While praising Pataki for "his diplomatic skills when ensuring successful results for fair competition, effective regulation and concrete consumer benefits in the whole European Union," Reding stressed the impact that digitalization of the broadcasting and broadband market would have on Europe.

"The incremental value of using the digital dividend spectrum for wireless broadband across the EU is estimated to be between €150 - €200 billion," Reding said. The switch-over from analog to digital broadcasting in the EU is due to be completed by 2012.