Edith Hancock

The European Commission wants to make it easier for telecommunications operators to upgrade Europe’s critical networks by giving them more access to spectrum and phasing out copper networks over the next decade. The European Union’s executive branch said it would introduce a mandatory phase-out of copper networks for EU member states and a transition to advanced networks between 2030 and 2035 under the Digital Networks Act—a planned piece of legislation unveiled in January 2026.

Alphabet’s Google has offered to change terms and conditions for developers using its Play Store in a bid to stave off a potential fine under European Union tech rules. Google said it would alter fees it charges developers for app downloads and make it easier to lead users to deals and offers outside of its own app store. However, at the same time, the company warned that links leading outside the Play Store can expose users to security threats.

France’s competition regulator fined Apple 150 million euros ($162.4 million) over concerns the company abused its dominant position in mobile apps through the privacy measures it imposes on developers on its iPhone and iPad’s operating system.