EU Proposes Broader Telecom Reform As ‘Fair Share’ Falls Flat

The European Union’s digital enforcer downplayed a push from phone companies to have large technology companies like Netflix and Alphabet help pay for internet infrastructure, while outlining a broader vision for the overhaul of the telecommunications sector. Operators like Orange and Telefonica 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. Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton considered legislation that could have backed a version of the “fair share” idea, however, he faced steep opposition from numerous EU countries as his term as commissioner comes to an end in 2024. Breton signaled that the proposal had been kicked down the road, likely beyond his office term, in a blow to telecom carriers who thought this was their opportunity to get tech companies to invest in their networks after decades of lobbying.