BEREC invites stakeholders to online workshop on Data Act

On 28 April 2023, BEREC will hold an online workshop on the switching and interoperability of data processing services. The aim of the event is to foster constructive dialogue with stakeholders, competent authorities and legislators for the implementation of the draft Data Act.

The workshop will be opened by BEREC Chair Kostas Masselos and will be followed by an introduction from the European Commission on Data Act approaches that could facilitate switching and interoperability. During the online event, the speakers representing academia, users, and cloud and telecommunications providers will exchange views on switching and interoperability perspectives. BEREC also expects that the invited speakers will identify the requirements to enhance competition in the provision of data processing services and give their insights on how to promote the adoption of data processing services to meet the EU 2030 targets. The concluding remarks of the workshop will be delivered by BEREC Vice Chair Annemarie Sipkes. Participation in the event is a subject to prior registration; the deadline is close of business on 27 April 2023. For more information, please consult the Agenda of the workshop. 

BEREC’s relevant work 
In its 2023 Work Programme, BEREC has considered the increasing relevance of data processing services in the provision of electronic communications networks and services (ECN/ECS) and, in general, for the internet ecosystem. Several work streams related to cloud services have been included in BEREC’s current working plans. Among them are:
-    a report on cloud services and edge computing;
-    an external study on the trends and policy/regulatory challenges of cloudification, virtualisation and softwarisation in telecommunications. 

Last year, BEREC published a general statement on the draft Data Act and a High-Level Opinion on the European Commission’s proposal for a regulation. BEREC welcomes the draft Data Act and its objectives, as it will generate benefits for both individual and business users. Making data available for use and reuse will foster a competitive data market, supporting data-driven innovation. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that a deeper understanding be gained of the barriers and solutions to mitigate the possible lock-in effects, considering their impact on security, data protection and innovation. As European businesses increasingly depend on data processing services to remain competitive, BEREC strongly welcomes the provisions to facilitate switching between data processing services. The reduction and eventual removal of switching charges will lead to increased competition in the data processing services market. It ensures freedom of choice for users and mitigates current issues caused by user lock-ins, such as a loss of innovation incentives and market consolidation.