Labriola (TIM) warns against stagnation in telecommunications sector
- Telecom Italia organized a high-level meeting in Brussels focusing on the EU telecom sector's competitiveness.
- Key discussions included the need for reform and a balanced regulatory environment to foster competitiveness.
- The meeting underscored the importance of international cooperation for enhancing digital infrastructure.
In Brussels, Italy's Telecom Italia (TIM) convened a significant high-level meeting focused on the competitiveness of the telecommunications sector within the European Union. The meeting aimed to address the current challenges faced by the telecommunications industry and to explore innovative investments necessary for promoting growth in this critical sector of the economy. Key participants included policymakers, industry leaders, and influential figures like Italy’s Ambassador to Belgium, Federica Favi, who set the stage for discussions on elevating European competitiveness through digital infrastructure. Pietro Labriola, the CEO of TIM, emphasized the urgent need for change, stating that standing still is not an option amidst the evolving landscape of telecommunications. He acknowledged the insights from Mario Draghi's report on European competitiveness and highlighted the essential need for a balanced regulatory environment that allows fair competition in the digital marketplace. Labriola pointed out the significant gap that exists and the collective responsibility of stakeholders to bridge it. Prominent contributions came from figures such as Pablo de Carvajal of Telefónica, and Adina Valean, a member of the European Parliament. Valean remarked on the importance of robust connectivity as a cornerstone of competitiveness and reiterated that strong digital infrastructure is vital for achieving economic success. The dialogue among participants reflected a shared commitment to addressing inactivity in the sector and the pressing need for actionable strategies to enhance digital competitiveness across Europe. The meeting also included an opportunity for comparing practices with other countries, with insights from Carlos Baigorri, the president of Brazil's National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL). He discussed Brazil's telecommunications reforms, including major changes that transformed its mobile market and incentivized 5G investments. Such exchanges underscored the importance of international cooperation in navigating regulatory environments and sharing best practices to foster growth in the telecommunications sector. Ultimately, the event highlighted the deep relationships between European and Brazilian participants, reinforcing the significance of global collaboration in advancing digital policies and investment strategies.