The European Commission has recently published three studies on the review of the current electronic communications regulatory framework (2006 Review).
The study, ''An Assessment of the Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications: Growth and Investment in the EU e-Communications Sector'', analyses investment in the electronic communications markets of EU member states, identifying the differences that can be found between the various sectors and operators (incumbents vs. new operators). It also provides a comparative analysis of sectoral growth in electronic communications in the EU and other geographical markets, and identifies which factors and aspects of regulation are impacting growth and sectoral investment.
The second study, ''Preparing the Next Steps in Regulation of Electronic Communications'', sets out to respond to two issues: firstly how far the currently regulatory framework goes in achieving the objectives of the Commission and what changes should be made; and secondly how the development of the sector is perceived, and what implications such developments will have for the regulatory framework.
The study also puts forward a range of proposals for technical and legal reform of the regulatory framework. It also suggests further activities that would better achieve the Commission’s goals and additional aspects for investigation.
Finally the study, ''Experts’ Report in Relation with the Review of the Recommendation on Markets Subject to ex ante Regulation'', puts forward an opinion on the review of the recommendation on markets subject to ex ante regulation, excluding markets 17 and 18 - wholesale national market for international roaming services in public mobile networks and broadcasting services for the delivery of content transmitted to final users. It aims to help the Commission in the identification of markets for inclusion in the new Recommendation.
These studies, compiled by external consultants, deal with some of key issues of the 2006 Review, which was started with a public consultation process launched on 29 June 2006 and is ongoing until 27 October.
Consult:
- ''An Assessment of the Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications: Growth and Investment in the EU e-Communications Sector'', London Economics e PricewaterhouseCoopers, July 2006 https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=396779
- ''Preparing the Next Steps in Regulation of Electronic Communications'', Hogan & Hartson e Analysys, July 2006 https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=396781
- ''Experts’ Report in Relation with the Review of the Recommendation on Markets Subject to ex ante Regulation'', Ulrich Stumpf, Martin Cave and Tommaso Valletti, July 2006 https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=396783
Further information:
- IP/06/1123 http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/1123&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
- Tomorrow's Framework http://europa.eu.int/information_society/policy/ecomm/tomorrow/index_en.htm
Related information on ANACOM's website:
- Commission launches public consultation on ''2006 review'' https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=376492
- Electronic communications - regulatory framework https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=60209
- EU - European Union https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=66653
