Telecom rules: EU takes 5 EU Member States to European Court of Justice for 112 caller location deficiencies
In a new round of proceedings for infringements of EU telecom rules, the European Commission has decided to refer six EU Member States to the European Court of Justice: Italy, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Portugal and Slovakia for deficiencies related to Europe's emergency number 112; and against Estonia for failing to carry out the required market analysis under the EU telecom rules. The European Commission has also opened one new infringement case against Cyprus on rights of way for mobile markets. The European Commission could also close four pending cases in this round.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 12:05:00 PM] #
Competition: European Commission refers Greece back to European Court of Justice for failure to adopt new framework for broadcasting services
The European Commission has decided to refer Greece to the European Court of Justice for failure to fully comply with the Court's ruling of 14 April 2005. The ruling confirmed that Greece had failed to implement the electronic communications Competition Directive (2002/77/EC). While Greece has in the meantime implemented the Directive for all other electronic communications markets, it has still not adopted the appropriate national measures regarding broadcasting transmission services. The European Commission is therefore referring Greece back to the European Court of Justice, this time with a request that the European Court of Justice impose fines, consisting of both a daily lump sum of €6132 penalising Greece for continuation of the infringement between the Court's April 2005 ruling and the second Court ruling (or alternatively until Greece complies, if it does so before the second Court ruling), plus a daily penalty of €42310.80 starting on the date of the second judgement until full compliance (if Greece has still not complied by the second Court ruling). The referral to the European Court of Justice is the third step of the EC Treaty infringement procedure for failure to comply with Court judgements (Article 228).
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 12:01:00 PM] #
New round of infringement proceedings in electronic communications in the EU: What are the issues?
[posted @ 3/25/2007 11:59:00 AM] #
European Commission Communication: towards an integrated approach to trans-European transport, energy and telecommunications networks
One of the central pillars of the European Commission's strategy on growth, employment and competitiveness in the European Union is better connection, integration and coordination of the development of European infrastructure, so on European Commission President José Manuel Barroso's initiative Jacques Barrot has chaired a Steering Group, consisting of Viviane Reding, Danuta Hübner, Dalia Grybauskaité, Stavros Dimas, Joaquín Almunia and Andris Piebalgs, to develop an integrated approach to trans-European transport, energy and telecommunications networks. Having worked on this for a year, the group has now presented a communication which describes the state of play on each of the three trans-European networks and looks at possible synergies between the networks, ways of reconciling their development with respect for the environment, and improved methods of financing them.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 11:55:00 AM] #
The EU Regulation to Reduce Mobile Roaming Charges by up to 70%
The European Parliament will for the first time vote at Committee stage about the European Commission's proposal to reduce international mobile roaming charges by up to 70% as from this summer. On Wednesday, 21 March, the Economic and Monetary Committee will be the first body of the European Parliament to express a (non-binding) opinion. On Thursday, the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee and the Culture and Education Committee will follow with their votes. The vote in the Industry, Research and Energy Committee is scheduled for 12 April. Even though the final view of the European Parliament will only be known once the plenary will have voted on the proposal – which is expected to take place by mid-May – the votes at Committee stage will be important to shape the final text of the EU Roaming Regulation. Of particular importance will be the votes of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (Rapporteur Joseph Muscat) and of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee (Rapporteur Paul Rübig), both of whom have been assigned a leading role in the parliamentary process.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 11:51:00 AM] #
Competition: European Commission confirms sending a Statement of Objections against alleged participants in a cartel for professional videotape
The European Commission can confirm that it has sent a Statement of Objections to a number of undertakings regarding their alleged role in a cartel for professional videotape.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 11:48:00 AM] #
116: European Commission launches public consultation to identify Europe-wide freephone services
The European Commission has launched a public consultation to identify common Europe-wide telephone services of social value that could benefit from single European freephone numbers starting with 116. The consultation will run until 20 May 2007.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 11:47:00 AM] #
Mergers: European Commission launches in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Télé2 France by SFR
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed acquisition by SFR France of Télé2 France's fixed telephone and internet access activities. It will examine in detail the potential anti-competitive effects of this operation on pay-TV markets in France and ensure that the interests of consumers would not be adversely affected.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 11:44:00 AM] #
Electronic communications: the Article 7 procedure and the role of the European Commission - Frequently Asked Questions
[posted @ 3/25/2007 11:42:00 AM] #
Mobile TV: European Commission urges industry and EU Member States to develop a proactive European strategy
Availability of service everywhere and anytime, attractive commercial offers, interoperability of devices, spectrum availability and light regulation on licences are all vital ingredients for boosting the demand for Mobile TV in Europe, said the EU's Telecom Commissioner Viviane Reding at the CeBIT IT-fair in Hannover/Germany. Mobile TV is an exciting new platform for distribution of audiovisual content that could well generate new business opportunities for content creators and service providers, bring new value-added services to citizens, and create jobs in Europe. Whereas for the time being each country is developing its own Mobile TV market, the European Commission – which is currently preparing a Communication on the subject – underlines the need for a proactive and coordinated EU strategy.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 11:39:00 AM] #
