Review of the telecom package

This article was published under the 2015-2020 European Committee of the Regions mandate.

Summary

SEDEC-VI/018

Last updated 3 December 2019

9 February
Adopted at CoR Plenary

Delivering the 5th generation Internet

The connectivity needs of Europeans are growing. At the same time the digital economy offers new opportunities to boost Europe’s economy. For this reason the telecoms rules are being reviewed. Mart VÕRKLAEV‘s policy recommendations on for instance 5G networks or the WIFI4EU action plan will benefit the end user: the European citizens.

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Objective

The opinion aims to support internet connectivity of high quality based on very high-speed broadband services, financial assistance within the Union to contribute to the EU’s economic, social and territorial cohesion.To share the Commission’s view that all urban areas and the most important land transport routes should have full 5G coverage; supports the interim target whereby a 5G connection should be available as a commercial service in at least one major city in each Member State by 2020.

Impact

2019

July

“While the advent of 5G networks promises to revolutionise digital society, the EU must ensure that more rural and sparsely-populated areas of Europe are not left behind” explains Mart Võrklaev in this The Parliament Magazine op-ed.

February

At the SEDEC commission on the Digital Agenda in Palermo, Sicily, Mart Vorklaev urged to spread the news and profit fully from the WIFI4EU option the European Commission proposes.

2018

September

To reach the gigabit society & maximise potential of DigitalSingleMarket it’s essential to ensure fast connections across in the EU. At the European Committee of the Region’s Bureau Mart Vörklaev called for a quick relaunch of WiFi4EU so cities can set up free WiFi in public spaces, given local authorities’ great interest.

March

Vorklaev responds positively to the opening of registrations for the WiFi4EU portal. “The #Wifi4EU initiative gives local municipalities the opportunity to provide their people ultra-fast Internet access in public areas” says Vorklaev, who supported the programme during his opinion reviewing the telecom package.

 

2017

12 September

Mart VÕRKLAEV welcomes the European Parliamant’s approval of the WIFI4EU initiative which he supported in his report as it benefits EU citizens, providing people with a high-quality Wi-Fi connection free of charge in and around public buildings, as well as public spaces through EU financial assistance.

8 February

Rapporteur Mart VÕRKLAEV discussed his opinion and other digital issues with European Commissioner for the Digital Single Market Andrus ANSIP.

Mart VÕRKLAEV and Andrus ANSIP

Mart VÕRKLAEV with Andrus ANSIP

Mart VÕRKLAEV

Rapporteur

Media corner