Belgian telecoms regulator BIPT sees no need for the Googles and Metas of the world to contribute to 5G network infrastructure.

At the European level, there is debate about whether large Internet companies should contribute to network infrastructure. Telecom operators across Europe argue that sites such as Google, Facebook, Instagram and Netflix cause high spikes in internet traffic that the infrastructure must handle. Since operators now have to invest heavily in 5G and fiber optic networks, they hope that the Internet giants will join in the work.

Insufficient need

An investigation by the Belgian telecommunications regulator BIPT, reached by Reuters, mercilessly rejects this argument. The BIPT states that “the need to require internet platforms to pay network operators has not been sufficiently demonstrated”. The regulator also opposes a system of remuneration based on internet traffic. Finally, the BIPT is not in favor of creating means to compensate for Internet peaks.

It remains to be seen whether the European Commission will listen to BIPT’s conclusions. Euro Commissioner Thierry Breton, who has a history in the telecommunications sector, makes no secret of his sympathy for the arguments of the telecommunications providers. A question and answer session is currently underway with everyone involved. This could be followed by an official draft law from the Commission, but this has not yet happened.