Telecoms Call for Breton's View Change

Telecom industry stakeholders are urging Thierry Breton, the incumbent Commissioner for the Internal Market, to reassess his previous positions as he faces potential reappointment for the 2024-2029 term. French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed Breton for another five-year term, seeking a broader portfolio that encompasses economic security and defense. While negotiations for the next European Commission are ongoing, concerns have been raised regarding Breton's past influence as CEO of France Telecom, which some believe has shaped his regulatory approach. During his previous tenure, Breton was a proponent of the "fair share" tax, aimed at requiring major tech companies to contribute fees based on their bandwidth usage on telecom networks. He also championed the Digital Networks Act, which sought to redefine EU telecom legislation and competition rules. However, stakeholders express skepticism about further changes to competition regulations, emphasizing the need for a diverse telecommunications market rather than favoring large incumbents. A spokesperson for the German fibre association BREKO criticized the notion of creating "European champions," arguing that it undermines the diversity of the telecom sector, which should be viewed as a strength. They also highlighted the importance of transitioning from old copper networks to support the rollout of fibre infrastructure. As the industry awaits formal approval from the European Parliament, the call for a shift in Breton's approach reflects broader concerns about the future of telecom regulation in Europe.