Telecom regulation in the EU facing change of tack: Competition requires a clear policy line

The introduction of sector-specific regulation in the EU has fostered competition and innovation in the telecommunications industry. However, the liberalisation process still has a long way to go. The debate on the new scenario facing European telecoms regulators shows that as far as the institutional (centralised or decentralised) and time-related (ex-post or ex-ante) focus is concerned, a clear policy line is required. Politically motivated delays and ensuing uncertainties in the market must be avoided in order to boost innovation and achieve sustainable competition.