Brussels, 10/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - The GSMA, which represents the interests of mobile telephone operators is calling for a much more ambitious reform to modernise the current telecoms framework. Following the Telecoms Council of 6 June, at which ministers took note of the progress report on the new telecommunications framework proposed by the European Commission (see EUROPE 11096), the GMSA is calling on member states and the European Parliament to encourage the European Commission to speed up work in order to expand on the proposed reform. This reform should principally encourage greater harmonisation among member states, scrap regulation that has now become obsolete and apply efficient rules, irrespective of the technology used, the service provider selected or the location of consumers. Its demands are as follows:
Opening up the internet: the GSMA opposes the European Parliament proposal to restrict traffic management to a very narrow set of circumstances. It believes that this would hinder the development of new specialised services and would limit consumer choice. It is proposing more flexible principles that would not have a negative impact on innovation;
Harmonisation of radio spectrum: telecom operators support smart spectrum coordination and are encouraging member states to move towards a harmonised management of the radio spectrum as proposed by the Commission. Operators consider that the current approach is too fragmented and illogical;
Regulatory uncertainty: on the specific issue of roaming, the GSMA considers that any additional change at this stage would create market uncertainties.
GSMA Director General Anne Bouverot stated that “the immediate priority is to ensure that the proposed Telecoms Single Marker Regulation on the open internet, spectrum and roaming is adjusted to the interests of Europe's citizens, its businesses and growth across the region. However we must not lose sight of the need to prepare further ambitious and bold policy and regulatory reform to maximise the telecoms industry's contribution to Europe's economy and society”. (IL)