Technology and Telecoms Policy Trends in 2024: A Look Ahead

This article outlines the first five key technology and telecom policy trends for 2024, including a focus on AI governance, EU competitiveness, financing connectivity, spectrum policy, and the need for in-market mergers in telecom. A significant year is ahead with elections shaping the political landscape, while crucial discussions emerge around investment and regulatory practices. The next part will feature five additional trends next week.

In 2024, we’re set to witness some significant shifts in technology and telecoms policies—this is only the first part of what’s to come. Notably, elections will play a big role, with around half the globe’s voters heading to the polls, which could shift the political landscape. As technology continues to evolve, understanding these trends is crucial for addressing both the opportunities and challenges they present.

Artificial intelligence stole the spotlight in 2023, and it looks to keep its place in the sun going into 2024. With the EU AI Act on the horizon, this regulation aims to set future standards for AI governance—but it won’t come into effect until 2026. Policymakers will mull over various pressing issues like the speed of deployment, societal impacts, and potential misuse of AI, such as misinformation and bias. The focus will be on effective collaboration between public and private sectors to steer AI development responsibly.

Europe faces a crossroads in the upcoming year: it must enhance its long-term competitiveness while striving for strategic autonomy. This critical endeavor will be especially evident under the guidance of the incoming Belgian presidency of the EU Council, which continues the work started by Spain. New leadership in the form of the European Parliament elections will guide Europe towards establishing a robust single market, which is essential for its digital and green initiatives.

As 2024 unfolds, discussions around financing high-speed connectivity will heat up. Gigabit and 5G networks are increasingly viewed as cornerstones for both industrial competitiveness and a sustainable digital future. Telecom operators are advocating for balanced competition policies that encourage sustainable investments, thus ensuring the best possible infrastructure for citizens and businesses alike. The evolving narrative around large tech firms contributing their share to network costs will likely be a continued hot topic.

Spectrum policy is another area where decisions made will impact the future of telecom. The recent World Radiocommunications Conference wrapped up with plans aimed to boost mobile services and promote 5G evolution. Yet, it may take time before new spectrum usage rights are fully allocated. Designing an efficient assignment process is vital to serve customers optimally once these rights become active.

Lastly, market fragmentation in Europe is leading to a dire need for in-market mergers within the telecom sector. There’s a growing belief that effective mergers could enhance service quality, as seen with major mergers in Brazil. As we plunge into 2024, adapting competition policy to accommodate market shifts will be necessary. The EU has a significant opportunity to create a favorable environment for domestic investment, encouraging companies to stay put rather than chase easier incentives abroad.

Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the next five tech and telecom policy trends for 2024 next week, covering topics like innovation policies, the dual green transition, critical cybersecurity issues, as well as bridging the digital divide. It’s a round-up you won’t want to miss!

The tech and telecom landscape is gearing up for a compelling 2024 with a host of policy trends poised to shape the future. As AI remains a focal point, Europe seeks competitiveness through strategic autonomy, while financing connectivity becomes ever more crucial. A thoughtful approach to spectrum policies and in-market mergers may lay the groundwork for a sustainable digital environment, keeping citizens and businesses at the center of the transformation. And this is just the beginning—many more key trends await us next week!

Original Source: www.telefonica.com