Comment Neelie (Kroes)

Making speeches talk

Comment Neelie

The EU really can cut red tape

Brussels, 9 October 2014

Midday statement on Commission cut the number of regulated telecoms markets in Europe
SPEECH/14/676 (see the source)
by Neelie KROES
Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda

My goal for EU telecoms is to ensure EU consumers enjoy the highest levels of competition: without unnecessary red tape for the sector. Today we can make that happen.sentence permalink

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Since 2007, we have regulated 7 telecoms markets, in areas where we cannot rely on competition law alone.sentence permalink

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But this is a fast-moving market. New trends mean new kinds of competition. Cable and fibre networks; alternative operators; "over the top" services like voice over IP or online messaging.sentence permalink

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So today I can announce that we can cut the number of regulated relevant markets. We are removing two markets from regulation all together – namely, retail fixed-line telephony, and wholesale fixed call origination. Plus we will redraw the boundaries, to further cut the burden, and focus on the distinct needs of business users.sentence permalink

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This is cutting red tape, without harming competition. And that will boost European growth, jobs and opportunity.sentence permalink

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Europe is crying out for connectivity. Every citizen in love with their smartphone. Every business that wants high quality, tailor made communications: videoconferencing, cloud computing, secure connections, you name it!sentence permalink

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My vision is for a telecom sector that can supply that growing digital demand. A sector diverse and dynamic, innovative and investing. Where Europeans enjoy competition and choice. Where operators can think European to compete globally.sentence permalink

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So I do not want to stop at 4 markets. Maybe one day we can get that number down to zero.sentence permalink

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We are not there yet. But we need to make it easier for operators to plan, invest and work across borders. Change the market, to a genuine telecoms single market. And along the way, review the rules – a review which, as the Commission has made clear, must also look at the level playing field with "over-the-top" services, and the trend of audio-visual convergence. The incoming members of the new Commission have also indicated that this issue will be addressed.sentence permalink

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To start with we have to establish a connected continent. That is why I am pushing the European Parliament and Council of Ministers to complete that legislation as an absolute priority – end roaming, safeguard net neutrality, stronger spectrum coordination, and removing the barriers that obstruct a competitive, digital Europe.sentence permalink

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