Breakthrough brings promise of lower EU telecoms costs

The European Parliament agreed on 12 December 2001 to compromise on a legislative package that sets out common rules for Europe's telecommunications and media sector. The measures include four directives that will together form one of the biggest legislative packages pushed through by the current European Commission. The package requires national authorities to consult each other on subjects such as third generation mobile phone auctions and gives companies and consumers greater rights to appeal against decisions.