Telecommunications: European Commission welcomes the Italian regulator's decision to abandon the proposal to regulate value-added services
The Italian telecoms regulator, AGCOM, informed the European Commission that it is withdrawing its draft measure relating to the market for value-added services (including directory assistance services) on mobile networks. In its letter of 8 February 2007 to AGCOM the European Commission expressed doubts over AGCOM's market definition and the existence of competition problems which would harm consumers or call for ex-ante regulation.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 10:49:00 AM] #
European Commission proposes a European policy strategy for smart radio tags
Exactly one year after launching an extensive Europe-wide public consultation on radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, the European Commission has unveiled today its proposals for an RFID strategy for Europe. The European Commission, in particular, proposes to address the privacy concerns of citizens to boost consumer confidence and Europe's position in a market experiencing 60% growth globally.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 10:47:00 AM] #
The EU Regulation to reduce mobile roaming charges before the final agreement: Frequently Asked Questions
The EU's 27 Telecom Ministers will gather on 15 March at the CEBIT IT fair in Hannover/Germany for an informal EU Telecom Council that could pave the way for a historic early adoption of the EU roaming regulation proposed by the European Commission on 12 July 2006.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 10:41:00 AM] #
Boosting the Diversity of European TV- and On-Demand services: European Commission paves the way for the new Directive "Audiovisual without Frontiers"
The European Commission has unveiled a consolidated text of the modernised "Television without Frontiers" Directive. After a first reading in the European Parliament and the Council, there is now broad agreement with the European Commission about the future legal framework for Europe's audiovisual sector. The new rules, which have been called for especially by the European Parliament, are a response to technological developments and create a new level-playing field in Europe for emerging audiovisual media services (video on demand, mobile TV, audiovisual services on digital TV). European TV- and filmmakers will be given more flexibility to produce digital content which they can then make freely available to consumers thanks to advertising. The new Directive reaffirms the pillars of Europe's audiovisual model, which are cultural diversity, protection of minors, consumer protection, media pluralism, and the fight against racial and religious hatred,. The European Commission also proposes to ensure the independence of national media regulators. The consolidated text of the new Directive will now go into a second reading by the European Parliament and Council.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 10:32:00 AM] #
Competition: Statement of Objections to Microsoft for non-compliance with the European Commission's March 2004 decision - frequently asked questions
[posted @ 3/25/2007 10:12:00 AM] #
European Commission warns Microsoft of further penalties over unreasonable pricing as interoperability information lacks significant innovation
The European Commission has sent a Statement of Objections (SO) to Microsoft for failing to comply with certain of its obligations under the March 2004 Commission decision. Part of that decision found Microsoft to have infringed the EC Treaty rules on abuse of a dominant position (Article 82) by leveraging its near monopoly in the market for PC operating systems onto the market for work group server operating systems. Microsoft therefore had to disclose complete and accurate interface documentation on "reasonable and non-discriminatory terms", allowing non-Microsoft work group servers to interoperate with Windows PCs and servers. The SO indicates the European Commission's preliminary view that there is no significant innovation in the interoperability information, rejecting as unfounded 1500 pages of submissions by Microsoft from December 2005 onwards, and hence that the prices proposed by Microsoft are unreasonable. Microsoft has four weeks to reply to the SO, after which the European Commission may impose a daily penalty for failure to comply with the March 2004 decision. The issue of whether the interoperability information is complete and accurate is still under consideration by the European Commission.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 10:08:00 AM] #
Mergers: European Commission clears acquisition of Telenet by LGI and acquisition of UPC Belgium by Telenet
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of the cable operator Telenet (Belgium) by Liberty Global Europe (The Netherlands) a subsidiary of US Liberty Global Inc. ("LGI"), and the closely related acquisition of UPC Belgium by Telenet. The European Commission has concluded that the planned operation would not result in a significant impediment to effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA), or any substantial part of it.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 09:41:00 AM] #
European Commission launches "fast track" infringement proceedings against Germany for "regulatory holidays" for Deutsche Telekom
The European Commission decided to send Germany a letter of formal notice after repeated warnings not to adopt legislation that could grant Deutsche Telekom a 'regulatory holiday' in spite of its dominant position on the German broadband market. The case is being fast-tracked and Germany will only have 15 days to reply to this letter. The European Commission intends to refer the case to the European Court of Justice as soon as possible.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 09:34:00 AM] #
State aid: European Commission endorses proposed public funding for North Yorkshire broadband network NYNET
The European Commission has approved under EC Treaty state aid rules a UK initiative to create an advanced broadband network in North Yorkshire. The European Commission concluded that the aid was unlikely to cause undue distortion of competition within the EU and was therefore compatible with European state aid rules.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 05:59:00 AM] #
