Ending roaming charges - Europe needs more investment in digital infrastructure

This Thursday 15 June marks the end of roaming charges in all 28 EU member states. Mobile phone users will pay domestic prices for their phone calls, SMS and mobile internet when travelling in the EU.

“This positive step for the EU and its citizens adds another piece to the creation of a true European Digital Single Market. The next essential step must be a framework that ensures investment in digital infrastructure.” said BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer.

“To realise all the economic and social benefits digital offers and to remain global digital leaders, greater private investment is needed in this area,” he added.

Phone calls, internet and many other services rely on digital infrastructure as the backbone of the digital economy. Europe’s high-speed connectivity needs are expanding, with around €660 billion still missing to achieve the ambitious connectivity targets the European Commission has set for 2025.

“The ongoing update of the European telecoms regulatory framework must incentivise investment in very high capacity networks and achieve a workable spectrum management system to ensure users continue benefitting from these vital services,” Beyrer concluded.