Public Safety Communication Europe (PSCE) has recently submitted its contribution to the Call for Evidence launched by the European Commission on the future Digital Networks Act (DNA).
What are the purposes of the DNA:
The Digital Networks Act (DNA) aims to modernize the regulatory framework for telecommunications in Europe by addressing key connectivity challenges. Its objectives include accelerating the deployment of fiber optic networks and 5G/6G, harmonizing national practices (such as spectrum and infrastructure access), and strengthening network security (cybersecurity of equipment, protection of submarine cables). The DNA also aims to clarify the cost-sharing mechanisms between telecom operators and major content providers (“fair share”) to ensure sustainable investments. Ultimately, the goal is to equip the EU with “cutting-edge” telecom infrastructure considered “critical for the future competitiveness of the European economy” and to simplify existing regulations.
The Commission launched a call for evidence on June 6, 2025, which closed on July 11, 2025, to collect feedback and data from stakeholders. 326 contributions have been posted. These will inform the impact assessment and regulatory options. The Commission aims to adopt the legislative proposal by December 2025.
PSCE welcomes the consideration to include more than only the economic considerations, which have been the focus of the innovation drive for mobile communication until recently. The limited deployment of 5G across Europe provides a clear example of the failure of economic market drivers to take on the outcome of significant investment in mobile innovation and standardisation of 5G. The prospect of 6G will surely follow a similar path if only economic factors are considered. The EECC must also be adapted to the new technology evolution that is moving fast and provides the necessary tools and mechanisms to provide Europe with an adaptable and flexible, thus protective legal environment.
A focus on safety, security, resilience, and sustainability
PSCE advocates that all dimensions of safety, security, resilience, and sustainability should be considered. Key Values to improve societal resilience aspects must be understood and become as important qualitative drivers to complement the traditional view on economic quantitative values. This builds the need for critical digital network infrastructure resilience. Continued innovation must continue at pace, with the deployment environment suitable for agile and continuous upgrade, as innovation matures to improve societal resilience for Europe. Digital networks must be continuously updated to address and mitigate new challenges that may compromise our networks, services, and information exchange.
Capitalizing on established expertise
PSCE has been working on the continued improvement of mobile communication to support those who work tirelessly to keep us safe and secure. Our responders work to keep us safe when disaster hits, in the fight against crime and terrorism, and with more challenges posed by war zones around the periphery of Europe. This includes the increasing risks posed by climate change as the past years have demonstrated.
European responders are today using 20–25-year-old narrowband mobile radio technology. It is now time to build new capabilities to leverage the commercial scale of state-of-the-art mobile communication technology, sharing multimedia, enhancing the crucial audio communication, and providing enhanced shared situational awareness. This facilitates more efficient response of all responders across all disciplines and regions in the face of disaster, and in their fight against crime and terrorism. In increasingly challenging times for our community, our digital networks must be fit for purpose, improving societal resilience, building secure and resilient connectivity and services.
A necessary cooperation with the EUCCS
PSCE also emphasises the importance for the DNA to support the establishment of the European Critical Communication System (EUCCS). EUCCS will provide a more resilient and secure mobile communication capability. Building on EUCCS, this capability will offer more resilient and secure services for all users, for critical infrastructures that keep us moving and that provide energy, and of course for consumers and business users. The management of spectrum must be more agile and harmonised across Europe. This has left our public safety community without harmonised spectrum for the realisation of EUCCS. Civil protection and public safety must be strengthened to meet all these challenges.
To conclude, PSCE will continue to follow and participate in the evolution of this legislative initiative which will have a deep impact on the future of EUCCS.