European Parliament Adopts Plan to Reform Telecoms Sector

The European Parliament adopted a plan Wednesday to reform telecoms rules in the European Union (EU), aiming to boost competition and benefit consumers.

The legislative package, approved by 597 in favor, with 55 against and 29 abstentions, would require an incumbent national telecoms operator to separate its network infrastructure from its services branch so as to give easier access to market entrants.

EU lawmakers also backed the idea of establishing a European telecoms regulator, but the powers of the new body were watered down compared to the original proposal by the European Commission.

It would not have any responsibility for network security, but would be financed from the EU budget in order to strengthen its independence and to ensure equality among national regulators.

The new rules establish greater independence of national regulators, which EU Telecoms Commissioner Viviane Reding said are the backbone of an efficient application of telecoms rules for fair competition and tangible consumer benefits.

The package also demands increased transparency and information for consumers, better access to services for users with disabilities, a more efficient 112 European emergency number and number portability within one day.

"Competition brings lower prices, better-quality services and more choice, so consumers are the real winners in today's vote," Reding said.

The European Commission put forward the legislative proposal in November 2007. It will now go to EU governments for approval.

Reding said she would work to ensure the adoption of the package in 2009.

Source: CRIEnglish