19/03/2020

Question for written answer to the European Commission on ensuring that EU Telecommunication Infrastructure Remains Fully Operational

Internet activity has risen across Europe as governments put their citizens on countrywide lockdowns because of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Akamai, a firm that tracks global internet traffic, there has been a more than 50 percent increase in global internet traffic.

As a result Member State governments, for example Greece’s Ministry of Digital Governance, and its General Secretariat for Telecommunications and Post Offices have published recommendations to Greek citizens for responsible use of national telecommunications networks and services to ensure they hold up to the increased needs brought by teleworking and thus remain properly functional.

With weeks if not months ahead during which people will be working from home, telecoms infrastructure and mobile networks are likely to be heavily tested.

In light of the above,

  1. What measures is the European Commission taking to ensure that the EU’s telecommunication infrastructure remains fully functional and can meet the needs of the public sector, businesses and individuals in the coming weeks?
  2. What actions will be undertaken to coordinate Member States and to inform and support citizens (technically and financially) in relation to usage and traffic of telecommunications networks and services?

Full text here

Answer given by Mr Breton on behalf of the European Commission here