europe is in a race to the bottom Definitely implement 5G and broadband in the region, Significantly improving the efficiency and connectivity of its citizens. However, in a meeting held in recent hours, 18 telecom ministers have positioned themselves against the initiative of the big telecom operators. force big tech To share the cost of the network and help in Financing 5G Deployment,
Thierry BretonThe European Commission EC’s head of industry has highlighted the collective refusal of a network tax for technology companies, as it would have very serious negative consequences. will be among the victims Google, scrub, Netflix, Amazon one of two Microsoftwho claim that they have already invested so much in the digital ecosystem that they have to pay new network tax,
In contrast, there are large operators such as telephone, orange, Telecom Italy And Deutsche Telecom, among others, that require cost sharing. He claims that the data on hyperscalars and their contents represent most network traffic, Despite acting as a mediator, the Bretons may have been allies. It should be remembered that he is a former director of France Telecom and Atos.
a problem with the results
all this would mean a fatal consequences for the end consumers, which will increase their rates. In fact, European telecommunications ministers confirm that the lack of analysis on tax effects on networks, the absence of investment losses and the risk of consumers being victimized should be taken into account.
Furthermore, if this measure was imposed, it would Breaking the rules in favor of net neutrality which requires that all users be treated equally, with no interference with innovation and Quality of products and services offered,
Status of the countries of the European Union
Countries such as Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Hungary and Cyprus support the tax, while others such as Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta and the Netherlands have shown strong opposition. For their part, Poland, Romania and Portugal have opted for a neutral position in the technical conflict.
Breton is now expected to issue a final report at the end of June with a summary of feedback from Big Tech, telecom providers and other stakeholders that will help determine next steps. However, the legislative proposal will need to be negotiated with EU countries and legislators before it becomes law.
background of agreement
On 19 May, the European Commission ended the public consultation after listening to industry opinion. He Official College of Telecommunications Engineers (COIT) presented his charges in favor of ‘distant share’ or ‘fair contribution’ From content platforms to telecommunication networks.
taking as reference European Association of Telecommunications Network Operators (ETNO)by 2030 it is expected that there will be a Financial losses in the network of approximately 174,000 million eurosSomething that would mean that 45 million citizens of the old continent would be left without broadband services.
Furthermore, COIT ensures that existing regulations do not encourage the investments needed to guarantee a sound digital environment in the EU Enable a monitoring mechanism and system This will allow fair and proportionate contribution of all market participants.
it’s all possible if you have Neutral entities with extensive knowledge of the telecommunications market Advising national authorities on achieving and guaranteeing the technical and social objectives of Fair Contribution European network stability, Of course, without losing sight of the development of a competitive and accessible digital environment.
If we look at the national sector, then Spanish Association for Digitization, digitales and union UGT, proposed a model of fair contribution by large digital platforms in favor of the deployment of new networks in Europe. and is that according to their data the six largest Internet platforms Account for over 50% of world traffic And they have business models that encourage them to increase the amount of data flowing through the network.
