In a rare joint statement, telecom giants Ericsson, Nokia, and Vodafone have called for urgent action to address the challenges facing Europe’s digital competitiveness. The companies emphasized the need for timely, concrete measures following recent political discussions, highlighting investment, regulatory support, and industry consolidation as key areas requiring immediate attention. The joint editorial, published in Politico Europe, underscores the urgency of these actions to ensure Europe can compete on the global stage in digital infrastructure, including mid-band 5G deployment, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology.
The telecom leaders pointed out that Europe lags behind other regions in 5G coverage and that the current regulatory environment, marked by costly spectrum auctions and complex rules, is hindering progress. They cited the recent German consultation on spectrum licensing as a positive example of regulatory modernization but stressed that more needs to be done across the continent. The companies urged European policymakers to capitalize on the momentum and implement changes that will foster innovation, attract investment, and build a unified digital market.
• Ericsson, Nokia, and Vodafone urge immediate action to boost Europe’s digital competitiveness.
• Joint editorial calls for investment, regulatory support, and industry consolidation.
• Europe lags in 5G deployment and faces challenges in AI and quantum technology development.
• Costly spectrum auctions and complex regulations are cited as key obstacles.
• German consultation on spectrum licensing highlighted as a positive example.
• The companies warn that Europe’s digital ambitions are at risk without urgent action.
“Europe now needs to see these statements evolving into clear-cut plans and concrete action that fosters innovation, attracts investment, and delivers a true digital single market,” the companies said in their joint statement.
The editorial appears in the September 3 edition of the politics and policy publication, Politico Europe.
