The Europe Commission has set out new targets as part of Europe’s Digital Decade 2030.
Reaction to the announcement on Monday was swift with Vodafone Group External Affairs Group Director, Joakim Reiter telling this website, “Vodafone believes that the new Digital Decade 2030 targets set out by the European Commission today, combined with the €672.5 billion Recovery and Resilience Facility, present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure a much stronger future for the European economy and society. We support concrete ambitions being tracked against an enhanced DESI index, and believe that with some changes made to encompass sustainability indicators, the DESI can help track progress and drive accountability.”
On meeting the Commission’s 2030 gigabit network and 5G target, he said, “We fully support the target of all European households being covered by a Gigabit network, with all populated areas covered by 5G, by 2030. If Europe wants to maintain and improve its competitiveness in the global digital economy, and build back better, more green technologies, a faster transition to 5G is needed.”
“If we can work together to develop a modern regulatory approach that removes unnecessary hurdles currently standing in the way of rapid network deployment and expansion, we can deliver much-needed digital services at speed.”
Turning to what is needed to shift the dial for Europe’s digital transformation, he added, “A clear and decisive shift towards policy and regulatory conditions that enable investment and collaboration across the EU to flow, is needed to shift the dial for Europe’s digital transformation and address the fragmentation of the EU’s single market.”
“With new policy conditions better fit for purpose to achieve our Digital Decade ambitions, we are convinced that Europe can generate a digital dividend for current and future generations.”
On the imminent need to democratise healthcare, tackle the digital skills gaps, close the rural connectivity divide, support small businesses and deliver 5G, he said, “New generation telcos like Vodafone, who provide critical digital services and connectivity, are already driving Europe’s digitalisation, and we are keen to play an even more vital role in Europe’s recovery and growth. However, the current environment is directly handicapping Europe’s prospects: it has led to many countries, and citizens, falling behind in digitalisation.”
“COVID-19 has shone a harsh light on the Union’s digital divides and the long journey ahead to create equal opportunities for all our citizens through digital empowerment. We welcome the sense of urgency and importance reflected in the proposal tabled today by the European Commission, which now needs to be matched by ambitious and decisive actions.”
“By rallying behind a common set of ambitious and measurable Digital targets, industry, governments, Member States and EU policy makers can work together to meet the needs of the people, democratise healthcare, tackle the digital skills gaps, close the rural connectivity divide, support the digitisation of small businesses and deliver the 5G industrial revolution.”
