EU Requires €475 Billion Investment in Telecom by 2036 for 5G and AI Infrastructure
The EU must invest €475 billion in telecoms by 2036 to remain competitive globally. Current operator investments fall short, necessitating an additional €200 billion for digital infrastructure enhancement.
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The European Union will require €475 billion in telecom market investment from 2026 to 2036, as projected by GSMA Intelligence. Current operator investments are estimated at €270 billion, but an additional €200 billion is vital for advancing 5G deployment, AI-ready infrastructure, and resilient networks.
By 2030, 88 percent of mobile connections are expected to utilize 5G, significantly increasing from 43 percent in 2025. Mobile operators have already invested €141 billion since 2021, surpassing earlier estimates.
However, spectrum fees have nearly tripled, adding financial strain on operators. To meet connectivity goals, regulatory reforms are essential for enhancing the investment landscape.
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