The European Commission adopted, on 11 July, a Communication containing the report on market reviews under the regulatory framework of electronic communications.
Presenting the results of around 600 draft regulatory decisions sent to the Commission by National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) in accordance with the procedures set out by Article 7 of the Framework-Directive, this report underlines the fact that the review mechanism of decisions on electronic communication markets has led to more coherent market analyses, greater transparency and has ensured that regulation only exists in markets which need it to be competitive.
However, there are still many challenges ahead for European regulators; with the report revealing considerable variation in the remedies imposed, leading to the danger of a fragmentation of the internal telecoms market to the detriment of consumers and operators with pan-European business activities.
The Commission intends to advance with proposals for the simplification of administrative procedures, both for market participants and for regulators in line with the Commission's strategy for improved regulation. It is expected that the revision of the Recommendation on relevant markets and the Recommendation on the article 7 procedure will be adopted during the second half of 2007.
Further information:
- Comunicação da Comissão, COM (2007) 401 http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/policy/ecomm/doc/article_7/com_2007_401_en.pdf
- Documento de trabalho, SEC (2007) 962 http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/policy/ecomm/doc/article_7/dts_sec_962.pdf
- Comissão Europeia: Nota de imprensa http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/newsroom/cf/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=3509
Related information on ANACOM's website:
- Electronic communications - regulatory framework https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=60209
