BEREC believes that a competitive broadband marketplace is crucial for fostering innovation, improving service quality and ensuring fair pricing for end users. On 19 August 2024, at the Technology Policy Institute Aspen Forum held in Aspen, USA, BEREC Vice-Chair Kostas Masselos (EETT, Greece) discussed telecoms policy alongside regulators from Canada and the USA, with a focus on comparing broadband, spectrum and broadcasting policies.

Emerging technologies such as 5G, fibre-optic networks and satellite broadband are revolutionising service delivery by enhancing connectivity, offering faster speeds and greater capacity. BEREC advocates for regulatory frameworks that can adapt to these changes while ensuring end-user protection. Kostas Masselos highlighted that in 2024, European regulators are reporting on private network drivers and requirements, as well as on how public networks are developing to meet evolving user demands. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the use of private and public 5G networks in Europe, including relevant case studies.

Among other topics, BEREC and regulators from Canada and the USA endeavoured to pinpoint common challenges and discuss ways of enhancing cross-border collaboration, touching also on artificial intelligence (AI). Earlier this year, BEREC published its high-level position on AI and virtual worlds , which emphasised the transformative benefits of AI technologies while highlighting the need for careful supervision to prevent competition issues that may have a negative impact on users’ choice and on innovation.

TPI Forum

The TPI Aspen Forum is an important platform that has been bringing together academic, business and government experts since 2010 to discuss technology policy and regulation. Panel discussions, fireside chats, keynote addresses and working groups are some of the formats in which participants talk about key tech policy issues, identify focus areas for the upcoming year and explore how policy can ensure that technology benefits everyone.