Press Release: Telecoms: Commission to cut number of regulated markets in Europe

On the 9 October 2014 the European Commission – in agreement with Member States - decided that two telecom markets should no longer be subject to regulation in Europe, and that two more should be redefined to reflect market and technology developments. The rules take effect immediately.

The two liberated markets are:

+ the retail market for access to fixed telephony;

+ the wholesale market for fixed call origination.

The Commission will also redefine two broadband markets, in order to limit regulatory burdens to what is strictly necessary for competitive broadband access and investment.

• Primary Source

European Commission: RAPID: MEMO/14/573: Frequently asked questions: Recommendation on relevant markets http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-573_en.htm

European Commission: RAPID: SPEECH/14/676: The EU really can cut red tape http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-14-676_en.htm

The New York Times, 02.11.14: Europe Shifts on Priorities for Telecoms http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/03/technology/europe-shifts-on-priorities-for-telecoms.html

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