Telecommunication networks have become the backbone of modern state infrastructure, supporting banking, logistics, energy grids, and public administration. A disruption or attack on these networks could trigger a domino effect across the entire economy, warns Krzysztof Dyl, deputy president of the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE), speaking at the CYBERSEC EXPO & FORUM 2026 in Katowice.
The UKE, traditionally associated with telecom regulation, is gaining new responsibilities related to digital services and cybersecurity under European regulations such as the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the NIS2 directive. Dyl stressed that telecom regulation remains the core task of the office, but the scope is expanding.
– I hope the telecommunications part will not take a back seat, because it is still our primary function: regulating this market – said Krzysztof Dyl.
New responsibilities for UKE
The new regulations bring UKE into a much broader digital market area. The value of the telecom sector alone exceeds 46 billion zlotys, but the digital market is significantly larger. Under DSA, UKE will strengthen protection for internet users, especially minors, though it awaits national legislation to fully implement its powers.
– DSA has already come into force. We are waiting for national regulations that will allow us to take full action. Consumer expectations of our role are high, and we hope to meet them when we have good law behind us – Dyl added.
The second key area is the NIS2 directive, implemented in Poland through amendments to the national cybersecurity system act. This affects the security of infrastructure and services essential for the economy. Dyl noted that the telecom sector is not starting from scratch.
– The telecom market has already gone through this path. Today we are talking about additional regulations, but the sector is well prepared – he said.
Domino effect fears
Telecom networks are now critical for payment systems, logistics, energy, and gas utilities. Without them, society would grind to a halt. Dyl warned that during hybrid warfare, communication networks are the first target.
– The telecom network always becomes the first target in hybrid war. This happened in Ukraine and we observe the same here – he stressed.
The scale of threats is immense: over 600,000 attacks were recorded last year alone. Dyl acknowledged the sector has managed to keep services running, but the new regulations impose concrete obligations on companies. While penalties exist for non-compliance, Dyl emphasized that cybersecurity should start with awareness, not fear.
– I would not like to talk about penalties, because that is not part of our security. Awareness and actions taken are key. A penalty is unfortunately the result of inaction and comes at the very end – he explained.
He pointed out that a weakness in one company could quickly cascade to the entire sector, then to energy, transport, and other areas. Larger firms have dedicated teams and resources, while smaller ones face a bigger challenge in allocating people and funds for compliance.
– Bigger entities with special departments find it easier. Smaller ones will have to find people, resources, and money to prepare – Dyl noted.
His advice is simple: study the regulations and start implementing them before a crisis hits. Whether Poland can be confident about telecom resilience depends on preparation.
– We can be confident if we are prepared. But how prepared we are will only be revealed when an event occurs – he concluded.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. WNP.PL
