The European Commission has sent a warning letter to Cyprus and 23 other countries regarding the failure to transpose new telecommunications rules.
The European Electronic Communications Code updates the European regulatory framework for electronic communications, with the aim of strengthening consumer choice and rights, for example by ensuring clearer contracts, quality services and competitive markets. The code also ensures higher standards for communication services, including more efficient and accessible emergency communications. In addition, it enables operators to benefit from rules that provide incentives for investment in very high-capacity networks, as well as enhanced regulatory predictability, resulting in more innovative digital services and infrastructure.
The deadline for transposing the code into national law was 21 December 2020. So far, only Greece, Hungary and Finland have notified the Commission that they have taken all necessary measures to transpose the Directive, thus declaring its full transposition. in national law.
The Commission has therefore sent warning letters to Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia and Lithuania. Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia and Sweden, inviting them to adopt and notify the relevant measures. These Member States have two months to respond.
Record
The European Code of Electronic Communications, which updates the regulatory framework governing the European telecommunications sector in line with the new challenges, entered into force in December 2018, with Member States having two years to implement its rules. It is a key piece of legislation to achieve the European Gigabit Society and ensure the full participation of all EU citizens in the digital economy and society.
In order to assist Member States in transposing the Directive, the Commission monitored the transposition process and provided extensive guidance and assistance. In addition, the Agency for European Electronic Communications Regulators (BEREC) has developed and published guidelines aimed at the successful implementation of the new rules.
According to the Code, in December 2020, the Commission adopted the following legislation to strengthen competition, regulate harmonization and a level playing field for all market participants, as well as to protect consumers and ensure fair charges. and a variety of offers for internet and telephony services.
• New delegated regulation setting single maximum voice termination charges at Union level, which operators are allowed to charge each other for mobile and landline calls between their networks.
• Updated relevant market recommendation, which updates the list of predetermined markets that national regulators need to review regularly.
