Minister Ranne to attend informal meeting of EU telecommunications ministers: Northern satellite connectivity is important for Europe as a whole

Minister Ranne to attend informal meeting of EU telecommunications ministers: Northern satellite connectivity is important for Europe as a whole

Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne will represent Finland at the informal meeting of EU telecommunications ministers in Limerick, Ireland, on 12 and 13 October 2026. The meeting agenda includes discussions on the Digital Networks Act (DNA) and satellite communications services.

"Efficient digital networks are the foundation of Europe's economic growth, safety, security and competitiveness. We need regulation that encourages investment and supports the introduction of new technologies," says Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.

Since this will be an informal ministerial meeting, no decisions will be taken.

Discussions on copper networks and satellite communication services

In January 2026, the European Commission submitted the DNA legislative proposal with the aim of modernising, simplifying and harmonising EU rules on communications networks. Finland supports further development of the internal market for electronic communications to boost investment, to improve the operating environment in the telecommunications sector and to strengthen Europe's global competitiveness.

The main themes of discussion will include copper switch-off under the proposed DNA. In Finland, the copper switch-off has already been carried out to a great extent on market terms. Finland considers that the planning and reporting obligations in the proposal regarding the copper switch-off unnecessarily increase the administrative burden. In Finland's view, these obligations should be lighter for Member States where copper networks have already been largely phased out.

The meeting will also discuss the regulation proposal adopted by the Commission in May 2026 on licences for mobile satellite services (MSS) in the so-called 2 GHz MSS frequency band. The current EU licences will expire in May 2027. The proposed regulation would determine the terms for new licences and set out the process for awarding them. Under Commission proposal, one third of the capacity would be dedicated to governmental satellite services, one third for new EU operators entering the market and one third for commercial use.

Finland welcomes the granting of satellite telecommunications licences at EU level to provide more extensive services for end users. An EU-wide licence could make the Union a more attractive and coherent market. Finland will pay particular attention to ensuring that satellite communications services are provided throughout the EU, including sparsely populated northern areas where adequate terrestrial broadband connections are not always available.

Inquiries:

Ilona Julkunen-Rexhepi, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 754, [email protected]