Brussels, 28/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - ETNO (European Telecommunications Network Operators' Association) welcomes the inclusion in the draft directives of new mechanisms to improve incentives for investment in next generation access networks, and applauds the tenacity shown by MEPs concerning Amendment 138. The incumbent European operators' association is, on the other hand, opposed to the functional separation suggested by the European Commission in the list of remedies selected for establishing more competition, a provision endorsed by the parliamentary committee (see EUROPE 9887).
In a press release, ETNO welcomes the incentives set out by the industry committee to promote investment in new generation networks whose deployment in Europe is essential as part of the economic recovery process. “It is positive that next generation access networks and the risky investment they entail have been placed high up in the review debate in particular by the European Parliament although they were not addressed in the initial Commission proposals”, commented ETNO Director Michael Bartholomew. The amended directives recognise the need to introduce new mechanisms for better risk-sharing and improved return on investment, while maintaining fair competition, the network operators' association states. It regrets, however, the inclusion of “functional separation” in the list of remedies, even if this measure is only envisaged as a last possibility: This remedy “is not appropriate in today's dynamic and highly competitive markets in Europe”, ETNO comments. On the subject of Amendment 138, ETNO “welcomes the strong EP support to the principle that e-communications providers should not be asked to take any measure against a consumer outside of a Court order”. (I.L./transl.jl)