Economic growth is the magic concept to survive and to rebound from the economic crisis. The Europe 2020 strategy (EU2020) and its seven flagship initiatives are intended to bring us smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.
The Digital Agenda for Europe is the information society or ICT strategy, which bundles 101 actions under eight pillars (themes), but they cannot be achieved by the EU Commission alone. The member states are involved in setting policy guidelines, legislation and follow-up. Many actions depend on what the member states achieve domestically.
Thus, we face the question if there are national digital agendas in line with the Digital Agenda for Europe.
Yesterday we glimpsed at Belgium and found the Flanders in Action Pact 2020 (ViA), but I did not yet stumble across a specific digital agenda.
Wallonia
Now we turn to the French-speaking region of Wallonia, where we find the broad initiative Creative Wallonia: Introduction, Trois axes and Documents. The two main documents are the framework programme and the preparatory study:
Programme-cadre Creative Wallonia (undated; 72 pages)
Le rapport de la commission Zénobe (downloadable here; 2009; 111 pages)
The substance covers wide areas of the EU2020 strategy.
Wallonia's ICT strategy
Within this context, more specifically ICT oriented is:
Master Plan TIC (dowloadable here; 16 June 2011; 92 pages)
You can find aa Executive Summary in French, as well as in Dutch, German and English: Executive Summary – ICT Master Plan (downloadable here; 6 pages)
After presenting main ICT trends, the summary offers a roadmap with ten strategic priorities and six major issues briefly outlined.
Finally, there is the Baromètre TIC 2011 – L'usage de technologies de l'Information et de la Communication en Wallonie, with hard facts about ICT usage in the reagion, as well as recommendations by the Agence Wallonne des Télécommunications (AWT) for the future (26 pages).
***
If you have updated information about a Flemish digital agenda, or about the central government of Belgium, I am grateful for information. You can comment on this blog post or send me an email. Updates about other national (regional) ICT strategies in the European Union and the European Economic Area are also welcome.
Ralf Grahn
speaker on EU digital policy and law
P.S. 1: For better or for worse, between the global issues and the national level, the European Union shapes our digital future and online freedoms. More than 900 euroblogs are aggregated by multilingual Bloggingportal.eu. Is your blog already listed among them? Are you following the debates which matter for your future?
P.S. 2: The @Avaaz petition for the European Parliament (and the national parliaments) to reject #ACTA has already been signed by 2,315,016 netizens, but more are welcome until the anti-piracy treaty has been officially buried.
Showing posts with label Digital Agenda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Digital Agenda. Show all posts
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
European digital agendas: Flanders in Belgium
Last autumn I discussed the Digital Agenda for Europe, and I asked readers for information about corresponding information and communication (ICT) policy strategies at national level in the member states of the European Union (especially in English or other widely understood languages).
The response has not amounted to much yet, so I return to the national digital agendas on the basis of what I happen to find.
Belgium - Flanders
In highly decentralised Belgium, I came across the Flanders region, which has a Flanders in Action Pact 2020 (ViA), built along the lines of the lines of the Europe 2020 strategy (EU2020).
In English you can find links to the seven breakthrough actions. A good way to start may be the background page About ViA, with the following description of the Pact 2020 initiative:
The page contains links to three publications with more information:
Action for 2020! The future plan for Flanders in progress (August 2011 brochure)
Flanders in action – I'm all for it (June 2010 folder with further links)
Flanders outlook 2011 – A benchmarking of Flanders amongst the European regions (February 2011)
My cursory search did not reveal a specific digital agenda. The thematic page most closely related to the EU Digital Agenda seems to be Innovation centre Flanders, with a brief introduction. The Dutch page Innovatiecentrum Vlaanderen offers more information, as well as links to research and development (R&D) issues, more closely related to the flagship initiative Innovation Union and the R&D programmes of the EU.
