite operators, which will be issued directly by the European Commission.
On the front of relations with Big Tech, the fair share (the tax for the use of continental infrastructure) does not arrive, but there is a call for greater cooperation with a conciliation mechanism to resolve disputes over commercial agreements and the use of network infrastructure. On the security front, a “preparedness plan” is envisaged to strengthen the resilience of networks against natural disasters and cyberattacks.
Finally, the DNA confirms the principles of net neutrality, but allows Brussels to adapt its rules to future technological developments. On the governance side, the text provides for the creation of two new bodies – the Radio Spectrum Policy Body (RSPB) and the Office for Digital Networks (ODN) – intended to replace the current Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) and the Berec office (January 21).