BEREC delegation at the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2023

28 February 2023

From 26 February until 1 March 2023, the Body of European Regulators of Electronic Communications (BEREC) is participating at the leading telecoms industry event, the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2023 in Barcelona. The BEREC delegation is taking part in the annual Ministerial Programme Roundtable and various panel discussions dedicated to current and future challenges in the sector. BEREC embraces a forward-looking view, fostering new technological advancements and paving the way towards a digital future of endless possibilities.

EIF-GSMA Roundtable  
BEREC’s participation at the Congress kicked off on 26 February 2023 with a keynote speech by the BEREC Chair, Kostas Masselos, at the opening session of the EIF-GSMA Roundtable. The Roundtable brings together MEPs, high-level representatives from the European Commission, BEREC and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of Europe’s digital connectivity in the context of the 2030 Digital Decade targets. In his opening speech, Kostas Masselos highlighted, that BEREC aims at actively facilitating and fostering open, secure, high-quality, competitive and sustainable digital ecosystems that will be the key to empowering people and businesses in future societies.

GSMA-BEREC Roundtable 
On 27 February 2023, within the Ministerial Programme, BEREC was represented by Kostas Masselos, Vice-Chairs Annemarie Sipkes (ACM, the Netherlands) and Tonko Obuljen (HAKOM, Croatia).  BEREC Chair delivered a speech on the role of regulators in further promoting investment in connectivity. He emphasised that “Connectivity is not a luxury, it is a necessity. As we look to the future, it's essential that we work together to build a digital ecosystem that is accessible, reliable, and secure.” 

At a session focusing on the macro-economic environment, BEREC Vice-Chair, Annemarie Sipkes highlighted the impact of recent developments, such as inflation and the energy crisis, on the telecoms sector and the implications stemming from the increasing focus on European sovereignty. Meanwhile, the incoming BEREC Chair for 2024 – and current Vice-Chair – Tonko Obuljen, discussed how the digital transition contributes to Europe’s climate ambitions. In 2023, BEREC aims to provide its analysis as input for potential further projects and proposals from the EU bodies related to the twin digital and green transitions. Among others, this would include activities such as promoting greener network deployment and assessing the environmental impacts of emerging technologies.

Ask the Regulator 
Today, on 28 February, the BEREC Chair will participate at the panel discussion “Ask the Regulator”. At the session, heads of national regulatory authorities will share views on the digital ecosystem and highlight recent regulatory achievements and innovations that have delivered results in their country. BEREC Chair, Kostas Masselos will discuss some of BEREC's main priorities in telecoms regulation, as well as new areas that are emerging for evaluation. 

Re-examining Mobile Market structure
Later today, BEREC Vice-chair Annemarie Sipkes will participate in the panel discussion “Re-examining Mobile Market structure”. The panel discussion will offer insights into competition policy that is relevant to governments, regulators and the mobile sector worldwide. Together with other participants of the panel, Annemarie Sipkes will reflect on the adoption and implementation of 5G in the European Union. 

Indoor 5G Roundtable and 5G mmWave Summit 
BEREC Chair Kostas Masselos will participate in the Indoor 5G Roundtable organised by IDATE, discussing the latest practices and trends regarding indoor digitisation.  
The BEREC delegation’s participation at the GSMA Mobile World Congress will conclude on 1 March 2023. BEREC Chair Kostas Masselos will deliver a speech on "The regulatory landscape for 5G mmWave at the 5G mmWave Summit: 2023 and Beyond". During this event, industry leaders and experts will discuss the latest trends and innovations in 5G technology, focusing on the mmWave spectrum.