Companies Oppose Mandatory Fees in EU Telecom Reform 

On Wednesday a coalition of 84 associations, including the EBU, Euroconsumers, & EDRi, voiced strong opposition to net neutrality Europe.

On Wednesday, a coalition of 84 associations, including the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Euroconsumers, and European Digital Rights (EDRi), opposed a net neutrality Europe proposal that would impose mandatory fees on content providers to support telecom infrastructure upgrades. 

In a joint statement against the European Union net neutrality, the groups criticized the so-called “fair share” mechanism under which tech and streaming companies could be required to pay telecom operators for delivering internet traffic, as a direct threat to net neutrality.  

Their warning comes ahead of the European Commission’s December unveiling of the Digital Networks Act (DNA), a sweeping legislative reform that could reshape sustainability EU telecom policy to enhance connectivity. 

“Measures introducing interconnection charges would risk driving up costs, limiting choice and open access to information, undermining the affordability, quality, and diversity of digital products and services,” the coalition said in its statement. 

The statement coincides with the closing of a public consultation period this Friday. 

In a February 2023 White Paper, the Commission launched the process to gather feedback on policy options outlined which include new spectrum management strategies and sustainability targets. 

Infrastructure Funding Controversy 

The debate centers around how to fund net neutrality Europe next-generation digital infrastructure. Telecom operators have long lobbied for large online platforms, such as Netflix, Meta, and Google, to contribute financially, arguing these services consume vast bandwidth and should help bear the cost of upgrades.  

Supporters of the “fair share” model argue it would ease pressure on EU telecom regulation, allowing companies to build faster networks, particularly in rural or underserved areas. The plan gained traction under former EU Commissioner, Thierry Breton, but has since been scaled back following public and legal scrutiny. 

Opponents argue that shifting net neutrality principles and network costs to content providers could ultimately be passed on to consumers, fragment access to information, and tilt the digital playing field in favor of large telecom firms. 

DNA legislation may still include a range of revised measures. Among the choices presented in Commission documents is stretching existing EU telecom regulations to every digital player on the Digital Networks Act connectivity overhaul on an equivalent basis and “guarantee a regulatory playing field.” 

While the ultimate scope of net neutrality struck down is uncertain, stakeholders agree EU telecom regulations’ future will hinge on how the Commission balances industry investment needs with basic principles of internet access and competition. 

While negotiations continue, groups like EDRi and Euro-consumers are urging net neutrality Europe policymakers to protect an open model of the internet that is friendly to innovation, protective of consumers, and offers equal access to all. 


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