European telecommunications leaders have long argued that the heavy, billion-dollar investments needed to build and upgrade telephony and internet networks are essential for digital transformation. They are pressing regulators in the EU to require major digital platforms such as Meta (Facebook), Alphabet (Google), Microsoft, Amazon, and Netflix to share a portion of the costs for the networks they rely on to operate.
The topic has dominated discussions lately. The European Commission took a decisive step by opening its first case aimed at compelling tech giants to contribute, accompanied by a public consultation on reforming the way infrastructure is financed. As a result, the legislative reform debate has become a centerpiece at this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, drawing attention from industry players and policymakers alike.
Amid the debate, disagreements persist about how a so‑called “fair contribution” would work. Some warn that a so‑called network tax could raise prices for consumers and threaten free movement of content. Yet there is momentum to expand cooperation and explore fresh alliances that blend telecoms and technology in new, strategic ways.
A new future for networks
At the opening of Mobile World Congress, the global mobile industry association GSMA announced a landmark alliance among 21 operators, including Spain’s Telefónica, Orange, and Vodafone. The aim is to unlock and transform the digital possibilities of their networks. The plan envisions operators opening and standardizing software applications (APIs) used by developers of digital services to simplify distribution and monetization.
The GSMA Open Gateway alliance seeks to redefine the role of telecommunications firms in the digital ecosystem. Networks would extend beyond simple voice and data transport to host new layers of capabilities brought by digitalization. This model enables operators to offer à la carte services to companies, creating a potential new revenue stream beyond traditional connectivity.
Networks could evolve from a basic link into a platform that acts like a set of “supercomputers,” enabling a wide range of digital ventures. Banks, governments, game developers, and other businesses could procure network services to power their applications and services.
Progressive collaborations are already forming between telecoms and tech giants to bring these services to market, leaning on cloud providers for delivery and scale. Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are positioned as key partners, helping to create an integrated marketplace for network-enabled apps. At the event, both Microsoft and Amazon Web Services (AWS) participated in discussions surrounding GSMA Open Gateway.
Telefónica plans to grant developers exclusive access to next‑generation telecom services through its APIs, which will be open, interoperable, and tested in real environments. This effort will occur in conjunction with Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Vonage, expanding options for developers to build new use cases. Initiatives will leverage Microsoft Azure Programmable Connectivity, Vonage Communications Platform, and the networking services available across AWS and Google Cloud marketplaces.
Everyone’s cooperation
José María‑Álvarez Pallete, the president of Telefónica, serves as president of the GSMA and is a leading advocate for cost-sharing when it comes to network usage. He has consistently supported alliances that help make networks profitable through new digital services.
Pallete’s keynote at MWC underscored a call for collaboration among telecommunications companies, major technology firms, and industrial players to accelerate the digital future. He emphasized that collaboration drives stronger outcomes, sparks innovation, opens up opportunities, and improves people’s lives when diverse players work together.