Brussels backs down on telecoms pricing

Neelie Kroes, Europe’s Digital Commissioner, gave the large European telecoms groups a boost in July 2012 by backing down on a threat to cut pricing of their networks to encourage investment in European infrastructure.

In proposals published on the 12 july 2012, Ms Kroes said the pricing of access to the ageing copper-based networks would not be forced lower for smaller rival groups, while the incumbent telecoms groups would have freedom to set charges on newer high speed fibre networks gradually being built across the region.

European Commission: RAPID: MEMO/12/554: Enhancing the broadband investment environment – policy statement by Vice President Kroes http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/12/554&format=PDF&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

European Commission: Digital Agenda http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/digital-agenda/index_en.htm

ESO: Background information: Kroes calls for greater broadband investment http://www.europeansources.info/record/kroes-calls-for-greater-broadband-investment/

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