GSMA Supports Wows for New EU Merger Approach

The GSMA hailed the findings from a report written by former Central Bank president Mario Draghi about the state of Europe’s telecoms industry. The association warned that European competitiveness is clearly at risk globally.

In a joint statement published with Connect Europe, the two associations representing telecom operators expressed support for Draghi’s calls for a new industrial strategy, particularly his stance on consolidation. “Without a new approach to merger regulation, Europe will not be able to compete globally and fall behind even further,” associations warned.

They also called for reduced regulation in light of the competitive dynamics in the market, policies to ensure a better balance with big technology companies, and a push around harmonized spectrum licensing procedures. “If Europe doesn’t act swiftly on these key recommendations, we won’t achieve a competitive, secure, and sustainable European single market, let alone future visions such as the provision of cross-border services,” the associations said.

The GSMA and Connect Europe added they welcomed the focus the report places on the urgency of the situation the continent finds itself in. “The benefit of improved investment in this crucial digital infrastructure will not only be felt across the telecoms and technology sectors but across every other industry.”