In an unpredictable world, Europeans know connectivity is a necessity

As the European Parliament and the European Commission star new telecom policy discussions, Connect Europe’s latest consumer survey with IPSOS, Europe’s Digital Pulse: Connectivity Trends and Consumer Insights, is particularly poignant. Our survey underscores a shared sentiment among European citizens and businesses alike: connectivity is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. This finding reveals profound implications for Europe’s digital strategy and provides insights that should resonate with policymakers, industry leaders and European citizens as they consider the future of Europe’s digital infrastructure.   

Connectivity as a basic need: Meeting a fundamental demand    

In our hyper-connected society, European consumers increasingly perceive connectivity as fundamental. An overwhelming 85% of Europeans identify connectivity as a basic need, while more than 60% of small businesses see technologies like 5G and fiber-optic networks as critical elements to enable growth. This aligns with recent high-level recommendations, including those put forward by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi, and reinforces the case for the EU to take decisive action toward ubiquitous, high-quality digital networks.

The proposed Digital Networks Act (DNA) from the European Commission’s executive vice president, Henna Virkkunen, could be the bold step needed to bridge the connectivity gap across the EU, making gigabit speeds accessible to all citizens and businesses. Delivering on the promise of the DNA is especially crucial as we look to improve Europe’s digital competitiveness. Our businesses cannot remain globally competitive without robust digital infrastructure. Ensuring that small businesses have affordable and high-quality network access will foster innovation and economic resilience across the continent.   

Competition and choice: A positive outlook, but room for improvement   

On the consumer front, there is good news: European telecom markets seem to be meeting many expectations around competition and choice. According to the survey, 74% of Europeans believe they have sufficient choice of providers, and 67% feel there is enough variety in service options. Notably, 60% find switching providers relatively easy, with nearly half of respondents having switched at least once in the last five years.  

While price and quality are unsurprisingly the main drivers behind consumer choices, it’s clear that telecom providers need to maintain their competitive edge through continual improvement in network coverage, connection reliability and speed. Such a consumer-driven landscape is essential to ensure the future of a competitive, consumer-friendly telecom industry in Europe.  

Trust and affordability: A call for collective responsibility 

Trust remains a significant factor in Europe’s digital ecosystem. Our survey reveals that 81% of Europeans express concern over the security of their personal data. This level of apprehension is not unwarranted, as cyber threats and data breaches remain all too common in today’s digital environment. Interestingly, 59% of respondents place trust in telecom providers to protect their data, with social media platforms like WhatsApp, Meta and TikTok receiving lower confidence scores. 

Moreover, the IPSOS survey indicates that consumers view affordability as a shared responsibility. Telecom operators, governments and large technology firms all play a part: 55% of respondents believe telecom providers should take the lead in ensuring fair prices, with 45% citing government involvement, and 43% pointing to tech companies. This call for shared responsibility is a reminder that Europe’s digital future must be built as a collaborative effort. 

However, both security and affordability are considered shared responsibilities. Telecom providers, consumers and policymakers alike must contribute to a safer and more equitable digital landscape. Educating users about data security, adopting stronger passwords and developing fair pricing models are critical steps. In the spirit of unity, all stakeholders must work collaboratively to create an inclusive digital economy that benefits all citizens. 

Sustainability: Building awareness for greener choices  

The topic of sustainability is increasingly relevant, with 82% of respondents stating that they value sustainable practices by operators. Yet only one in 10 currently factor sustainability into their provider choice, highlighting an awareness gap. In particular, only 48% of Europeans recognize that fiber is more sustainable than older technologies. 

Our findings indicate that Europeans are open to compromise for sustainability, with 45% willing to reduce video streaming quality to save energy. This presents a powerful opportunity for the telecom industry and content providers to lead by example. By increasing consumer awareness of the environmental benefits of newer technologies, such as fiber, we can encourage greener choices and contribute to Europe’s broader sustainability goals.  

Shaping Europe’s digital future together  

The insights from Europe’s Digital Pulse reveal a strong demand for accessible, secure and sustainable connectivity. They also signal the need for policymakers to support and prioritize initiatives that will foster a robust, inclusive digital ecosystem. As the EU considers new policies, we at Connect Europe urge decision-makers to embrace an ambitious, forward-looking digital strategy — one that ensures every European has the connectivity needed to thrive in the digital age.  

Our findings also underscore the importance of a renewed commitment to investment, competition, resilience and environmental responsibility within the telecom sector. European consumers and businesses are ready to embrace a digital-first economy, but they require reliable, sustainable digital infrastructures as a foundation to build upon. Policymakers and industry players must work together to address these needs, ensuring that Europe’s digital transformation is driven by policy actions and values that will benefit everyone on the continent.  

In the coming months, we will continue to champion these issues on behalf of Europe’s leading connectivity providers. With the insights from this survey as our guide, Connect Europe is committed to helping create a future where every European has the tools to succeed in a digital world.