Europe’s digital infrastructure is undergoing a historical upgrade. At a time when citizens, businesses and political leaders acknowledge the critical importance of availability of digital services, Europe’s telecom operators are at the peak of the 5G investment cycle. Concurrently, Europe is facing complex crises and uncertainty, but one item on the EU agenda is rooted: achieving the “2030 Digital Decade” targets.

A new expert study published this week by The Brattle Group and commissioned by ETNO Association titled “Efficiencies in Telecommunication Network Cooperations and Mergers” explores a wide range of efficiencies that could benefit European citizens and society. The efficiencies identified by Brattle Group go beyond merger proceedings (including efficiencies of cost, quality and infrastructure rollout) and explore further cooperation agreements and out-of-market efficiencies.

This study is relevant to all those working in M&A or competition policy and who are interested in learning more on how markets dynamics in telecoms are changing in times of widespread digitalization.

The main findings of the expert study are summarised in a video interview with Kai-Uwe Kühn, Professor of Economics at the University of East Anglia, and a former Chief Economist at DG Competition, European Commission.