The GSMA has urged European telecoms ministers to seek for greater ambitions on telecoms framework reforms, as the discussion for amendments to the draft European Electronic Communications Code in an EU Council meeting looms.

The group has enlisted considerations that they believe are important in advancing Europe’s goals for 5G and a Gigabit Society. Bringing reforms to the spectrum policy is the most vital step in leading Europe to its 5G goals, the GSMA says. Creation of a more predictable, certain and consistent environment for investment in Europe, especially through the extension of the license duration over spectrum assets, should be focused at by the Council. The industry needs duration of at least 25 years with strong renewal possibilities so that it can invest at expanded levels.

EU Member States should be encouraged by the Council to achieve greater coordination and cooperation on spectrum policy, sharing their expertise amongst themselves in a peer-review process, the industry body adds.

GSMA has urged the Council to avoid changes such as the ones on the proposed level of harmonization of end-user protection provisions on interpersonal communication services that increases the costs imposed on the telecoms service providers thereby constraining their investments abilities in new services/network enhancements.

GSMA believes that in order to achieve a fit for purpose and future-proof regulatory framework, provisioning of IoT services must be streamlined. It advises that internet access services and interpersonal communications services should be protected by sector-specific end-user restrictions; and conveyance of signals sector-specific regulation should be applied only to requirements relating to security and privacy. This will lead to continued innovation and establishment of a sound platform for the ongoing digital revolution.