EU telecoms reform paves the way for better regulation and stronger consumer rights
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New EU telecoms rules recently came into force which are designed to reform the European telecoms market and to provide for more uniform regulation within the EU.
A new Regulation establishing the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) came into force in early January 2010. BEREC, which will commence operation in June 2010, will strengthen the single telecoms market by ensuring consistent regulation and approach to telecoms matters throughout the EU.
A speedy transposition of the Reform Package will be crucial for achieving legal certainty, enhancing competition and stimulating investment in Europe's telecoms market.
Telecoms operators will have to revisit their contracting terms to ensure the consumer protections incorporated in the directives are covered…
In addition to the transposition of two new directives by June 2011, the EU’s 500 million consumers will benefit from greater rights of access, information and privacy protection in the single telecoms market. Telecoms operators will have to revisit their contracting terms to ensure the consumer protections incorporated in the directives are covered – however how much needs to be done will depend on how the Irish Government implements. Whether in fact it will have a significant impact on Irish operators is questionable, given the broad consumer protection and compliance enshrined in already existing consumer protection laws and code here. The telecoms reform package will also promote greater broadband penetration as well as encouraging investment and competition in next generation networks.
Useful Links:
New Directives - on Eur-Lex, Official Journal of the European Union
eCommunications legislation in force - on Europe Information Society Thematic Portal
Memo on EU Telecoms Reform, 20th Nov 2009 - on Europa Online Press Room
Press Release "Green light for new EU telecoms rules", 24th Nov 2009 - European Parliament Website
