EU regulators mull easing merger rules for telcos and Big Tech to help pay network costs

EU regulators may ease their rules against mobile telecoms mergers and also broaden telecoms rules to get Big Tech and others to help fund the rollout of 5G, according to a European Commission document seen by Reuters.

"The fragmentation of the EU market for electronic communications networks and services along national borders could impact the ability of operators to reach the scale needed to invest in the networks of the future, in particular in view of cross-border services," the paper said.

Commission Vice-President Margrethe Vestager is scheduled to present the document on Feb. 21, seeking feedback from all stakeholders before making any decision.