The national telecoms markets of the European Union (EU) have become more competitive, yet the single market for telecoms is far from being a reality - this according to the European Commission (EC) in a Communication issued on market reviews under the EU Regulatory Framework, especially with respect to the 'Article 7 procedure', under which national regulatory authorities (NRAs) give the EC prior notice of proposed regulatory measures.
Among the problems noted in this Communication of 1 June 2010, the EC highlights the application of different solutions to tackle similar competition problems. For example, in the treatment of fibre access products in wholesale broadband markets, in a number of cases, even though fibre has been included in the definition of the markets, NRAs have proposed not to impose regulatory remedies or have proposed to limit such measures when it comes to fibre networks. The report warns that regulatory uncertainty could stifle the deployment of infrastructure projects which require substantial investment, such as next generation access networks (NGA), one of the beacon initiatives of the Digital Agenda for Europe. However, it is recognised that, thanks to the ''Article 7 procedure'', citizens and companies have greater choice of services and access to lower prices.
Meanwhile, from May 2011, the new regulatory framework for electronic communications (Telecoms package) gives the Commission new responsibilities with respect to the imposition and application of remedies by national regulators, whereas the EC is charged with guaranteeing consistent application of these rules, working closely with the newly created Body of European Regulators in Electronic Communications (BEREC).
The Commission is also finalising a Recommendation on access to next generation access networks (NGA), having adopted a similar Recommendation on the treatment of fixed and mobile termination rates in the EU. The measures make steps towards the accomplishment of the single market for telecoms.
Further information:
- Communication from the Commission on market reviews under the EU Regulatory Framework (3rd report) http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/policy/ecomm/doc/implementation_enforcement/eu_consultation_procedures/communication_art7_en.pdf
- EU Consultation procedures http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/policy/ecomm/implementation_enforcement/eu_consultation_procedures/index_en.htm
