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

This study examines the functioning of the Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications (RFEC) in the three substantive domains of market entry and authorisation, the management of scarce resources (such as spectrum, numbers and land), and the protection of end-users since its enactment in 2002 to the present, and explores possible options for its development in view of current trends and emerging challenges. The study identifies key provisions relative to each substantive domain and portrays their functioning in light of related implementation practices at Member State level and market developments. On the basis of qualitative as well as quantitative evidence, it sketches the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of the RFEC in each substantive domain, following the principles of the Commission's Better Regulation Guidelines. Taking account not only of current trends, but also of possible disruptive developments yet to occur, the study then goes on to elaborate a forward-looking analysis rooted in this retrospective assessment and delineates options for improving the future performance of the RFEC.