Market and Economic Analysis
The Market and Economic Analysis Working Group (MEA WG) examines issues related to market reviews, such as market definition, assessment of market power and, more generally, market developments with significant impact on competition. Overall, the work aims to fulfil the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications’ (BEREC) goal of fostering independent, consistent and high-quality regulation of electronic communications networks and services for the benefit of European citizens.
In the past, the MEA WG has worked closely with the European Commission (EC) in the development of key regulatory initiatives such as the significant market power (SMP) guidelines and the Recommendation on relevant markets. In the same vein, the group will continue its close collaboration in the upcoming review of the regulatory framework and, consequently, the relevant markets Recommendation revision, by issuing an opinion.
The MEA WG has also published Guidelines on co-investments (as provided by Art. 76(1) and Annex IV of the European Electronic Communications Code - the EECC) and, following 4 years after the adoption, assessed the need for their update. Additionally, the working group studied relevant aspects concerning the use of alternative, lighter remedies when compared to the traditional ones in the context of commitments made binding, including co-investments, as well as reflected on the wholesale-only treatment.
Finally, the MEA WG reported on market analysis topics such as access to physical infrastructure, the effects of mergers and acquisitions, the analysis and regulation of oligopolies, geographical aspects of market definition and remedies, business services, the treatment of fixed and mobile backhaul or tower and access infrastructure companies.
Working Group Co-chairs
Work in 2026
In 2026, the MEA WG will continue working on specific topics, based on the BEREC Work Programme 2026.
Fact finding report on the competition indicators and regulatory highlights in different jurisdictions
The overall context of the telecommunications markets is adapting to current realities, with traditional electronic communications operators facing major changes in their business models, mobile network operators divesting their towers and sites in favour of independent infrastructure companies, digital players entering the sector and investing heavily in own infrastructure for the delivery of end user services and, lastly, increasing public funding being used for the development of connectivity in economically non-attractive areas. To inform on the impact that these changes are likely to have on the sector, BEREC will continue to consider key competition indicators in various jurisdictions to compile a comprehensive dataset depicting, from a quantitative perspective, anticipated trends.
BEREC will address the reach and take-up of broadband networks, pricing and quality aspects of services, consolidation trends in the sector, access regulation as an enabler of good performance, and profitability-related aspects. Depending on data availability, BEREC aims to present information from the USA, Canada, Australia, China, South Korea, and Japan, alongside Europe.
BEREC Opinion on the Recommendation on relevant markets susceptible to ex ante regulation
According to Article 64 of the EECC, the EC shall review the Recommendation on Relevant Product and Service Markets regularly. The Recommendation shall identify those product and service markets within the electronic communications sector the characteristics of which may be to justify the imposition of regulatory obligations set out in the EECC.
BEREC will issue an Opinion based on the documents supporting the Recommendation’s review and its draft text proposal to be communicated by the EC. BEREC is committed to participate actively in the process and, given the importance of this Recommendation for market analyses, BEREC will participate in exchanges and workshops with the EC, as deemed necessary, to ensure that BEREC’s questions and concerns are clarified and addressed, as well as provide the EC with developments in national regulatory authorities’ knowledge regarding the functioning of the markets.
BEREC will also organise an external workshop to discuss the industry’s perspectives on the revision of the Recommendation.
BEREC Report on the application of fair and reasonable pricing within the SMP framework
Fair and reasonable pricing is the main form of price regulation permitted for wholesale-only operators. However, there is very limited guidance on how this obligation should be interpreted within the SMP framework. As a result, different NRAs have adopted varying approaches to implementing and monitoring these obligations.
The BEREC report shall present an in-depth review of the interpretations and applications of fair and reasonable pricing obligations within the SMP framework across Europe. It will include an overview of NRA approaches, providing a comprehensive description of the context in which NRAs use fair and reasonable pricing obligations (e.g. in which markets and circumstances), including their reasoning and motivations, and how they implement and monitor those obligations. If possible, BEREC will also identify potential patterns, highlighting trends and/or specific approaches adapted to particular market contexts.
BEREC Report on access conditions to state-aid funded networks
According to the Broadband State Aid Guidelines, “Member States must consult NRAs on wholesale access products, conditions and pricing. NRAs are encouraged to provide guidance […]”. BEREC will develop an overview of NRA approaches undertaken for the evaluation of the appropriate wholesale access conditions for fixed state-aid-funded networks from an economic and technical perspective, accompanied by details on price determination. The focus will be on both active and passive access services.
The report will build on a dedicated data collection exercise from the NRAs and will promote experience exchange, with the aim of contributing to dissemination and harmonisation of practices.
Why is this important?
The mission of MEA WG is to secure the regulatory scenery to alleviate potential competitive concerns related to topics under their remit. Quite generally, the group assists BEREC to fulfil its strategic priority of fostering full connectivity.