The general ViA brochure in Dutch has about twice the volume of its English counterpart, but I found no specific digital agenda there either:
Actie voor 2020! Het toekomstplan voor Vlaanderen in uitvoering (January 2011)
***
If you have information about a planned or finished Flemish digital agenda, or about the central government or the other regions of Belgium, I am grateful for information. You can comment on this blog post or send me an email. Updates about other ICT (information society) strategies are also welcome.
Ralf Grahn
speaker on EU digital policy and law
P.S. For better or for worse, between the global issues and the national level, the European Union shapes our digital future and online freedoms. More than 900 euroblogs are aggregated by multilingual Bloggingportal.eu. Is your blog already listed among them? Are you following the debates which matter for your future?
The response has not amounted to much yet, so I return to the national digital agendas on the basis of what I happen to find.
Belgium - Flanders
In highly decentralised Belgium, I came across the Flanders region, which has a Flanders in Action Pact 2020 (ViA), built along the lines of the lines of the Europe 2020 strategy (EU2020).
In English you can find links to the seven breakthrough actions. A good way to start may be the background page About ViA, with the following description of the Pact 2020 initiative:
The plan consists of twenty objectives that are sharply and quantifiably delineated, plus five breakthrough actions in areas where Flanders has already achieved a model presence but where, tomorrow, it can truly make a major difference.
The page contains links to three publications with more information:
Action for 2020! The future plan for Flanders in progress (August 2011 brochure)
Flanders in action – I'm all for it (June 2010 folder with further links)
Flanders outlook 2011 – A benchmarking of Flanders amongst the European regions (February 2011)
My cursory search did not reveal a specific digital agenda. The thematic page most closely related to the EU Digital Agenda seems to be Innovation centre Flanders, with a brief introduction. The Dutch page Innovatiecentrum Vlaanderen offers more information, as well as links to research and development (R&D) issues, more closely related to the flagship initiative Innovation Union and the R&D programmes of the EU.
The general ViA brochure in Dutch has about twice the volume of its English counterpart, but I found no specific digital agenda there either:
Actie voor 2020! Het toekomstplan voor Vlaanderen in uitvoering (January 2011)
***
If you have information about a planned or finished Flemish digital agenda, or about the central government or the other regions of Belgium, I am grateful for information. You can comment on this blog post or send me an email. Updates about other ICT (information society) strategies are also welcome.
Ralf Grahn
speaker on EU digital policy and law
P.S. For better or for worse, between the global issues and the national level, the European Union shapes our digital future and online freedoms. More than 900 euroblogs are aggregated by multilingual Bloggingportal.eu. Is your blog already listed among them? Are you following the debates which matter for your future?
Thursday, 29 December 2011
EESC on open internet and net neutrality in EU
On 26 October 2011 the advisory body, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), adopted an opinion on the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – The open internet and net neutrality in Europe COM(2011) 222 final.
Differing from the EU institutions (Commission, later Parliament and Council), the EESC was prepared to advance more decisively and rapidly, recommending that the principles of an open internet and net neutrality should be formally enshrined in EU law as soon as possible.
According to the EESC, the definition of the principles should contain at least the following elements:
Ralf Grahn
Differing from the EU institutions (Commission, later Parliament and Council), the EESC was prepared to advance more decisively and rapidly, recommending that the principles of an open internet and net neutrality should be formally enshrined in EU law as soon as possible.
According to the EESC, the definition of the principles should contain at least the following elements:
i. Freedom and quality of Internet access
The European Commission should agree a common EU standard on "minimum quality of service" according to the principles of general interest, and should ensure that there is effective monitoring of its application.
ii. Non-discrimination between Internet traffic streams
As a general rule, no differentiation be made between the way in which each individual data stream is treated, whether according to the type of content, the service, application, device or the address of the streams origin or destination. This applies to all points along the network, including interconnection points.
