BEREC views on the review of the Telecoms Framework in Europe

The BEREC Chair 2016 Mr. Wilhelm Eschweiler recently participated in the Internet and Cable Expo (INTX), which took place on 17 May 2016 in Boston (USA). He expressed some views on the review of the regulatory framework for electronic communications in Europe from the perspective of BEREC.

During his presentation the BEREC Chair pointed out that more than thirteen years after its inception the regulatory framework needs to be adjusted to current market dynamics, developments and changing consumer needs. With a forward looking approach the framework needs to be flexible enough to cope with a fast changing digital ecosystem. He underlined that the review process provides a good opportunity to “re-fresh” the regulatory framework while preserving what is at the root of its success – its underlying principles.

“BEREC’s view, balanced set of objectives – promotion of competition and investment, Internal European market and end-user interests – is still valid and fit for purpose.”

Mr. Eschweiler also reflected on some key substantial of the framework review process. He underpinned that first of all the framework review is part of a wider Digital Single Market strategy by the European Commission. Secondly, from BEREC’s regulatory perspective the “holistic approach” taken by the European Commission makes perfectly sense as digitalisation and evolving technological developments impact a wide array of areas. At the same time it is important to ensure a consistent and coherent approach between various initiatives and to be realistic enough to take into account that regulation on its own doesn’t solve all problems or meet all challenges around the Digital Single Market.

The BEREC Chair concluded his presentation by confirming that BEREC is ready to take up its role and to provide input based on its expertise as previously done. Various current BEREC workstreams are focusing on key telecoms review issues, among them major topics being at the heart of the review:

• access regulation and stemming issues around oligopolies;
• crucial role of spectrum for the roll-out future networks in an increasing IoT world;
• and over-the-top (OTT) services debate.