(Telecompaper) The European Commission's proposals for reforming the EU telecom regulatory framework will be ready on time, in September, according to Roberto Viola, director-general of the DG Connect. While the Commission is still working on its reform proposals, Viola said the planned announcement by the Commission this week on policies to support e-commerce and reform audiovisual sector policy will offer some indication of the approach the EC will take on telecoms, particularly in how to achieve a 'level playing field' for the various players in the sector. Speaking at the ETNO-MLex conference in Brussels, he said there will be an emphasis on simplification, including more co- and self-regulation in order to achieve the aim of a 'gigabit society'. The aim is to stimulate operators to invest in faster networks and increasing connectivity, while providing regulatory certainty to ensure a return for the investors. Investment is also key to ensuring competition, Viola said. "There can be no competition without investment, these are two sides of the same coin," he said.