There may be exceptions to this principle, provided they comply with the guidelines set out in proposed recommendation no. iii.
iii. Supervising Internet traffic management mechanisms
Marking exceptions to the principles stated in proposals nos. i and ii, and to limit any possible deviations from these, when ISPs do employ traffic management mechanisms for ensuring the quality of access to the Internet, that they comply with the general principles of relevance, proportionality, efficiency, non discrimination between parties and transparency.
iv. Managed services
To maintain the capacity of all players' to innovate, electronic communications operators must be able to market "managed services" alongside Internet access, , provided that the managed service does not degrade the quality of Internet access below a certain satisfactory level, and that vendors act in accordance with existing competition laws and sector-specific regulation.
v. Increased transparency with respect to end users and a defined set of standardised information
There should be clear, precise and relevant information on the services and applications that can be accessed through ISPs: their quality of service, their possible limitations, and any traffic management practices. The EC should guarantee transparency for consumers, including clear information on terms and conditions, the right to use any lawful application and the means of switching providers. The EC should promote more dialogue and effective co-regulatory mechanisms between industry and the national regulators, under the auspices of the EC, in order to agree on EU-wide transparency principles and a set of standardised information.
Ralf Grahn
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
BEREC consultation on draft Guidelines on Net Neutrality and Transparency
At the political level the European Parliament, the EU Council and the Commission (Digital Agenda, Digital Single Market) have all been active on net neutrality issues recently. Closer to the ”factory floor”, the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) tries to find common ground among some 35 national eCommunications regulators, aspect by aspect.
Draft guidelines
This autumn the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) published:
Draft BEREC Guidelines on Net Neutrality and Transparency: Best practices and recommended approaches BoR (11) 44 (October 2011; 64 pages)
Transparency and net neutrality consultation
BEREC launched a public consultation on 3 October 2011 (the announcement provided informationa about related net neutrality issues, but did not contain the end date of the consultation). The deadline, 2 November 2011, did appear on the News page.
Stakeholders, including individuals, delivered 77 contributions, available on the consultations page.
Board of Regulators
The Board of Regulators (BoR) 8-9 December 2011 gave its broad support to the documents submitted for approval. The BoR approved the Guidelines on transparency and the report from the public consultation for publication. The two documents:
Draft report on the contributions received during the public consultation on the draft Guidelines on transparency as a tool to achieve net neutrality BoR (11) 66
Revised draft Guidelines on transparency in the scope of net neutrality: best practices and recommended approaches BoR (11) 67
Consultation report
In other words, the report about the public consultation has been published:
BEREC report on the public consultation on the draft BEREC Guidelines on Transparency in the scope of Net Neutrality BoR (11) 66 (December 2011; 15 pages)
With a variety of respondents from different backgrounds, the contributions contain a number of approaches and opinions on the best manner to proceed regarding many issues.
Thus, the consultation report mainly provides a general summary of various opinions, without delving into specific contributions. Recommended reading for people interested in net neutrality issues.
One outcome is worth mentioning in order to link the draft guidelines with the final version (page 15):
Approved guidelines
The guidelines approved for publication by the BEREC Board of Regulators (BoR):
BEREC Guidelines on Transparency in the scope of Net Neutrality: Best practices and recommended approaches BoR (11) 67 (December 2011; 69 pages)
Ralf Grahn
Draft guidelines
This autumn the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) published:
Draft BEREC Guidelines on Net Neutrality and Transparency: Best practices and recommended approaches BoR (11) 44 (October 2011; 64 pages)
Transparency and net neutrality consultation
BEREC launched a public consultation on 3 October 2011 (the announcement provided informationa about related net neutrality issues, but did not contain the end date of the consultation). The deadline, 2 November 2011, did appear on the News page.
Stakeholders, including individuals, delivered 77 contributions, available on the consultations page.
Board of Regulators
The Board of Regulators (BoR) 8-9 December 2011 gave its broad support to the documents submitted for approval. The BoR approved the Guidelines on transparency and the report from the public consultation for publication. The two documents:
Draft report on the contributions received during the public consultation on the draft Guidelines on transparency as a tool to achieve net neutrality BoR (11) 66
Revised draft Guidelines on transparency in the scope of net neutrality: best practices and recommended approaches BoR (11) 67
Consultation report
In other words, the report about the public consultation has been published:
BEREC report on the public consultation on the draft BEREC Guidelines on Transparency in the scope of Net Neutrality BoR (11) 66 (December 2011; 15 pages)
With a variety of respondents from different backgrounds, the contributions contain a number of approaches and opinions on the best manner to proceed regarding many issues.
