Global: European Telecom Firms Oppose EU’s Proposal to Ease Fixed Network Regulations

A coalition of European telecom operators has raised strong objections to the European Commission’s proposed regulatory overhaul for the fixed broadband market, warning that the plan could trigger a return to monopolistic dominance in the sector.

In an open letter published on Thursday, industry players including Vodafone, Iliad, and 1&1 voiced their concerns over the Commission’s suggestion to ease regulatory obligations for incumbent market leaders in individual EU countries.

The companies argue that relaxing access rules for dominant providers—such as Deutsche Telekom in Germany—would undermine fair competition and set back progress in expanding fibre-optic infrastructure across the continent.

“These proposals represent a step backward,” the letter stated. “They contradict the fundamental principles of EU competition policy and threaten to stall investment in next-generation networks.”

At the heart of the disagreement is the European Commission’s review of regulatory obligations that currently require market leaders to provide fair access to their infrastructure for rival operators under regulated terms. The protesting firms argue that dismantling this model would reinforce the market power of legacy incumbents—many of which are former state-run monopolies—at the expense of newer challengers.

The signatories urged EU authorities to uphold the existing framework, which they say is essential to fostering healthy competition, accelerating fibre rollout, and delivering better broadband services to consumers.

The debate comes amid heightened efforts across Europe to improve digital infrastructure. Just this month, Germany’s Bundestag passed a law aimed at speeding up fibre-optic and mobile network deployment, highlighting the urgent need for investment in high-speed connectivity.

Smaller telecom providers have long expressed frustration over what they describe as uneven market conditions, warning that loosening regulations for dominant players would further skew competition and threaten the viability of independent networks.

As EU policymakers deliberate on the path forward, the telecom alliance is calling for a balanced and pro-competitive regulatory approach that ensures equitable access, encourages infrastructure sharing, and supports long-term digital development goals across the European Union.