The Committee of Permanent Representatives to the EU (Coreper) is preparing to revise the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU’s mandate on the Electronic Communications Code on Friday 23 February. The EU28 could possibly shift towards a minimum period accompanied by a renewal mechanism. In a press release, European industry responded by pointing out its Gigabit Society objectives to the EU.
Industry concerned
Digital Europe (representing the digital technology industry) ETNO (European Telecommunications Network Operators' Association) and the GSMA (representing the interests of mobile network operators) jointly state that, “The electronic communications code is the only way of making tangible progress towards 5G”. The three interest groups highlight the progress made in the area of 5G by major global competitors such as the US, as well as the unlimited licensing duration. They also call for, “an efficient peer review system" and welcomed the informal agreement for facilitating the roll out of small cells (see EUROPE 11955).
It should be pointed out that three trialogues have already taken place. A fourth one is planned for 28 February with representatives from the internal market and consumer protection committee (IMCO) at the European Parliament and a fifth one on 1 March, with representatives from the industry committee (ITRE).
Shift towards certain flexibility for license periods
In a document dated 13 February, the Bulgarian Presidency asked the delegations about its room for manoeuvre regarding maximum licensing periods. It asked them whether they preferred, “a compromise with a minimum duration (15 years for example)” or “a compromise providing a longer period of certainty (20 years for example) but with flexibility for the member states regarding the method for obtaining this certainty (for example, 20 years consisting of a ten-year license and two five year ‘automatic' renewals or a 15 year license with a ten-year renewal if the successive conditions for the user rights are respected)”.
According to the information we have received, the Presidency is currently preparing a new compromise on the basis of the comments that it has received in view of the discussion on 23 February at the Committee of Permanent Representatives to the EU (Coreper). (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)