Thus, the consultation report mainly provides a general summary of various opinions, without delving into specific contributions. Recommended reading for people interested in net neutrality issues.
One outcome is worth mentioning in order to link the draft guidelines with the final version (page 15):
Since the received general comments on net neutrality were very numerous and extensive, it was decided in particular to change the title of the document to “BEREC Guidelines on Transparency in the scope of Net Neutrality: Best practices and recommended approaches”, to better reflect the intended scope of the guidelines and avoid any further confusion in this respect.
Approved guidelines
The guidelines approved for publication by the BEREC Board of Regulators (BoR):
BEREC Guidelines on Transparency in the scope of Net Neutrality: Best practices and recommended approaches BoR (11) 67 (December 2011; 69 pages)
Ralf Grahn
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
eCommunications: BEREC Work Programme 2012
The blog post What is the EU doing for growth and jobs? presented the main economic reform programmes in the European Union. The entry Electronic communications in EU: BEREC blog posts focused on one part of the ongoing work on the Digital Agenda and the Digital Single Market, by compiling recent articles about the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC).
BEREC Work Programme 2012 documents
The public process started with the draft Work Programme BoR (11) 40 Rev1 (October 2011; 16 pages).
After the public consultation from 6 October to 4 November 2011, including an oral hearing 21 October, BEREC published a report on the public consultation BoR (11) 61 (9 December 2011; 15 pages). The contributions from fifteen interested parties are available on the BEREC page for public consultations.
I presented the consultation procedure and the consultation report.
The BEREC Board of Regulators, meeting in Bucharest (Romania) 8-9 December 2011, decided to publish the consultation report and the adopted WP 2012:
Work Programme 2012 BEREC Board of Regulators BoR (11) 62 (9 December 2011; 18 pages)
BEREC Work Programme 2012
BEREC noted that the Digital Agenda complements the objectives of the revised 2009 regulatory framework for eCommunications and welcomed the goals and ambitions set out therein (page 3).
BEREC contributes to the development and better functioning of the internal market for electronic communications networks and services by aiming to ensure a consistent application of the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications (page 4).
The Work Programme 2012 discusses BEREC's key objectives and planned actions with regard to (pages 5-11):
* Framework Directive Article 7/7a procedures
* International roaming (including the reforms proposed by the Commission)
* Universal service provisions (including the recent review communication from the Commission)
* Consumer empowerment (including transparent pricing and broadband speeds)
* Network neutrality (with key issues: transparency, minimum service requirements, discrimination, IP interconnection)
* Next generation networks (NGN) and access (NGA)
* Evaluation of BEREC and its office
Further topics are presented from page 11. They include (although I have not respected the difference between levels of headlines):
* Consistency of remedies and further developments
* Review and update of BEREC Common Positions (CPs)
* Implementation of key remedies
* Non-discrimination
* Regulatory accounting
* Implementation of recommendations
* Recommendation on termination rates
* Benchmarks
* Promotion of broadband
* Access to special rate services
* Cross-border and demand side related issues
* Business services
* Cooperation with RSPG and ENISA
* International cooperation
The BEREC Work Programme 2012 offers clear information about the ongoing and future activities, but leaving scope for queries from the EU institutions.
Nit-picking: BEREC is a body for cooperation between national regulators and its other stakeholders are mainly expert market participants. Still, even among them, far from everyone is a walking dictionary of English acronyms. BEREC could afford the luxury to explain each abbreviation at least when it first appears.
Ralf Grahn
BEREC Work Programme 2012 documents
The public process started with the draft Work Programme BoR (11) 40 Rev1 (October 2011; 16 pages).
