Digital communications markets and infrastructures are an essential part of modern life. They are an indispensable prerequisite for social life, education, national security and the functioning of the economy and many infrastructures. High-quality, secure and resilient infrastructure is essential to the EU’s future. The European legal framework must therefore be further developed and adapted to meet the challenges ahead.

From AK’s perspective, however, changes to the legal framework – as proposed by the Digital Networks Act (DNA) – must not deteriorate current consumer protection standards. Member States and regulatory authorities should continue to have the flexibility to regulate national markets and to further develop consumer protection provisions. The DNA proposal foresees many legal uncertainties in this regard. Excessive obstacles for regulatory authorities when conducting market analyses and taking measures also do not seem reasonable. A comprehensive universal service should be available in any case, and the ability to impose obligations on an operator should not be watered down. In AK’s view, the principle of an open internet must be fully upheld. Furthermore, phasing out of copper networks must not result in the (financial) detriment of consumers. Migration should be voluntary.