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Notiziario Marketpress di
Giovedì 09 Dicembre 2004
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Pagina2 |
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EU ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS MARKETS: OUTLOOK GOOD, BUT MORE PROGRESS NEEDED ON REGULATORY REFORM |
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Brussels, 9 December 2004 - The Eu electronic communications sector is showing signs of intensifying competition and strong growth in some segments. Progress in implementing the regulatory package has been good, but more work is needed if Europe is to reap the benefits of a fully competitive sector, says the European Commission’s latest report on the implementation of the Eu electronic communications regulatory package, adopted today. This report, which for the first time covers 25 Member States, highlights the strong expansion of mobile and broadband communications. Despite progress on reform, the Commission is concerned that delays and ineffective application in some Member States could hinder competition, innovation and investment. Presenting the report, Viviane Reding Commissioner responsible for Information Society and Media, welcomed the progress made but reiterated the need for full and effective implementation of the rules: ‘The electronic communications sector is a vital driver of growth and prosperity of Europe’s economy. Effective competition in this sector is therefore essential if we want to reach Europe’s Lisbon objectives. I very much welcome the more stable market outlook, underpinned by the expansion of broadband and mobile services. Already today, consumers are benefiting from more choice, lower prices and innovation. To guarantee this, full and effective implementation of the Ec’s new regulatory framework continues to be essential. It is a major achievement that twenty Member States have adopted the necessary primary legislation, although five Member States lag behind and we are taking the necessary measures to remedy this. It is our priority to see Ec law fully applied in all Member States.’ This Report, jointly prepared by the services of Commissioners Reding and Kroes, shows that while overall growth has stabilised, broadband lines have grown to almost 30 million and competition is intensifying as new entrants invest further in infrastructure. However, where competition is still weak, the Commission will monitor its development actively and intervene where appropriate. Mobile phones are now used by 83% of European citizens, and the rate is still rising. Third-generation (3G) high-speed networks and services have been launched in most Member States. There are an estimated 2.6 million 3G subscribers in the Eu and on average, at least 43% of the Eu population should be covered by the end of 2004. Fixed-line telephony has declined in value terms, among other things because growing competition forces prices down. Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, and Luxembourg have not yet fully transposed the Eu rules into national primary law. The Commission has launched infringement proceedings against Member States that have not notified it of these laws, and proceedings are still pending before the European Court of Justice against Belgium, Greece and Luxembourg. Secondary (implementing) legislation is still to be adopted in eight Member States, (Spain, France, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia). The report can be consulted at: http://europa.Eu.int/information_society/topics/ecomm/all
_about/implementation_enforcement/annualreports/10threport/index_en.htm
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