The CEOs from ETNO companies joined the following statement:
Europeans deserve a digital economy that delivers for all, by creating new opportunities of inclusive growth and societal improvement across European regions and across all sectors of society. We believe that the ultimate purpose of the new and existing digital networks is to enable such opportunities.
The extensive utilisation of next generation digital infrastructure, as well as the development of new digital services underpinned by such infrastructure, will be fundamental for achieving Europe’s ambitious socio-economic goals, as set out in the agenda of President Ursula von der Leyen. Faster, more responsive, more intelligent and higher capacity connectivity with 5G, fibre and other gigabit networks will enable a more sustainable growth through a fresh wave of digital services and data-driven innovation. In our endeavour, we are motivated by European values and we want our services to enable European citizens.
A shared commitment of all industrial, societal and political actors to this vision is essential to:
We believe there is a strong link between achieving these socio-economic objectives and the ability of our companies to grow strong and innovate for European citizens and businesses.
None of us, alone, can achieve these objectives. Europe should act in the spirit of partnership among all public and private actors. We propose to focus on the following areas, which match the top political priorities outlined by President von der Leyen and her new College:
We are confident that digital networks are a primary enabler of Europe’s socio-economic and geopolitical ambitions. We are ready to work together with all societal actors and with the new leadership in the European Parliament, European Commission and European Council to turn ambition into reality.
2 December 2019
Signatories:
Alexandre Fonseca, CEO, Altice Portugal
Tahsin Yilmaz, CEO, Albtelecom
Sedin Kahriman, CEO, BH Telecom
Philip Jansen, CEO, BT
Andreas Neocleous, CEO, Cyta
Timotheus Höttges, CEO, Deutsche Telekom
Nikhil Patil, CEO, GO plc
Joost Farwerck, Chairman and CEO, KPN
Mike Fries, CEO, Liberty Global
Stéphane Richard, Chairman and CEO, Orange
Guillaume Boutin, CEO, Proximus
Orri Hauksson, President & CEO, Siminn
Urs Schaeppi, CEO, Swisscom
Michael Parton, interim-CEO, TDC Group
José María Alvarez Pallete, Chairman and CEO, Telefónica
Thomas Arnoldner, CEO, Telekom Austria
Sigve Brekke, President and CEO, Telenor
Christian Luiga, Acting President and CEO, Telia Company
Salvatore Rossi, Chairman, TIM
Atanas Dobrev, CEO, Vivacom
Nick Read, CEO, Vodafone