Brussels, 10 July 2018:The European Wireless Infrastructure Association (EWIA) takes note of the agreement between the EU institutions on the recast of the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC). EWIA represents independent wireless infrastructure players with over €60bn invested globally and whose members have aspirations to invest in the future roll out across Europe of 5G mobile and other wireless communications infrastructure.
EWIA has been active throughout the legislative process, calling on decision-makers to fully recognise the benefits provided by independent wireless infrastructure companies in terms of their open access business model, their track record of sharing infrastructure, and their efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
EWIA welcomes the fact that both the Member States and the European Parliament recognise the importance of the ‘wholesale-only’ model and the role our sector plays in ensuring greater wireless connectivity in Europe, through Article 77 in the new EECC.
Connectivity is not only critical for Europe’s economy –it also improves immeasurably the lives of its citizens and acts as the glue linking people and wider communities. To deliver on the promise of a “Connected Digital Single Market” and the Gigabit society by 2025, massive investment in new wireless infrastructure will be required to support high speed, high capacity and pervasive 4G and 5G networks.
EWIA members enhance Europe’s connectivity by deploying and operating this investment into wholesale only, or independent neutral host infrastructure, which is offered on an open access basis to all mobile and other wireless operators, and delivers greater levels of connectivity.
As EU Member States look to promote increased investment in wireless infrastructure over the coming years, we will face many policy debates in our domain. In this context EWIA aims to become a valuable partner for the EU institutions by continuing to engage with decision-makers to help them understand its members’ business model and to unleash the full potential of the telecom infrastructure sector for the deployment of future wireless infrastructure and for the roll-out of 5G technology across Europe.
If you would like to find out more about EWIA and our activities, please visit www.ewia.orgor contact secretariat@ewia.eu.
