In the conclusion of the 11th report on European Electronic Communications Regulation and Markets in 2005, which was published yesterday, The European Commission has underlined its view that competition is bringing benefits to consumers and that the outlook for innovation and investment across member states is positive, while the regulatory Framework assures the citizen basic services at an affordable price.
The report also evaluates the regulatory environment (as it was on 01 December 2005), noting that, despite some shortcomings, on the whole member states have made substantial progress in implementing the Regulatory Framework.
The report also outlined the communitary outlook from a range of perspectives including: the independence of National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs); the appeal procedures put in place by the NRAs; rights of way; and economic regulation, focusing especially on local loop unbundling, interconnection and cost accounting systems.
In its assessment of the market, the report found in its main conclusions that: with an average EU penetration rate of 11.5%, broadband is growing at a good rate, that the number of operators is increasing and that prices are falling; in mobile communication the voice market is showing signs of maturity; prices for international roaming remain high; voice over IP (VoIP) is also a segment that is showing marked growth. The data refers to the situation as of 01 September 2005 (01 October 2005 for broadband).
In its section on consumer interest, the report focused on a number of points including: the developments seen in the area of Universal Service with reference to the fact that all Member have designated the fixed incumbent operator; special social needs, underlining that some Member States are taking measures with regard to low income users; consumer regulation, highlighting measures taken in the area of portability and the selection and pre-selection of operators; directory services, noting with concern that some Member States, including Portugal, did not have a comprehensive directory and/or enquiry service; and the 112 European emergency number.
The report comes with two annexes: Annex 1 refers to Member State implementation and Annex 2 to market outlook. As regards Portugal (Annex 1, pages 236-244), the main conclusions point out the growth seen in the electronic communications market during 2005, especially in mobile communication and broadband. It also outlines the position and initiatives of ANACOM and the national competition authority (Autoridade da Concorrência), as well as regulatory and market developments.
Further information:
- 11th report on European Electronic Communications Regulations and Markets 2005 http://europa.eu.int/information_society/policy/ecomm/doc/implementation_enforcement/annualreports/11threport/com_2006_68_en.pdf
- Anexo 1 http://europa.eu.int/information_society/policy/ecomm/doc/implementation_enforcement/annualreports/11threport/sec_2006_193-vol1.pdf
- Anexo 2 http://europa.eu.int/information_society/policy/ecomm/doc/implementation_enforcement/annualreports/11threport/sec_2006_193_vol2bis.pdf
Related information on ANACOM's website:
- Electronic communications - regulatory framework (2002) https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=130696
- EU - European Union https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=66653
