The European Commission today adopted its most ambitious plan in 26 years of telecoms market reform. Launched by Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in his 2013 State of the Union speech, the “Connected Continent” legislative package, when adopted, will reduce consumer charges, simplify red tape faced by companies, and bring a range of new rights for both users and service providers, so that Europe can once again be a global digital leader.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said: “Further substantial progress towards a European single market for telecoms is essential for Europe’s strategic interests and economic progress. For the telecoms sector itself and for citizens who are frustrated that they do not have full and fair access to internet and mobile services. Vice President Neelie Kroes, the Digital Agenda Commissioner responsible for the package, said: “The legislation proposed today is great news for the future of mobile and internet in Europe. The European Commission says no to roaming premiums, yes to net neutrality, yes to investment, yes to new jobs. Fixing the telecoms sector is no longer about this one sector but about supporting the sustainable development of all sectors.” The telecoms sector makes up just 9% of Europe’s digital economy because all sectors increasingly depend on connectivity to be globally competitive and deliver services.
While successive waves of reform by the European Union have helped transform the way telecoms services are delivered in the European Union, the sector still operates largely on the basis of 28 national markets. There is no telecoms company that operates across the whole EU, and both operators and customers face differing prices and rules. Here to read more.