After the public consultation from 6 October to 4 November 2011, including an oral hearing 21 October, BEREC published a report on the public consultation BoR (11) 61 (9 December 2011; 15 pages). The contributions from fifteen interested parties are available on the BEREC page for public consultations.
I presented the consultation procedure and the consultation report.
The BEREC Board of Regulators, meeting in Bucharest (Romania) 8-9 December 2011, decided to publish the consultation report and the adopted WP 2012:
Work Programme 2012 BEREC Board of Regulators BoR (11) 62 (9 December 2011; 18 pages)
BEREC Work Programme 2012
BEREC noted that the Digital Agenda complements the objectives of the revised 2009 regulatory framework for eCommunications and welcomed the goals and ambitions set out therein (page 3).
BEREC contributes to the development and better functioning of the internal market for electronic communications networks and services by aiming to ensure a consistent application of the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications (page 4).
The Work Programme 2012 discusses BEREC's key objectives and planned actions with regard to (pages 5-11):
* Framework Directive Article 7/7a procedures
* International roaming (including the reforms proposed by the Commission)
* Universal service provisions (including the recent review communication from the Commission)
* Consumer empowerment (including transparent pricing and broadband speeds)
* Network neutrality (with key issues: transparency, minimum service requirements, discrimination, IP interconnection)
* Next generation networks (NGN) and access (NGA)
* Evaluation of BEREC and its office
Further topics are presented from page 11. They include (although I have not respected the difference between levels of headlines):
* Consistency of remedies and further developments
* Review and update of BEREC Common Positions (CPs)
* Implementation of key remedies
* Non-discrimination
* Regulatory accounting
* Implementation of recommendations
* Recommendation on termination rates
* Benchmarks
* Promotion of broadband
* Access to special rate services
* Cross-border and demand side related issues
* Business services
* Cooperation with RSPG and ENISA
* International cooperation
The BEREC Work Programme 2012 offers clear information about the ongoing and future activities, but leaving scope for queries from the EU institutions.
Nit-picking: BEREC is a body for cooperation between national regulators and its other stakeholders are mainly expert market participants. Still, even among them, far from everyone is a walking dictionary of English acronyms. BEREC could afford the luxury to explain each abbreviation at least when it first appears.
Ralf Grahn
Electronic communications in EU: BEREC blog posts
The previous blog post What is the EU doing for growth and jobs? painted a background picture of main reform programmes in the European Union.
In this context the Digital Agenda and the Digital Single Market are among the catchwords for growth-enhancing and life-enriching reforms in the EU.
If we go beyond the EU institutions in the important area of electronic communications, we find BEREC as a link between political declarations and market realities.
BEREC blog posts
In a number of blog posts we have discussed the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC), established by EU regulation 1211/2009 and with its office recently inaugurated in Riga (Latvia). These background posts are in English (EN), Finnish (FI) and Swedish (SV).
Grahnblawg (SV): Berec om nätneutralitet och öppenhet
Eurooppaoikeus (FI): Euroopan sähköisen viestinnän sääntelyviranomaisten yhteistyöelin (BEREC)
Grahnlaw (EN): Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC)
Grahnlaw (EN): EU electronic communications: BEREC medium term strategy consultation
Grahnlaw (EN): EU electronic communications: BEREC Work Programme 2012
Grahnlaw (EN): BEREC draft Work Programme 2012 consultation procedure
Grahnlaw (EN): Report on the consultation of the BEREC draft Work Programme 2012
Grahnblawg (SV): Elektronisk kommunikation i EU: Bakgrund till Berec 2012
Eurooppaoikeus (FI): Sähköisen viestinnän sääntely EU:ssa: taustalla BEREC
***
Our next step takes us from the BEREC background to the substance of the Work Programme 2012.
Ralf Grahn
In this context the Digital Agenda and the Digital Single Market are among the catchwords for growth-enhancing and life-enriching reforms in the EU.
If we go beyond the EU institutions in the important area of electronic communications, we find BEREC as a link between political declarations and market realities.
