Telecoms – Commission queries Estonian regulator’s costing methodology for broadband infrastructure

The European Commission has suspended a proposal from the Estonian telecoms regulator (ECA) for calculating regulated fees which the dominant operator, Elion Ettevoted AS, can charge other operators to use its broadband infrastructure. The Commission is concerned that ECA's approach may not be compatible with EU telecoms rules, could hamper investment in broadband and could also create artificial barriers in the market.

The Commission has sent a "serious doubts" letter to ECA and the regulator now has three months to work with the Commission and the Body of European telecoms regulators (BEREC) to find a solution to this case. In the meantime, implementation of the proposal is suspended.