EU proposes cheaper Broadband, Mobile and Cable TV services

The European Commission (EC) has published proposals for a reform of the European telecoms market.

The measures would create more investment, competition and choice for consumers in the EU.  These would be done under the creation of a new “European telecom market authority”.  The EC says the new authority would be responsible for ensuring a level playing field for operators and consumer protection in all 27 EU countries.

The EC also looks to create more competition in the telecoms sector by allowing regulators the opportunity to open up networks owned by state monopolies, where it is appropriate and in the interests of the country.  The proposal draws upon the successful experience of BTs Openreach division, which opened up the local loop to competitors such as Carphone Warehouse and Sky and stimulated further competition.

The reform also proposes dealing with radio spectrum availability and management which is seen as an important part of the reform.  Freeing up of more radio spectrum could bring broadband connectivity to more rural areas to help tackle the issue of the “digital divide”.

The proposals will now be put forward to the EU’s parliament and its ministers.  The EC believes if the proposal goes smoothly it could become national law by the end of 2010.

The EC says this “would provide better regulated and cheaper communication services for your mobile phone, broadband internet connection and cable TV, wherever you live in the EU”.