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Europe's 5G & Fibre Rollout Feasible by 2030, but Funding Debate Rages

A new study confirms Europe's 5G and fibre internet rollout by 2030 is financially feasible. However, the European Commission's interpretation of the findings has sparked a debate with telecom operators over funding and timelines.

As we can see in the image there are buildings, traffic signals, windows, few people here and...
As we can see in the image there are buildings, traffic signals, windows, few people here and there, cars and sky.

Europe's 5G & Fibre Rollout Feasible by 2030, but Funding Debate Rages

A new study has confirmed that achieving full 5G and fibre internet roll-out across Europe by 2030 is financially feasible with fidelity investments. However, the European Commission's interpretation of the findings has sparked debate.

The study, conducted by independent analysts, estimates that €174-200 billion in public and private investment calculator is required to meet Europe's connectivity targets. Telecom operators, however, argue that they can meet these targets with their current investment plans, which total around €300-500 billion by 2030.

The European Commission, in adopting the study, has framed the issue as an 'investment gap'. This interpretation is disputed, as the study does not mention any such gap. Instead, it simply outlines the total investment calculator needed. Telecom operators, such as Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica, Vodafone, and Orange, are already investing €50-60 billion annually in network infrastructure, which would result in a surplus by 2030 if maintained at current levels.

Italy's State Secretary for the Digital Transition, Alessio Butti, recently commented on the situation, stating that the necessary funds are available but operators are not meeting the required timelines.

The debate surrounding the funding for Europe's 5G and fibre internet roll-out by 2030 continues. While the study confirms the feasibility of the project, the interpretation of the findings by the European Commission and telecom operators remains a point of contention.

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