Europe Proposes Digital Networks Act to Close €200 Billion Telecom Investment Gap
Updated
Updated · Vodafone.com · Jul 28
Europe Proposes Digital Networks Act to Close €200 Billion Telecom Investment Gap
2 articles · Updated · Vodafone.com · Jul 28
Summary
€475 billion in mobile network spending is needed over the next decade, but Europe is on track for only about €270 billion, prompting the proposed Digital Networks Act to update open-internet rules.
The plan would keep bans on blocking, throttling and unfair prioritisation for consumer internet access while carving out clearly separate business and enterprise services such as guaranteed-performance connectivity.
5G Standalone rollout is a key pressure point: Europe reached 63% population coverage by Q3 2025, versus 81% in the United States and 93% in China, with legal uncertainty slowing network slicing and cross-border services.
SMEs stand to gain most because they often cannot afford private networks and need standardised, reliable connectivity for automation, cloud tools, connected devices and real-time data.
The proposal also seeks more consistent EU-wide enforcement and broader rules for platforms and device ecosystems, arguing that openness should protect consumers without deterring fibre, 5G and future 6G investment.