Digital Networks Act
Elements, checklist, and implementation timing.
The Digital Networks Act (DNA) is an EU proposal to modernise and harmonise connectivity rules. It is not yet in force and will require adoption by the European Parliament and the Council.
This is a high-level summary of a proposal, not legal advice. Confirm obligations and timelines with counsel and compliance teams.
Core elements
Single EU service registration
Operators can offer services across the EU while registering in only one Member State (a "single passport").
Simplification
Reduces administrative burden and simplifies authorisation for cross-border operations.
Spectrum modernisation
Longer and renewable licences, more consistent national assignments, and more spectrum sharing to improve efficiency.
Satellite connectivity
EU-level framework to support pan-European satellite services with security and resilience criteria.
Copper-to-fibre transition
Mandatory national transition plans to phase out copper networks and accelerate full-fibre deployment.
Security and resilience cooperation
EU-level cooperation to reduce network risks and strengthen resilience across the connectivity ecosystem.
Preparedness planning
An EU-level preparedness plan to address rising risks to networks and radio signals.
Voluntary ecosystem cooperation
A voluntary cooperation mechanism between connectivity providers and digital service companies (e.g., traffic efficiency).
Open Internet clarity
Introduces a mechanism to clarify Open Internet rules for innovative services.
Net neutrality preserved
The proposal keeps the core principle that ISPs must treat internet traffic equally.
Regulatory consolidation
Intended to consolidate and replace core connectivity rules (EECC, BEREC Regulation, Open Internet Regulation, Radio Spectrum Policy Programme, and parts of the ePrivacy Directive) once adopted.
Rules snapshot
- Single-passport authorisation for cross-border services.
- EU-level satellite spectrum authorisation framework.
- Longer, renewable spectrum licences and spectrum sharing.
- Mandatory national plans for copper phase-out and fibre transition.
- Net-neutrality principles remain in force.
- Voluntary cooperation mechanism on traffic efficiency.
Implementation timeline
21 January 2026
European Commission adopted the Digital Networks Act proposal.
Next step
Proposal under review by the European Parliament and the Council.
Implementation
Implementation date and transition periods will be set after adoption.
Readiness checklist
- Confirm whether your services fall under electronic communications scope.
- Map current authorisations and assess impact of single EU registration.
- Review spectrum licensing strategy (duration, renewal, sharing).
- Assess copper network transition plans and stakeholder impacts.
- Validate net-neutrality compliance across products and traffic policies.
- Update security and resilience controls to align with EU-level cooperation.
- Track Parliament/Council negotiations and expected transition periods.
- Monitor consolidation impacts on EECC, Open Internet, BEREC, ePrivacy, and spectrum policy obligations.
Explore supporting tools
Use the impact wizard for a quick assessment or open the regulatory crosswalk to see how DNA aligns to existing EU frameworks.