| NOTAS: | A study prepared for the European Commission
DG Communications Networks, Content & Technology
"This study investigates the supply and demand conditions for active wholesale access products across the EU in order to understand (i) whether there is a case for standardised wholesale products across the EU, and if so (ii) what would be the best mechanisms to achieve this. Evidence was gathered through various means including an online survey, benchmarking and theoretical models.
The study found that certain categories of connectivity inputs, also called 'active wholesale access products' are not sufficiently harmonised to various degrees, thereby leading to a patchy situation regarding the features and availability of high bandwidth (Ethernet) connectivity products. The main consequences of that situation are (i) to hinder the transition from legacy to modern high-speed broadband services, (ii) to set un-necessary obstacles to the provision of cross-border and pan-European provision of electronic communications services and (iii) to negatively impact the core business of ICT users due to delays in provisioning of connectivity products and issues regarding the quality of service, in particular for multi-site and multi-national business users.
Key conclusions are that common specifications for wholesale products (amongst other factors) could support the transition from legacy to modern high-speed broadband services by reducing the ‘time to market’. They could also improve provisioning conditions, quality and consistency for multi-national business customers.
The study recommends that attention should be given to ensuring a common understanding concerning the specification of VULA and Ethernet bitstream and addressing concerns over service levels for Ethernet leased lines.
The report identifies a number of mechanisms to ensure more harmonisation of active wholesale access products on the basis of the regulatory instruments in place and also taking into account the forthcoming review of the regulatory framework for electronic communications. For the short term, the study recommends to engage with global standardization industry fora that are active in the field and to draw on the considerable expertise of BEREC in this area." |
