FIVE MINS WITH ...
MICHAELA LODLOVÁ
LEGAL DIRECTOR AT WIGGIN LLP , IS AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED TELECOMS AND MEDIA LAWYER WITH MORE THAN 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE SECTOR . WE SAT DOWN WITH HER TO DISCUSS THE STATE OF THE EU ’ S 5G ROLLOUT
Q . WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE CURRENT PROGRESS OF REGULATORY LAW IN THE EU REGARDING 5G ?
» The progress is disappointing . Given the size of the EU single market , a comprehensive and efficient strategy could have placed Europe at the cutting edge of 5G technology . The Commission originally envisaged that all EU Member States would auction the licenses with the commercial launches taking place in at least one major city by the end of 2020 .
Instead , as a result of considerable delays , Europe is at the tail-end of 5G development , with the US , China , South Korea , Japan and certain Middle Eastern jurisdictions leading the way in the commercial rollout of the technology .
Q . WHAT CHANGES NEED TO BE MADE TO TELECOM REGULATION IN ORDER TO BETTER ENSURE HEALTHY COMPETITION AND INNOVATION THAT BENEFITS THE CONSUMER ?
» Spending half a decade in the UAE has transformed my outlook on telecoms regulation . The country frequently ranks first globally for FTTH penetration ( which is well over 90 %), is recognised as an early adopter of new technologies including 5G , and is very advanced in e-government applications . In comparison , Europe is unfortunately not at the forefront of this development .
“ THE PROGRESS IS DISAPPOINTING ”
20 March 2021