Optimal regulatory model for telecommunications services in the EU

This report reviews the market trends for the development of digital networks and applications for 2020 and beyond and, on that basis, proposes a framework for an optimal regulation for telecommunications services in the European Union. Against that framework, the report then critically assesses the draft European Electronic Communications Code proposed by the Commission in September 2016. We submit that the Commission's proposal goes in the right direction but in not ambitious enough to protect the EU consumers in the App economy and to stimulate the digital single market. We think that universal service should ensure an extensive availability of Wi-Fi connections throughout the EU and that citizens need to be protected by general consumer protection rules that are smarter and better enforced instead of detailed and complicated sector-specific rules. This paper was prepared at the request of Policy Department A and the IMCO Committee.