The rapid digital transformation of connectivity networks presents both a challenge and an opportunity. AI is already being deployed to optimize networks, with 52 percent of European operators trialing AI-driven automation. This technology will be critical in ensuring more efficient, resilient and sustainable networks.

At the same time, research and development in 6G is already underway, and Europe must position itself at the forefront. The report tracks over 200 global 6G projects, with European operators leading more than half of them. This leadership in early stage R&D must be leveraged into commercial advantage, ensuring that Europe is not merely a follower but a global standard-setter.

In this race to bring telecom networks to the next generation, Europe’s connectivity ecosystem must play to its strengths to make sure they also offer value-added services that leverage AI and other enabling technologies. For instance, the growing role of application programming interfaces (API) in network services presents an opportunity for Europe to shape the future of Network-as-a-Service business models worldwide. European operators currently lead in API platform announcements, ahead of North America and Asia-Pacific. This is a rare instance where Europe is setting the pace, an advantage we must capitalize on.

Yet, Europe is lagging in key areas. By the end of 2024 only 40 percent of Europeans had access to 5G standalone networks, compared with over 90 percent in North America. Edge cloud deployment remains sluggish, with just 320 live operator edge nodes, in Europe, far from the EU’s ambitious 10,000-node target by 2030. These gaps highlight an urgent need to accelerate investment in digital infrastructure and foster a regulatory environment that enables innovation. If Europe is serious about its digital sovereignty, it must take decisive action now.

Closing the connectivity gap and breaking market barriers

For Europe to achieve its ambitious Digital Decade targets — full gigabit and 5G coverage by 2030 — massive investment is needed. Today, 82.5 percent of the continent is covered by gigabit-capable networks, far behind China (99 percent), the United States (90.3 percent) and Japan (93.9 percent). The 5G picture is similar, with Europe’s 87 percent coverage behind South Korea (99 percent) and the United States (98 percent). If this trend continues, 39.5 million EU citizens will still lack gigabit-speed connectivity by 2030, a failure that would undermine Europe’s digital ambitions.