What the Digital Networks Act is
The Digital Networks Act (DNA) is a proposal the European Commission presented on January 21, 2026. Its central idea is to bring order to a framework that is currently scattered: it would replace the European Electronic Communications Code, the BEREC regulation (BEREC is the body that brings together European regulators) and other rules, and it would amend the open internet and communications privacy rules.
The change in legal form matters. Today many rules are directives, which each country transposes into its own law, with differences from one to another. The DNA would be a regulation, which applies directly and identically in all 27 countries. According to the European Parliament's research service, the Commission is seeking uniform application and progress toward the Digital Decade targets for 2030: gigabit fixed connectivity for every household and next-generation wireless coverage, at least equivalent to 5G, in all populated areas.
The most important changes it proposes
According to an analysis by the law firm CMS, these are the most relevant points of the proposal:
- Spectrum with no expiry date. Frequency usage rights would in principle be granted indefinitely, with reviews no more often than every 20 years. If a fixed term is used, it must be at least 40 years for mobile broadband spectrum. The idea is to give certainty to those who invest in networks.
- From copper to fiber. Copper networks would be switched off area by area, with 2035 as the deadline.
- Single passport. An operator could provide services in several EU countries with a single notification in one of them.
- Satellite at European level. A single EU authorization for satellite networks, services and spectrum.
- New European regulator. The BEREC office would become an Office for Digital Networks with broader functions.
- No mandatory “fair share”. The proposal to force large internet platforms to pay for network use was left out. A voluntary conciliation mechanism between operators and tech companies remains.
Where the negotiations stand
To become law, the DNA must be approved by the European Parliament and by the Council, where the governments sit. According to CMS, this process usually takes up to two years.
- Council. A progress report dated June 2, 2026, showed that countries support the goals but have doubts: costs and proportionality, loss of national leeway on user rights, the single passport (fear that operators will pick the most lenient country) and possible EU-wide telephone numbering. On October 22, 2026, the Council's telecommunications working party had on its agenda the Irish presidency's first compromise text, covering scope, resilience, the passport and services.
- Ministers. On October 12 and 13, 2026, telecom ministers met informally in Limerick (Ireland), with Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, to exchange views on the DNA, the fiber transition and satellite connectivity.
- Parliament. The Industry committee (ITRE) leads the file, and Polish MEP Michał Kobosko is the rapporteur.
There is still no confirmed approval date.
What it means for businesses in Colombia and Latin America
The DNA does not apply in Colombia, but Europe often sets trends that are later debated in the region. Here is what to keep on your radar:
- The end of old networks is global. Europe is setting a date for copper just as Colombia did with the 2G and 3G shutdown. If your company still relies on copper landlines or old equipment, plan the move to IP telephony before the change forces it on you.
- More certainty to invest in networks. Long or indefinite licenses aim to attract more investment in 5G and fiber, a debate that also exists in Latin America.
- Satellite enters regulation. Just like terrestrial networks, satellite connectivity is starting to have its own rules.
- Operating in several countries will be simpler in Europe. If your company serves customers abroad, keep a close eye on how numbering and authorization rules change.
While the rules change, cloud telephony lets you adapt without replacing equipment. At 19 80 TIC Cloud we help you with landline and mobile numbers in the cloud, PBX and international numbers.
