Netflix, Google and Facebook have to pay part of the costs of telecommunication networks. The representatives of some of the main European telcos declare this publicly, even without explicitly mentioning their names, believing that it is ethically (and economically) correct that those who supply services such as video streaming or social networking platforms on the market should support the sector with investments aimed at the development and maintenance of the network itself.
A large and growing part of network traffic is generated and monetized by large technology platforms, but it requires strong and continuous investments and network planning by the telecommunications sector.
Reads the joint document signed by the managing directors of the 13 telcos*.
This model, which enables EU citizens to reap the rewards of digital transformation, can only be sustainable if these large technology platforms contribute equitably to network costs.
Now more than ever, economic and financial support is required from those who use the networks – and even heavily. The investments in recent years – say the CEOs of the telco – are all aimed at 5G and fiber, and are particularly expensive: in 2020 they reached a record share of 52.5 billion euros. It is therefore right that those who participate in the game and – above all – those who benefit from it contribute to the cause.
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Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, Telefonica, Orange, KPN, BT Group, Telekom Austria, Vivacom, Proximus, Telenor, Altice Portugal, Telia Company, Swisscom.
CRITICISM ABOUT INTRA-EU AUCTIONS AND ROAMING
The outburst of European telcos is not limited to the big names in the network, in fact touching other hotspots such as high prices and the auction system to grab frequencies, considered a mere tool to replenish the coffers of the countries of the European Union. And they are also angry with EU legislators who want to completely eliminate costs on intra-EU calls: revenues of more than 2 billion euros would be lost in just 4 years, the telcos say.