26 Jan. Political Advisory Council at the Federal Network Agency to play key role in 2026 – VATM President Valentina Daiber emphasises importance of an active, competition-oriented regulatory authority
Berlin, 26. January 2026. The Advisory Board of the Federal Network Agency meets today for its first session of 2026 in a new setup. Under the chairmanship of Mark Helfrich, the body takes on a special role this year as a political adviser and source of guidance, especially with many important decisions shaping the telecommunications market.
“The growing importance of data and networks requires an appropriate regulatory framework, given the high investment needs. Many EU initiatives and national crossroads are on the horizon,” explains Valentina Daiber, President of VATM. “More than ever, the industry needs the Federal Network Agency as a strong, reliable partner. This includes a clear commitment to competition and consistent regulation that promotes it in the best possible way.”
The copper-to-fibre migration, Germany’s largest infrastructure project in decades, is entering the home stretch. The market is facing a decisive phase. Clear processes, binding regulations and a reliable regulatory roadmap are essential for a digital and internationally competitive Germany.
Daiber expressly welcomes the regulatory concept presented by the Federal Network Agency a few days ago: “The authority has taken the right path – away from light regulation in the fixed network, which has so far hindered the market more than it has advanced it.” Above all, the market now needs planning security.
At the same time, Daiber is appealing to members of the Federal Network Agency’s advisory board to strengthen the authority’s political standing and advocate for greater enforcement powers.
“Lengthy procedures have a significant impact on competition and investment decisions,” says Daiber. “We need faster and more efficient processes. The Federal Network Agency must take the initiative and not just react to market developments.”
The VATM considers the advisory board to play a key role in critically monitoring these processes. “We warmly congratulate Mark Helfrich and the entire advisory board on this important task at such a very challenging time for the telecommunications market and look forward to a constructive and trusting exchange,” Daiber concluded.
