Europe - Regulatory Environment

Synopsis

This report examines regulatory developments in Europe’s telecom market in 2008, including the review of the 2003 New Regulatory Framework due to come into force in 2010. New challenges range from mobile data roaming and interconnection, to competition issues resulting from Next Generation Network deployments and competitor access to new networks. Local Loop Unbundling remains a priority for regulators across the region, given the implications for broadband competition. The report evaluates the European Parliament’s November 2009 vote on the regulatory reform package, together with national regulatory developments.

Table of Contents

• 1. Synopsis
• 2. Telecommunications regulatory environment
  • 2.1 The EU influence
  • 2.2 European Regulators’ Group (ERG)
  • 2.3 National Regulator Authorities (NRAs)
  • 2.4 Harmonisation measures
  • 2.5 Competition rules
    • 2.5.1 Significant Market Power (SMP)
  • 2.6 Interoperable 3G and digital TV
  • 2.7 New legal framework – July 2003
    • 2.7.1 LLU Regulation
    • 2.7.2 Market specific regulation
  • 2.8 Review of the NRF
  • 2.9 NRF – 2011
  • 2.10 eEurope 2005 Action Plan
  • 2.11 i2010
• 3. Licensing of fixed networks and services
• 4. Privatisation
• 5. Thirteenth report on regulatory implementation
  • 5.1 Overview
  • 5.2 New accession countries
• 6. European Communications Market – EC assessment
  • 6.1 Stabilising communications sector poised for growth
• 7. Regulatory issues
  • 7.1 Interconnect
  • 7.2 Mobile termination rates (MTRs)
• 8. Access
  • 8.1 Overview
  • 8.2 Local Loop Unbundling (LLU)
  • 8.3 Bitstream access
  • 9. Number portability
    • 9.1 Fixed Number Portability (FNP)
    • 9.2 Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
  • 10. Carrier PreSelection
  • 11. Related reports
  • Table 1 – Consumer pricing for mobile services – 2004 - 2007
  • Table 2 – Fixed interconnection rates – 2005 - 2007
  • Table 3 – Mobile termination rate charges – 2004 - 2007
  • Table 4 – Availability of wholesale access – 2003 - 2008
  • Table 5 – Incumbent fixed and DSL retailed lines in European countries – March 2008
  • Table 6 – Unbundling: share of the DSL base and forecast in select European countries – 2005; 2010
  • Table 7 – Broadband access lines by type and country – March 2008
  • Table 8 – Fixed numbers ported in select European countries – 2005 - 2007
  • Table 9 – Mobile numbers ported in select European countries – 2005 - 2007
  • Table 10 – Subscribers (%) using alternative operator in select European countries – 2005 - 2007
  • Table 11 – Subscribers (%) using alternative provider, by call type – 2002 - 2007
  • Exhibit 1 – Proposed regulated telecom markets – 2010
  • Exhibit 2 – Ownership of incumbent fixed-line operators – 2008
  • Exhibit 3 – EU – The NRF