EU Proposes Broader Telco Reform As ‘Fair Share’ Falls Flat
- Breton wants to create harmonized telecom market in EU
- New strategy will include telecom mergers, venture capital
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The European Union’s digital enforcer downplayed a push from phone companies to have large technology companies like Netflix Inc. and Alphabet Inc. help pay for internet infrastructure, while outlining a broader vision for the overhaul of the telecom sector.
Operators like Orange SA and Telefonica SA wanted major streaming sites to help foot the bill to roll out faster 5G networks and fiber. The idea, called “fair share,” generated major debate in the bloc, with big tech companies arguing that the plan constituted a new internet tax.