EU's Digital Networks Act sets telcos squabbling before the ink is dry

The European Commission's proposed Digital Networks Act (DNA) to harmonize telecoms regulation is drawing criticism from industry bodies who either say it oversteps the mark or doesn't go far enough to galvanize the sector.

The legislation, published Wednesday, aims to create a single market for telecoms across the whole EU. This, it hopes, will stimulate investment in modern networks, an area where Europe is lagging other regions.

To achieve this, the EC says it is necessary to establish an EU-level spectrum authorization framework, rather than leaving this at national level. It also wants to make mandatory a Europe-wide phase out of copper networks in favor of fiber, with a deadline between 2030 and 2035.

Likewise, it wants to implement a single authorization for satellite services to support the rollout of direct-to-device satellite phone communications.

By modernizing the regulatory framework, the EC says it will reduce the administrative burden ...