Mergers: European Commission clears proposed acquisition of ProSiebenSat.1 by KKR and Permira
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of ProSiebenSat.1, the second largest German TV broadcasting group by equity funds Permira of the Channel Islands and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) of the US. The European Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Union Area (EEA) or in any substantial part of it.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 05:57:00 AM] #
The European Commission's Decision on Ultra-Wideband Technologies: Frequently Asked Questions
[posted @ 3/25/2007 05:55:00 AM] #
European Commission takes important step towards a single market for next generation wireless devices
A single market for a new generation of mass-market consumer electronics (laptops, mobile phones, digital cameras, TVs...), that can exchange data wirelessly at very high rates over short distances is a step closer. The European Commission Decision adopted outlines the mandatory conditions for using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology in these next generation wireless devices all across the European Union.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 05:52:00 AM] #
Wider choice for users through more flexible radio spectrum use in Europe: Frequently Asked Questions
[posted @ 3/25/2007 05:50:00 AM] #
Meeting today's wireless communication needs: European Commission presents strategy for more flexible use of the radio spectrum
A boost for more innovative use of radio spectrum was given when the European Commission unveiled its strategy for introducing more flexible radio frequency usage in reaction to evolving market demands. The strategy provides concrete steps for reducing access and usage restrictions on this critical resource for wireless communications, allowing new ideas to flourish, and removing potential barriers to innovation, economic growth and consumer choice.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 05:47:00 AM] #
Mergers: European Commission clears proposed acquisition of Philips' Automotive Playback Module business by Philips & BenQ Digital Storage Corporation
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of the Automotive Playback Module business of Philips' of the Netherlands, by the Philips & BenQ Digital Storage Corporation (PBDS) of Taiwan. The European Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or in any substantial part of it.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 05:44:00 AM] #
Mergers: European Commission clears planned entry of Lite-On into Philips & BenQ Digital Storage Corporation Joint Venture
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed entry by Lite-On, a Taiwan technology company, into Philips & BenQ Digital Storage Corporation (PBDS) of Taiwan. Under the planned transaction, Lite-On would replace BenQ as shareholder, while Philips NV would maintain its shares. The European Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or in any substantial part of it.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 05:42:00 AM] #
Broadband should be as easily available as drinking water throughout Europe, says Caveri report
Broadband access at affordable rates should be as easily available as drinking water or electricity – in all areas of the European Union, the European Committee of the Regions said today. The EU consultative body adopted a report by Luciano Caveri, President of the autonomous region of Valle d'Aosta in Italy, calling for public intervention, if necessary, to ensure that all citizens can benefit from broadband.
[European Committee of the Regions Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 05:33:00 AM] #
Consumers: European Commission acts to boost confidence in digital world
A major new drive to fundamentally overhaul core EU consumer rules – including guarantees, refunds, cooling off periods - to adapt them to the challenges of a fast changing digital world has been launched today with the adoption of a European Commission Green Paper reviewing the existing rules. Consumer spending (households and non-profile institutions) accounts for a total of 58% of EU GDP. Consumer confidence is a key factor determining how and when consumers spend their money in different sectors of the economy. All the evidence is that consumers are not yet "comfortable" enough in the digital and online world to seize its full potential. Only tiny fraction - 6% of EU consumers - are currently shopping online cross border. With the help of the feedback from the Green Paper, the Commission aims to boost consumer confidence in the EU Single Market, with a single and simple set of rules which empower consumers to know their rights, make sound choices and ensure adequate protection when things go wrong. Clear legal rules will also incentivise operators, particularly SMEs to venture beyond borders un-tapping the potential for integration for the retail side of the market. The Green Paper invites comments and contains over 28 concrete suggestions (cutting across 8 Directives) for possible new action.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 05:24:00 AM] #
SME retailers take to e-commerce in Europe but it is strictly national
E-commerce seems to be the key to further opening the retail internal market in Europe, as 57% of retailers say they now sell via the internet. But more than two thirds of them sell exclusively domestically. And of the 29% who do sell cross-border most do to only or two other Member States. More would like to sell cross-border (48% of EU retailers are prepared to do so). These are among the main findings of a Eurobarometer survey on business attitudes towards cross-border sales, released today by the European Commission to coincide with a major consultation exercise on consumer rules. However, there are still significant barriers to an EU-wide business-to-consumer market, with perceived insecurity of transactions, differences in national fiscal regulations and consumer rules being the main concerns. Forty three percent of retailers believed that their cross-border sales would increase if laws regulating consumer transactions were the same throughout the EU.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/25/2007 05:19:00 AM] #
European Commission study points the way forward for better regulation of new media and the digital economy
In a rapidly evolving digital world, self- and co-regulatory models can be attractive alternatives to traditional regulations, according to a study for the European Commission presented on Europe's "Safer Internet Day".
