Strengthening competitiveness in the digital sector, Labriola (TIM): “Standing still is not an option”

Brussels –Digital infrastructure is critical for economic growth. That is why Telecom Italia (TIM) brought together a group of policymakers and industry players to talk about competitiveness in the EU through innovative investments in the communications sector in the presence of Italy’s Ambassador to Belgium, Federica Favi. To foster European success, the exchange of telecommunications industry best practices from various countries, such as Carlos Baigorri, president of the Brazilian Telecommunications Authority (ANATEL), was central to the roundtable.

“In recent years, the telecommunications sector has been facing a complex moment and, as I have repeatedly said, standing still is not an option,” commented Pietro Labriola, CEO of TIM. Continued Labriola: “In recent months, many authoritative observers, starting with Mario Draghi with his report on competitiveness in Europe, have noted the significant gap that needs to be bridged and the need to create a “fair” regulatory and normative environment that allows all players in the field to play the game in the digital market without imbalances.”

Important contributions, among others, from Pablo de Carvajal, general counsel and board member of Telefónica, and Adina Valean, a member of the European Parliament, on competitiveness and the Draghi report, also mentioned by Labriola.

“Connectivity is at the heart of our discussions on competitiveness, an issue that has become the mantra of this Parliament and this European Commission,” commented Valean. The MEP continued, “If competitiveness is our goal, we must recognize that strong infrastructure is a key element for economic success.”

Concrete and incisive interventions are expected for the sector, considering the need to act against inactivity and immobility to remain competitive. In the discussion with European institutions, the dialogue shifted to an analysis of the role of European policymakers in increasing the growth of telecommunications companies in Europe and the changes needed, also learning from other countries.

On this topic comes the input from Baigorri of ANATEL to explain what key reforms of the telecommunications sector in Brazil have been and to exchange best practices with the EU. Examples include the transformation of the Brazilian mobile market from four to three operators and incentives to invest in 5G, including converting investments into payment reductions in underserved regions or extending the duration of licenses. Not only that, current initiatives to rebalance the Internet value chain and regulate digital platforms also found their way in, as it is a highly timely topic in the EU as well.

“Today’s event once again demonstrates the depth and importance of EU-Brazil cooperation on digital policy and investment, but especially in the telecommunications sector,” said Roberto Viola, director general of Dg Connect at the European Commission. Viola continues, “The role of telecom operators is critical for robust, resilient, high-performance and secure connectivity, not only within Europe, but also for international partners, fostering a secure and reliable environment for users, investors and businesses, and enabling long-term growth and collaboration worldwide.”