EU Telecoms Policy

Latest news about the European Union's policy on telecommunications.

EU targets late 2024 for common charger for mobile phones — 08 June 2022, 23:47 CET

By autumn 2024, USB Type-C will become the common charging port for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras in the EU, negotiators from the European Parliament and EU Council agreed Tuesday.

Consumers win with new, revised EU roaming rules — 04 April 2022, 23:19 CET

Today Member States approved an update to the rules on roaming, extending the existing rules to 2032 and introducing improvements that will further benefit consumers. The new rules will now enter into force as of July of this year.

EU extends mobile 'roam like at home' scheme — 05 April 2022, 22:38 CET

People will continue to be able to make calls, text and browse the web while in other EU countries at no extra cost following the EU's extension Monday of the 'roam like at home' scheme until 2032.

EU challenges China at WTO to defend high-tech sector — 18 February 2022, 22:50 CET

The European Union filed a case against China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Friday for restricting EU companies from going to a foreign court to protect and use their patents.

EU implementing decisions ready radio spectrum for 5G — 09 February 2022, 23:39 CET

The EU Commission adopted Wednesday a number of implementing decisions to ensure that the EU's radio spectrum policy meets the growing demand for broadband and for innovative digital applications.

EU Council adopts position on common charger for electronic devices — 27 January 2022, 23:08 CET

EU states agreed Wednesday on a negotiating mandate for the common Europe-wide charger proposal, which would mean buying a new mobile phone does not imply purchase of a new charger as well.

5G in Europe in need of booster: EU auditors — 25 January 2022, 00:24 CET

In a special report published Monday, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) called for new impetus to boost the roll-out of 5G, the new global wireless standard for mobile networks, in the EU.

Agreement reached to extend free mobile roaming in Europe — 13 December 2021, 23:43 CET

The 'Roam like at Home' mobile roaming scheme will be renewed for another ten years, after plans were informally agreed Thursday between Euro-MPs and the EU's Slovenian Presidency.

Good news for consumers who will get improved roaming experience — 09 December 2021, 18:01 CET

The EU institutions have reached an agreement to extend roaming rules which will bring further benefits to consumers. The existing rules are one of the EU’s most recognised successes by consumers and would have expired at the end of June 2022.

MEPs want improved roaming experience and cheaper calls to other EU countries for consumers — 14 October 2021, 22:35 CET

MEPs want improved roaming experience and cheaper calls to other EU countries for consumers.

Brussels proposes common USB-C charger for electronic devices — 29 September 2021, 00:25 CET

The Commission put forward legislation Thursday to establish a common charging solution for mobile phones, hailing it as an important step against e-waste and consumer inconvenience.

Common charging solution for electronic devices — 23 September 2021, 18:27 CET

The European Commission on 22 September took an important step against e-waste and consumer inconvenience, caused by the prevalence of different, incompatible chargers for electronic devices. Years of working with industry on a voluntary approach already brought down the number of mobile phone chargers from 30 to 3 within the last decade, but could not deliver a complete solution. The Commission is now putting forward legislation to establish a common charging solution for all relevant devices.

EC frees 6GHz spectrum for better, faster Wi-Fi — 22 June 2021, 00:27 CET

The EU Commission adopted a decision Thursday harmonising use of the 6 GHz band for wireless networks which will support devices, apps and innovative services that require larger bandwidth and speed.

New Roaming Regulation - guide — 25 February 2021, 11:46 CET

To ensure that citizens can continue to enjoy roaming without additional charges when travelling in the EU, the European Commission proposed on 24 February a new Roaming Regulation.

Brussels moves to prolong free roaming in Europe — 25 February 2021, 23:45 CET

Europe's citizens should enjoy roaming without additional charges when travelling in the EU, following the European Commission's proposal Wednesday for a new Roaming Regulation.

States fail to transpose new EU telecoms rules — 10 February 2021, 00:01 CET

The EU Commission started legal action Thursday against 24 Member States for failing to enact a new EU telecoms directive which regulates and reforms electronic communications networks and services.

European Electronic Communication Code — 04 February 2021, 16:11 CET

The EU Electronic Communications Code (EECC) is a new directive consolidating and reforming the framework for the regulation of electronic communications services and networks across the EEA. Member states had to adapt their existing telecommunications regulations in accordance with the EECC by 2020 - Directive (EU) 2018/1972 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 establishing the European Electronic Communications Code (Recast)Text with EEA relevance.

EU rules on small antennas pave way for 5G network — 02 July 2020, 00:14 CET

The EU Commission adopted an implementing regulation on small-area wireless access points Wednesday - crucial for the deployment and increased coverage of high-capacity, high-speed 5G networks.

EU states agree interoperability solution for mobile tracing apps — 16 June 2020, 18:17 CET

EU states, with Commission support, agreed Tuesday a set of technical specifications for safe exchange of information between national contact tracing apps based on a decentralised architecture.

Mobile tracing apps across the EU — 16 June 2020, 18:15 CET

The European Commission presented on 13 May a package of guidelines and recommendations to help EU Member States gradually lift travel restrictions and allow tourism businesses to reopen, after months of lockdown, while respecting necessary health precautions.

An Unbreakable Smartphone? Global Launch Of Athesi Professional's New Smartphone Range — 13 February 2020, 20:39 CET

The go-to manufacturer for durable, resistant mobile phones for professionals working in extreme conditions, Athesi is now set to be the go-to for all smartphone users.

MEPs call for binding rules on common chargers by summer — 01 February 2020, 00:36 CET

MEPs called on the Commission Thursday to put forward beefed-up rules on common chargers by July at the latest, to reduce electronic waste and empower consumers to make sustainable choices.

Contract summary template — 17 December 2019, 23:05 CET

As of 21 December 2020, electronic communications service providers will have to provide users of their services a summary of the contract based on the standard template included in the regulation.

Europe's satnav system reaches 1 billion smartphones — 12 September 2019, 00:10 CET

Galileo, Europe's satellite navigation system, reached 1 billion smartphone users worldwide Tuesday, as the European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency reached its 15th anniversary.

Starting tomorrow, consumers will benefit from cheaper intra-EU phone calls — 14 May 2019, 17:16 CET

People making phone calls from their home country to someone living in another EU country will see their phone bill drop thanks to a new EU measure which will apply from tomorrow.