Filenews 4 February 2021
A letter of formal notice was sent by the European Commission to Cyprus and 23 other countries concerning the failure to transfer new telecommunications rules.
The European Electronic Communications Code modernises the European regulatory framework for electronic communications, with a view to strengthening consumer choice and rights, for example by ensuring clearer contracts, quality services and competitive markets. The code also ensures higher standards for communication services, including more efficient and accessible emergency communications. In addition, it enables operators to benefit from rules that incentivise investment in very high capacity networks, as well as enhanced regulatory predictability, resulting in more innovative digital services and infrastructure.
The deadline for transposing the Code into national law was 21 December 2020. So far, only Greece, Hungary and Finland have notified the Commission that they have taken all necessary measures to transpose the Directive, thus declaring its full transposition.
Consequently, the Commission sent letters of formal notice to Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia and Sweden, inviting them to adopt and notify the relevant measures. Those Member States shall have two months to reply.
Historic
The European Electronic Communications Code, which updates the regulatory framework governing the European telecommunications sector in line with the new challenges, entered into force in December 2018, with Member States having two years to implement its rules. This is a key piece of legislation to achieve European Gigabit society and ensure full participation of all EU citizens in the digital economy and society.
In order to support Member States in transposing the Directive, the Commission monitored the transposition process and provided extensive guidance and assistance. In addition, the European Regulatory Body for Electronic Communications (BEREC) has developed and published guidelines aimed at the successful implementation of the new rules.
In accordance with the Code, in December 2020, the Commission adopted the following legislative acts to strengthen competition, regulatory harmonisation and a level playing field for all market players, as well as to protect consumers and ensure fair fees and various offers for internet and telephony services.
• New delegated regulation setting a single maximum union-level voice termination fee, which operators are allowed to charge each other for mobile and fixed telephony calls between their networks.
• An updated recommendation on the relevant markets updating the list of pre-defined markets, which national regulatory authorities are required to review regularly.
Source: eyenews
