The European Commission’s draft legislation of reforms to introduce a “single market” for European telecoms has been approved by the EU parliament.
The package includes abolishing roaming fees for voice, SMS and data services across the EU’s 28…
The European Commission’s draft legislation of reforms to introduce a “single market” for European telecoms has been approved by the EU parliament.
The package includes abolishing roaming fees for voice, SMS and data services across the EU’s 28 member states by the end of 2015, net neutrality laws, and taking steps to harmonise spectrum frequencies in the region.
Commenting on the approval, outgoing EU telecoms commissioner Neelie Kroes said: “Beyond the highly visible barrier of roaming we are now close to removing many other barriers so Europeans can enjoy open, seamless communications wherever they are.”
The parliament passed the reforms by 534 votes to 25, with 58 abstentions. To become law, the measures now need to be approved by the European Council, which represents the member states. A decision is expected by the end of 2014.
The GSMA, the lobbying group which represents the interests of mobile operators, did not feel the reforms went far enough.
In a statement it said: “The overall package fails to address the key challenge of stimulating growth and investment…The GSMA shares the European Commission’s view that a competitive telecommunications single market can help meet this challenge, but a more thorough and comprehensive approach is required to support this goal.”
The trade body singled out the net neutrality measures for criticism. Anne Bouverot, the GSMA’s director general, said “network operators must be able to develop services that meet the needs of consumers and charge different prices for differentiated products. This is also a key driver for the high network investment needed to meet Europe’s connectivity challenge and underpin growth”.
However, the lobbying group was more positive about the EU’s stance on spectrum policy. “Europe’s fragmented and inconsistent approach to spectrum policy continues to constrain investment and growth. A clear long-term progressive spectrum strategy is essential to rejuvenate mobile in Europe,” said Bouverot.
