Framework

The EU regulatory framework for electronic communications was formally approved and published in 2002, taking effect from 25 July 2003.

This regulatory framework comprises Five Directives: the Framework Directive, the Access Directive, the Authorisation Directive, the Universal Service Directive, all of 7 March 2002, and the Privacy Directive of 12 July 2002. Furthermore, this package included the Frequency Spectrum Decision of 7 March 2002, as well as subsequently approved additional measures, including the Recommendation on relevant markets (Commission Recommendation 2003/311/EC of 11 February 2003), later repealed with publication of Recommendation 2007/879/EC of 17 December.

In September 2003, an IT system was set up by the European Commission, created under Commission Recommendation 2003/561/EC of 23 July 2003, available at CIRCA - Communication & Information Resource Centre Administrator, with the aim of implementing the mechanism on notifications, time limits and consultations provided for in article 7 of Directive No 2002/21/EC (Framework Directive).

This regulatory framework for electronic communications is available in full in the "Legislation" area of this website.  Because they are likely to remain useful for a comparative and evolutionary analysis, previous Community documents remain accessible in this area comprising the "liberalisation" and "harmonisation" regulatory package of the communications sector of 1998, as well as specific decisions specifying additional implementation periods for Portugal, as well as Ireland, Greece and Spain.

All information related to the framework, in a first phase, of telecommunications, and in a second phase, of electronic communications can be found on the website of the European Commission, including not only legislation but also other relevant documents. Reference can also be found here to the various committees, including those set up under the regulatory framework for electronic communications adopted in 2002, as is the case of the Communications Committee (COCOM), the European Regulators Group (ERG), the High Level Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) and the Radio Spectrum Committee (RSC). Additional community documentation is also available on the eEurope Action Plan.

The summaries of the meetings of the relevant groups and committees in which ANACOM participates are available in the International Activity area of ANACOM's website.

Further information:

CIRCA - Communication & Information Resource Centre Administrator http://www.anacom.pt/disclaimer_links.jsp?contentId=95459&fileId=150376&channel=graphic&backContentId=95459

European Commission http://www.anacom.pt/disclaimer_links.jsp?contentId=95459&fileId=87302&channel=graphic&backContentId=95459

European Regulators Group (ERG) http://www.anacom.pt/disclaimer_links.jsp?contentId=95459&fileId=87119&channel=graphic&backContentId=95459

Related information on ANACOM's website:

International Activity http://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=66650

XIII. Telecommunications - liberalisation and harmonisation (98 regulatory package) - REVOKED LEGISLATION http://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=59470