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/23/2007 02:30:00 AM] #
European mobile operators agree on how to safeguard children using mobile phones
Leading European mobile operators signed in Brussels an agreement on how to protect minors using mobile phones. This agreement, brokered by the European Commission, responds to the findings of the European Commission's public consultation on child safety and mobile phones. In the agreement, mobile operators undertake to develop self-regulatory codes by February 2008.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/23/2007 02:28:00 AM] #
EDPS calls on ECB to ensure that European payment systems comply with data protection law
The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) issued his opinion on the role of the European Central Bank (ECB) in the SWIFT case. The ECB's position in the context of the payment system is threefold, being an overseer, a user, and a policy maker. When deciding to use SWIFT's services in its own payment operations, the ECB was placed in the position of a joint controller. As such, it is co-responsible for ensuring full compliance with data protection rules. This includes ensuring respect for the purpose limitation principle, information to data subjects, and adequate guarantees when personal data are transferred to third countries.
[European Data Protection Supervisor Press Release]
[posted @ 3/23/2007 02:14:00 AM] #
€1.2 billion investment to drive European ICT research
The European Commission is this year allocating €1.2 billion of EU funding to new Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) research projects. This has led to the largest single call for proposals (open until 8 May 2007) ever launched in the history of EU-funded research. More than 2000 ICT researchers from across Europe are meeting in Cologne to learn how best to address the research priorities and to form project consortia in response to the EU's newly-launched call.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/23/2007 02:06:00 AM] #
Competition: European Commission welcomes judgment of the European Court of First Instance in French broadband case
The European Commission welcomes the judgment by the European Court of First Instance (Case T-340/03) dismissing in its entirety the appeal by France Télécom SA, formerly Wanadoo Interactive SA, in respect of the European Commission's 2003 decision concerning predatory pricing and confirming the €10.35 million fine imposed by the European Commission.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/23/2007 02:01:00 AM] #
Court upholds European Commission decision finding that France Télécom abused its dominant position on the French market for internet access
Predatory pricing which does not allow either variable or full costs to be recovered, as part of a plan to pre-empt the market for high-speed Internet access, constitutes an abuse of a dominant position.
[European Court of First Instance Press Release]
[posted @ 3/23/2007 01:57:00 AM] #
Over 400% growth for creative content online, predicts European Commission study – an opportunity for Europe
Revenue from online content will reach €8.3 billion by 2010 in Europe, a growth of over 400% in five years, says a new study for the European Commission. For the most advanced sectors, online content will represent a significant share of total revenue: about 20% for music and 33% for video games. Thanks to the spread of broadband, the roll-out of advanced mobile networks, and the massive adoption of digital devices, the study shows that mass market online content distribution is becoming a reality, creating unique opportunities for Europe.
[European Commission Press Release]
[posted @ 3/23/2007 01:47:00 AM] #
EU Decision on the harmonised use of radio spectrum
European Commission Decision of 14 February 2007 on the harmonised use of radio spectrum in the 2 GHz frequency bands for the implementation of systems providing mobile satellite services
[[2007] OJ L 43/32]
[posted @ 3/03/2007 08:42:00 AM] #
EU Decision on the harmonised use of radio spectrum amended
European Commission Decision 2007/90/EC of 12 February 2007 amending Decision 2005/513/EC on the harmonised use of radio spectrum in the 5 GHz frequency band for the implementation of Wireless Access Systems including Radio Local Area Networks (WAS/RLANs)
[[2007] OJ L 41/10]
[posted @ 3/03/2007 08:35:00 AM] #
EU-US Decision on telecommunication equipment
Decision no 35/2006 of 22 December 2006 of the Joint Committee established under the Agreement on Mutual Recognition between the European Community and the United States of America related to the listing of a Conformity Assessment Body under the Sectoral Annex on Telecommunication Equipment
[[2007] OJ L 32/198]
[posted @ 3/03/2007 08:28:00 AM] #
European Commission Decision against Microsoft
European Commission Decision 2007/53/EC of 24 May 2004 relating to a proceeding pursuant to Article 82 of the EC Treaty and Article 54 of the EEA Agreement against Microsoft Corporation (Case COMP/C-3/37.792 — Microsoft)
[[2007] OJ L 32/23]
[posted @ 3/03/2007 08:18:00 AM] #