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EC to present single telecom market reforms by June
2013-04-18 10:17:00| Telecompaper Headlines
(Telecompaper) The European Commission is accelerating plans to introduce new regulations to support a single EU telecoms market. Sources familiar with the matter told the Financial Times that the EC will now present its plans by June, rather than an earlier deadline of October. The aim is to get the plan approved before the European Parliament elections in 2014. Details of the plan are still uncertain, but the report said it is expected to include measures to make cross-border mergers easier and foster a single consumer market across the region. This could mean, for example, a stronger EU regulator to make decisions at a regional level, as well as practical steps such as a European telephone number to cut out roaming charges. Spectrum could also be set aside that could be awarded on a European licence to mobile operators. "We are accelerating our efforts. It's essential for the sector and the wider economy," Neelie Kroes, commissioner for the Digital Agenda, confirmed to the paper that the EC is accelerating its efforts to deliver a single market. The final draft proposal will be issued in October, but the June blueprint will allow all parties to suggest possible amendments ahead of this to remove objections. The European telecoms industry body, Etno, will also make proposals ahead of the June deadline.
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Category:Telecommunications