Brussels, 23/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - There is currently “no need to change the basic concept, principles or scope of EU rules on Universal Service to include mobile telecommunications services and broadband connections at EU level”. This is the conclusion that the European Commission drew on Wednesday 23 November, on the basis of a public consultation and its third periodic review of the scope of this service.
The Commission also concluded that it would not be appropriate, at this stage, to set at EU level a single broadband connection speed under the universal service rules, given the very different stages of development of telecoms networks in the member states and the potential costs involved. In particular, the burden on industry and the impact on consumer prices would be greatest in member states with currently low broadband coverage and income levels. However, member states retain the flexibility to include broadband connections in their national USO (universal service obligations) in justified cases. This will usually be when broadband take-up is already sufficiently high. To date, Finland, Malta and Spain provide for a minimum broadband speed in national law.
The Commission has indicated the areas where further guidance may be needed in the future to help member states implement the universal service rules most effectively. These include criteria used when member states decide the data rate at which internet access is to be provided under their national universal service rules; mechanisms for designating universal service providers; calculating the net cost of USO; financing mechanisms, including possible safeguards to prevent an undue burden falling on operators; measures for end-users with disabilities. (OL/transl.fl)