The proposed Digital Networks Act (DNA) from the European Commission’s executive vice president, Henna Virkkunen, could be the bold step needed to bridge the connectivity gap across the EU, making gigabit speeds accessible to all citizens and businesses. Delivering on the promise of the DNA is especially crucial as we look to improve Europe’s digital competitiveness. Our businesses cannot remain globally competitive without robust digital infrastructure. Ensuring that small businesses have affordable and high-quality network access will foster innovation and economic resilience across the continent.   

Competition and choice: A positive outlook, but room for improvement   

On the consumer front, there is good news: European telecom markets seem to be meeting many expectations around competition and choice. According to the survey, 74% of Europeans believe they have sufficient choice of providers, and 67% feel there is enough variety in service options. Notably, 60% find switching providers relatively easy, with nearly half of respondents having switched at least once in the last five years.  

While price and quality are unsurprisingly the main drivers behind consumer choices, it’s clear that telecom providers need to maintain their competitive edge through continual improvement in network coverage, connection reliability and speed. Such a consumer-driven landscape is essential to ensure the future of a competitive, consumer-friendly telecom industry in Europe.  

Trust and affordability: A call for collective responsibility 

Trust remains a significant factor in Europe’s digital ecosystem. Our survey reveals that 81% of Europeans express concern over the security of their personal data. This level of apprehension is not unwarranted, as cyber threats and data breaches remain all too common in today’s digital environment. Interestingly, 59% of respondents place trust in telecom providers to protect their data, with social media platforms like WhatsApp, Meta and TikTok receiving lower confidence scores.