Gigabit Infrastructure Act: deal with Council on faster rollout of gigabit-capable connectivity

Towards simpler and clearer procedures for granting infrastructure permits

Reduce costs and red tape for the deployment of very high-speed networks

Legislation aims to tackle disparities among member states, and urban and rural areas

A path towards the abolition of fees for intra-EU calls and SMS

On Tuesday, MEPs and the Belgian Presidency of the Council reached an agreement on the "Gigabit infrastructure Act", designed to reduce costs for the deployment of very high-speed networks.

The draft legislation informally agreed upon on Tuesday will reduce the costs of deploying gigabit-capable networks (which can allow data downloads at a speed of 1 gigabit per second). It seeks to stimulate investments in digital infrastructure, foster economic growth and ensure that European businesses remain at the forefront of global innovation.

The Act will simplify, reduce the cost, and expedite administrative procedures for granting permits, reduce bureaucratic hurdles for operators and national administrations, thereby making the deployment process smoother and faster.

During negotiations, MEPs secured the "tacit approval" principle, where the permission to install infrastructure would be granted if the administrative authority does not respond within a four months period.

Abolition of fees for intra-EU calls

MEPs also secured a political path towards the abolition of fees for end-users for intra-EU calls and SMS. By 2029, there should be no differentiation of retail prices solely based on the fact that calls are originated or terminated in different member states, the text says, subject to rules to be adopted by the European Commission by implementing act.

The agreed text also extends the existing price caps on intra-EU calls, which were to expire in May 2024, until 2032.

Quote

"We now have a common EU approach to providing high-speed internet access to every EU citizen, bridging the connectivity gap between rural and remote areas and their urban counterparts, as well as ensuring a better coverage of transport corridors. This landmark deal will push us forward in the digital race" lead MEP Alin Mituța (Renew, RO) said.

On intra-EU calls, he said: "With this regulation, combined with the end of roaming fees, calling from and to anywhere in Europe will be seamlessly aligned with your domestic fees. This is the end of the border for communication. This is where EU delivers directly to its citizens. The alignment of domestic and intra-EU calls will take effect as of 2029. Meanwhile the current caps will continue to apply".

Next steps

The provisional agreement will now have to be approved by both Parliament and Council in order to become law. The Industry, Research and Energy committee will hold a vote on the file during a forthcoming meeting.

Background

Across the EU, disparities in digital access and literacy have become increasingly evident. While urban centres often benefit from the latest technological advancements, rural and remote areas can lag behind.

This digital divide not only hinders individual opportunities but also stifles the potential for regional economic growth. The Gigabit Infrastructure Act, with its emphasis on comprehensive connectivity, seeks to address this imbalance, ensuring that every European citizen, regardless of their location, can access and benefit from digital services.

Measures would facilitate access to physical infrastructure such as buildings, rooftops, facades and street furniture. They would also encourage existing physical infrastructures, such as ducts, poles, masts, antenna installations, towers, and other supporting constructions to be shared, to minimise costly civil engineering works and accelerate the roll out high-speed networks.