Finance
Deutsche Telekom CEO criticises EU telecom rules overhaul
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 26, 2026
1 min readLast updated: February 26, 2026
Quick Summary
Deutsche Telekom CEO Timotheus Hoettges criticized the EU’s Digital Networks Act as adding red tape. After Q4 results, he urged deregulation, noting the proposal extends spectrum rights but avoids mandatory network fees for Big Tech.
Deutsche Telekom Chief Slams EU Overhaul of Telecom Regulations
Feb 26 (Reuters) - Deutsche Telekom chief executive Timotheus Hoettges expressed dissatisfaction with how the European Union is handling the reform of telecommunication sector rules and called for more deregulation.
"We're seeing more and more red tape, more requirements," he said during a press conference after the publication of the company's fourth-quarter results.
Q4 Results Press Conference (Feb 26)
Deutsche Telekom’s Criticism
EU Digital Networks Act: Key Changes and Reactions
Following several months of pressure from European telecom companies, the European Commission unveiled in January a major revamp of the sector rules known as the Digital Networks Act.
Investment Predictability
Unlimited Spectrum Duration
What the Digital Networks Act Proposes
The proposal would allow operators to use radio spectrum for an unlimited duration, a move which would increase predictability and favour investments, the Commission said.
Voluntary Cooperation Model
Big Tech Network Fee Debate
However, it did not meet the European operators' call for U.S. tech giants such as Google, Netflix and Meta to pay a network fee in light of their massive traffic, opting for a voluntary cooperation mechanism.
(Reporting by Emanuele Berro and Danny Callaghan, Editing by Friederike Heine)
Key Takeaways
- •Deutsche Telekom CEO Timotheus Hoettges criticized the EU’s approach to reforming telecom rules.
- •He called for less red tape and more deregulation after the company’s Q4 results.
- •The European Commission proposed the Digital Networks Act in January to revamp sector rules.
- •The plan would allow spectrum rights with unlimited duration to bolster investment certainty.
- •It stops short of mandating Big Tech network fees, opting for voluntary cooperation instead.
Frequently Asked Questions about Deutsche Telekom CEO criticises EU telecom rules overhaul
1What is the main topic?
Deutsche Telekom CEO Timotheus Hoettges criticizes the EU’s Digital Networks Act and calls for deregulation, arguing that current reforms add red tape rather than enabling investment.
2What changes does the Digital Networks Act propose?
It is a major overhaul of EU telecom rules that would allow operators to use radio spectrum for an unlimited duration to improve predictability and support investment.
3Will Big Tech be required to pay network fees?
No. Despite industry pressure, the proposal does not impose mandatory fees on companies like Google, Netflix, or Meta; it favors a voluntary cooperation mechanism instead.
