Substantive issues for review in the areas of market entry, management of scarce resources and general end-user issues : executive summary

This study seeks to support the Commission's policy development towards the next review of the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications (RFEC) as regards three substantive domains: (1) market entry, (2) the management of scarce resources such as spectrum, numbers and access to land, and (3) the protection of end-users, including 'must carry' rules and rules on electronic programme guides. Within the scope of those substantive domains, the study is to provide (1) a thorough retrospective evaluation of the framework's functioning to date together with related implementation practices as well as market developments, and (2) a forward-looking analysis of ongoing and foreseeable developments in the marketplace and technology. Our assessment of the framework in regard to the three substantive domains that are the subject of the present study is based on relevant provisions in the directives that comprise the RFEC. Numerous legislative instruments interact with the RFEC and influence how it is implemented in the Member States.