The European Commission published its initial findings following a consultation on electronic communications rules, noting that many respondents called for possible amendments to “support the deployment of infrastructure in line with future needs”.

In a summary report published today, the Commission said that while “traditional telecom companies consider that short-term economic gains have been preferred to long-term investment and innovation”, alternative operators, regulators and consumer organisations consider the existing framework has delivered on its objectives.

It also noted that some respondents said the emphasis should be on service competition rather than underlying infrastructure, and that sharing should be emphasised.

Unsurprisingly, there was also a difference in opinion as to how services are regulated.

The telecom sector “in general” and some administrations argue that the same rules should apply to similar services, while other administrations, “so-called over-the-top players”, software and equipment vendors, cable operators and some broadcasters are “of the view that the concept of electronic communications services as currently defined has proven itself”.

But the industry was largely “supportive of a more co-ordinated approach” to spectrum allocation, seeking additional certainty “for investments and possibilities to develop throughout the EU new wireless and mobile communications including 5G”.

The Commission said it is now analysing the replies to the consultation, and a full report will be published “in due course”. This will feed in to the review of the regulatory framework for telecommunications.