Stakeholders shared their initial views on the proposed Digital Networks Act (DNA) during an event in Brussels on 27 January 2026, one week after the European Commission put forward its vision for an updated EU’s telecoms framework. There were some positive reactions to further centralisation and harmonisation, including from the Cyprus Council presidency. However, industry called for more simplification and regulators called for maintaining national flexibility.

The proposed Digital Networks Act (DNA) integrates the EU rules on net neutrality and opens a possibility for the European Commission to adopt binding implementing acts detailing the conditions to offer specialised services.

The proposed Digital Networks Act (DNA) seeks to establish a centralised EU framework for satellite authorisations. It also sets out mechanisms for greater coordination between member states on satellite filings at international level. The proposed framework aims at strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy and enhancing the single market and will involve the Commission in all stages, from allocation and licensing to enforcement.

The draft Digital Networks Act (DNA) will facilitate cross-border provision of electronic communications networks and services through a single notification in just one member state, fully harmonised general authorisation conditions and streamlined reporting obligations. However, mandatory notification requirements will also imply new and extensive procedural rules, not least for member states that currently do not have any notification mechanisms in place.

Proposed amendments to the Telecommunications Act would give Telekom Deutschland, alternative fibre network operators and regulator BNetzA the right to initiate the procedure to switch off copper if an area has 80% homes connected to FTTH. The copper network would then be switched off in that area three years later, if almost all homes were connected to FTTH by then.

Its positions on digital connectivity and cybersecurity are all the more relevant now that the European Commission published its proposals for a Digital Networks Act (DNA) and a proposal for a revised Cybersecurity Act (CSA) earlier this week.