European Union: European Commission adopted proposal for Digital Networks Act including quality of service requirement

On 21 January 2026, the European Commission adopted its proposal for the Digital Networks Act, which will be presented to the European Parliament and the Council for approval. The Act aims to simplify and harmonise rules, reinforcing competitiveness and fostering a more integrated single market. The Act would introduce quality of service requirements for internet access and voice communications service providers by providing that all Union consumers are entitled to affordable and adequate services at a fixed location. The Commission would be given the power to determine, by implementing act, the methodology for defining adequate internet access services. Further, the Act would required internet access providers to treat all internet access equally and impose restrictions on the use of traffic management measures.