In a landmark move toward bolstering digital connectivity and enhancing consumer protection, representatives of the European Union Council, Commission, and Parliament have struck a historic deal on the Gigabit Infrastructure Act. This transformative legislation encompasses two pivotal provisions poised to revolutionize intra-EU communications: the phasing out of intra-EU call charges by 2029 and the introduction of a voluntary tacit approval principle.
The phased elimination of intra-EU call fees signifies a monumental shift, with the aim of ensuring that calls and SMS within the EU are priced comparably to domestic communications by 2029. Currently, telecom operators levy charges on users for cross-border calls and texts, amounting to €0.19 per minute and €0.06 per SMS, respectively, from their home country to other EU nations. This move, akin to the successful implementation of EU roaming regulations, is not without its detractors. Telecom operators have voiced concerns over potential revenue losses, citing substantial investments in 5G infrastructure deployment across the EU.
Moreover, the Gigabit Infrastructure Act introduces the voluntary tacit approval principle, a measure aimed at streamlining the process of building and installing telecommunications infrastructure. Under this principle, if a national authority fails to make a decision within a specified timeframe, permission for infrastructure development is deemed granted by default. While this provision has sparked debate, particularly among entities like the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC), concerns over its potential ramifications on individual rights have been noted.
Expanding the scope of the law to encompass tower providers marks a significant development, fostering pricing competition within intra-EU communications. This move is expected to stimulate innovation and drive down costs for consumers. The Gigabit Infrastructure Act is slated to come into effect eighteen months following its official approval, with certain provisions related to the digitalization of single entry points taking effect after 24 months.
The implementation phase of the legislation incorporates safeguards to prevent abuses, including sustainability rules, fair use policies, and anti-fraud measures. Commencing in 2025, telecom operators will be empowered to align their retail prices with national domestic prices, facilitating the seamless adoption of these new regulations.
Despite initial apprehensions raised by telecom operators regarding potential revenue losses, the agreement on the Gigabit Infrastructure Act represents a significant stride toward achieving the EU’s digital connectivity objectives. By prioritizing consumer protection and fostering a competitive telecommunications landscape, this legislation is poised to redefine intra-EU communications dynamics for years to come.
