Behind every phone call and data session lie key responsibilities mobile operators must fulfil. In Europe, these requirements are primarily governed by the European Electronic Communications Code (Directive 2018/1972), Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU), Network and Information Security Directive (2016/1148), ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC), Roaming Regulation (2022/612), and Net Neutrality Regulation (2015/2120), together with related regulations, national rules of law and implementation guidelines provided by the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC).
That’s quite a regulatory mountain!
It is not easy to balance advanced traffic management, accurate real-time billing, and complicated and strict privacy regulations—all to deliver the seamless experience we often take for granted.
When a mobile operator gets a license, they’re not just getting the right to use spectrum – they’re signing up for serious commitments:
• Coverage Obligations: Where and how well they must provide service, from covering a certain percentage of the country to ensuring good signal quality along highways and inside buildings. They also have to meet specific quality standards like minimum speeds and network reliability.
• Clear Billing: Mobile operators must make sure their billing practices are easy to understand for customers. This is not just good business; it is the law. Bills need to clearly show all charges: basic subscription fees, any extra services, roaming charges, or any other costs.
• Security & Privacy: This is far more complex than it might seem. Security and privacy are huge responsibilities sitting on mobile operators’ shoulders. After all, they handle massive amounts of sensitive customer data every day. They have to protect their networks from cyber attacks, keep customer data (including location info and call records) safe and encrypted, and make sure only authorized people can access sensitive systems. With regulations like ePrivacy Directive, operators need complex processes for collecting, anonymizing, storing, using, and deleting customer information.
• Quality of Service: Operators need advanced traffic management systems, which help handle millions of connections at once. This ensures everyone gets good speed, whether they are watching YouTube or checking email. While they can use various tools to optimize network performance and prevent congestion, they must do so within strict net neutrality rules that prohibit unfair prioritization or blocking of specific services.
Regulators keep a close eye on these commitments through regular testing and reporting. Operators who don’t meet their obligations can face penalties ranging from fines to additional requirements.
These technical and legal frameworks aren’t just boxes to check; they’re the foundation of a worry-free mobile experience.
At MTX Connect, we operate under the same regulatory umbrella as traditional operators – just with a different focus. Rather than building physical towers, we’ve invested in a strong core network and global roaming partnerships. We follow all the same strict rules about security, billing transparency, and service quality. Our speciality is ensuring you stay connected when travelling with the same level of service you’d expect from your home network.