The European Commission published a report underlining the importance of the electronic communication sector for the health of the European economy. The report singles out the implementation of the new regulatory framework for electronic communications, action to extend broadband coverage in underserved areas, stimulating demand and the successful role out of third generation mobile communications as top priorities. Some highlights of these four priority areas include:
Addressing regulatory challenges. Late or incorrect transposition by EU member states of the new regulatory framework for electronic communications is holding back competition and creating uncertainty. Infringement proceedings are underway against a number of EU member states who have failed to transpose the new measures.
Increasing broadband coverage in underserved areas. Each of the EU member states agreed to publish national broadband strategies that identify geographic areas that risk being placed in the slow lane of the information society because of insufficient demand to justify the roll out of broadband services. EU funding may play a role alongside action at a national, regional or local level.
Stimulating demand. While the majority of households in the EU can access broadband, only a fraction of them have chosen to do so. EU member states are urged to stimulate demand by bring more local and national government services online, such as health and education information. . This must be accompanied by further steps to address security, digital rights management and the interoperability of different services and devices.
Successfully launching 3G networks. There are currently around 500,000 3G subscribers spread across five EU member states. By the end of 2004 more than forty 3G networks should be providing commercial services.
The report can be found at: http://EURpa.eu.int/information_society/eEurope/2005/doc/highlights/whats_new/sector_com.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/
- In October 2003, The European Commission opened infringement proceedings against Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal for failure to implement the new EC framework for electronic communications in a timely manner. Member states of the European Union had agreed on the deadline of 24 July 2003 for the transposition of the main provisions of the new electronic communications framework into the national laws. As of 6 October 2003, seven countries had taken the necessary action to incorporate the Framework, Authorisations, Access and Universal Service Directives. These are: Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Austria, Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
- The new framework is designed for more ensuring more competitive markets and to accommodate converging electronic communications technologies.