Connect Europe

After 32 years, we say goodbye to ETNO and launch Connect Europe — the new voice of Europe's leading connectivity providers. We also welcome Alessandro Gropelli as the new Director General-designate. 📌 Our #purpose is to empower the digital future by connecting people, businesses, and communities across Europe 📌 Our #mission is to champion a favourable policy framework that enables connectivity networks and service providers to make Europe grow and prosper. Learn more about how the Association is organizing to leverage connectivity for Europe’s competitiveness: https://bit.ly/3Xd96w2

Yesterday afternoon, our Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs Maarit Palovirta participated in a panel discussion on the role of mobile technologies in building a sustainable and competitive Europe at #TechForClimateAction. Her key points included: 📲 Telecom operators are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and driving the digital-green transition, aligning sustainability with competitiveness. All Connect Europe members have set ambitious goals, with some operators aiming for net-zero emissions as early as 2025. 🔋 How can telecoms contribute to this transition? On one hand, new network technologies (#5G and fiber) are not only faster but also more energy-efficient than their predecessors. On the other hand, energy from renewable sources now accounts for 86% of our consumption (up from 71% in 2018). Energy management and savings are also being enhanced through intelligent power-saving features, among other initiatives. 💡 Policies can help accelerate this transition for example through EU taxonomy, encouraging network sharing, and promoting access to low-carbon energy at affordable prices.

Don’t miss the #5GSC Community Conference this Friday, 18/10 in Brussels! Join it to explore 5G innovations, business models, and solutions for smart communities. More info here: bit.ly/3BMxT2Y

EU-US relations in tech are key. Proud to have hosted USTelecom | The Broadband Association’s VP for Cybersecurity Paul Eisler for a 2-weeks secondment: a great opportunity to strengthen ties with our partner organisation on the other side of the Atlantic and exchange on issues affecting both sides.

What are today’s industrial challenges in connectivity? Yesterday Alessandro Gropelli joined the #NetworkX event in Paris: ▶️ technology is marked by #convergence, with networks, services and data centres coming together to deliver superior quality & opportunities ▶️ markets are changing alike, with #bigtech taking a stronger role in the #connectivity value-chain ▶️ #competitiveness requires strengthening the European connectivity ecosystem: from vendors to telcos, from SMEs in ICT to private and industrial users

In the aftermath of the US Presidential Elections, on 14 November, Connect Europe & AT&T will analyse the evolving tech relationship between the EU & the US, as political shifts on both sides of the Atlantic are reshaping the #digital landscape. We will examine the trends of data transfer, semiconductors, #cybersecurity, new technology trends of wireless and fixed infrastructures and the emerging innovations in #6G networks, and explore the collaborative opportunities and envision the future of #connectivity in a globally connected world. Join Alessandro Gropelli, MEPs Brando Benifei & Adina Valean, EU Digital & Tech's Thibaut Kleiner, Deutsche Telekom EU Policy's Wolfgang Kopf & AT&T's Mike Ferguson, moderated by MLex's Matthew Newman: https://bit.ly/3BLusJE

85% of Europeans view telecom services as a basic need, essential for access to digital services, according to a 2024 survey carried out by Ipsos. The poll also reveals that European users rate their #telecom providers 7.7/10 on average, while 7/10 trust their provider for both mobile and fixed networks (in case of coincidence). Stay tuned for its publication soon. Explore our recommendations and Policy Agenda for 2024-2029: https://lnkd.in/g3GYNyNA

Yesterday at the #HU2024EU Conference on Telecoms, our Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs Maarit Palovirta stressed Europe's need to adapt its regulatory rulebook to lead in global #connectivity: 📘 A modern regulatory framework 🏦 Investment-friendly spectrum rules ⚖️ Increased scale 🛜 A level-playing field in the #connectivity ecosystem

From the Draghi Report to von der Leyen’s new College, the #telecom sector is now a key ally in delivering on the promise of more competitiveness. We support a major policy shift prioritising innovation and investment, with telecom companies and vendors becoming a key allies in delivering on the promise of better #competitiveness for our economies. Our Director General designate Alessandro Gropelli analyses what the new EU leadership means for #connectivity in POLITICO Europe: https://politi.co/3ZKNbz9

"As we stand on the brink of a new digital era, the importance of investment in #5G networks cannot be overstated. The Draghi report aptly highlights that without urgent and substantial investment, Europe's global competitiveness will falter. To secure a thriving, innovative, and connected future, we must prioritise the development and expansion of 5G infrastructure across the continent" said our Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs Maarit Palovirta at the #5GSC Investment Summit held by the European Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB) & the European Investment Fund (EIF) in the framework of the #5GSC�Support Platform last week. Read more about the event here: https://bit.ly/3zAcaKY