Description (short summary): The adoption of the EU electronic communications reform package in November 2009 paved the way towards strengthening the European electronic communications market by revising rules to ensure more effective competition and better rights for consumers. Much has been accomplished already: the market has become more competitive, generating investment, innovation and growth in all 27 EU Member States. New communication services have emerged and EU citizens now benefit from lower prices, better quality and increased transparency.

However, the common rules for the regulation of electronic communications networks and services are being implemented in the Member States with different degrees of effectiveness. As a result, many operators and citizens still perceive Europe as being a patchwork of different regulatory regimes. More efforts are therefore still needed to move towards a single market for electronic communications.

The revised EU framework constitutes the basis for a supportive and consistent regulatory environment targeting remaining challenges. They reinforce competition while enhancing incentives to invest. New provisions on freeing radio spectrum will improve the availability of new wireless services, including wireless broadband, at reasonable costs. The new body of European regulators (Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications - BEREC) will improve cooperation between national regulators and the European Commission. This will lead to the creation of a common ‘regulatory culture’, to more consistency, and to a real single market for electronic communications networks and services.

The revised EU framework will thus better meet the future challenges arising from a rapidly evolving sector. Its timely implementation is essential and will ultimately benefit the European economy and society by providing it with the advanced electronic communications infrastructure it needs for its growth.

This collection of texts, which includes a consolidated version of the electronic communications reform package as amended in 2009, will prove a useful resource for all those concerned with the application of law in the electronic communications sector.

Number of pages: 312

ISBN Number: 978-92-79-14964-1

Description of license: © European Union, 2010. Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged

Nature of documentation: Legal document