BEREC blog posts
In a number of blog posts we have discussed the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC), established by EU regulation 1211/2009 and with its office recently inaugurated in Riga (Latvia). These background posts are in English (EN), Finnish (FI) and Swedish (SV).
Grahnblawg (SV): Berec om nätneutralitet och öppenhet
Eurooppaoikeus (FI): Euroopan sähköisen viestinnän sääntelyviranomaisten yhteistyöelin (BEREC)
Grahnlaw (EN): Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC)
Grahnlaw (EN): EU electronic communications: BEREC medium term strategy consultation
Grahnlaw (EN): EU electronic communications: BEREC Work Programme 2012
Grahnlaw (EN): BEREC draft Work Programme 2012 consultation procedure
Grahnlaw (EN): Report on the consultation of the BEREC draft Work Programme 2012
Grahnblawg (SV): Elektronisk kommunikation i EU: Bakgrund till Berec 2012
Eurooppaoikeus (FI): Sähköisen viestinnän sääntely EU:ssa: taustalla BEREC
***
Our next step takes us from the BEREC background to the substance of the Work Programme 2012.
Ralf Grahn
Sunday, 25 December 2011
Report on the consultation of the BEREC draft Work Programme 2012
BEREC, the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications, is an important cog in the machinery to deliver on the Digital Agenda for Europe. BEREC enhances cooperation among national regulatory authorities (NRAs) and strengthens the internal market in electronic communications networks.
In the previous blog post I looked at some procedural aspects (transparency) and the scope of ”interested parties”. Here I turn to the contents of the report with the Work Programme 2012 consultation summary.
Following the WP 2012 public consultation from 6 October to 4 November 2011, including an oral hearing 21 October, BEREC published a report. The fifteen stakeholder contributions are available in full on the BEREC page for public consultations.
The consultation summary title more exactly:
BEREC report on the consultation of the BEREC draft Work Programme 2012 BoR (11) 61 (9 December 2011; 15 pages)
WP consultation report
The report advances through the draft WP, mentioning both the comments made by the interested parties and the proposed reactions prepared for the Board of Regulators (BoR).
Thus, the contributions offer an overview of issues seen as critical, at least by some. They also indicate (group) interests of individual contributors regarding electronic communications in Europe.
In addition to themes covered by the draft WP, contributors proposed additional issues to address in the course of BEREC work.
WP 2012 adapted
Here are a few issues where BEREC indicated a clear will to adapt the text of the final Work Programme 2012 (although naturally feedback can influence future actions without textual adjustments). I quote the theme and the BEREC comment.
Universal Service Provisions: The remarks made by PhoneAbility, Telecom Italia and SFR where taken into account and the theme of calculation of net costs has been added to the Work Programme.
Recommendation on termination rates: As a result BEREC added the evaluation of SMS termination to the Work Programme.
Benchmarks: BEREC added the evaluation to include further benchmark exercises in the future to the Work Programme.
Access to special rate services: BEREC takes note of the comments. The concrete suggestions such as DQ services have been added to the Work Programme.
Cross-border and demand side related issues: BEREC is glad to see so much support for this issue. The harmonisation question as well as further detailed evaluation in the field of cross-border issues and business services will be covered in the Work Programme with regard to the outcome of two reports on this issue by the end of 2011.
Cooperation with RSPG (Radio Spectrum Policy Group) and ENISA (European Network and Information Security Agency): BEREC will evaluate questions of further harmonisation in the Work Program Programme.
Additional items... Migration from legacy services: BEREC welcomes the comment made on this issue and will look into it within the existing EWGs.
***
In some cases, such as the adoption of certain standards for seamless interoperability and the creation of a single market for pan-European businesses, BEREC saw the proposals as going beyond its remit.
Ralf Grahn
In the previous blog post I looked at some procedural aspects (transparency) and the scope of ”interested parties”. Here I turn to the contents of the report with the Work Programme 2012 consultation summary.
Following the WP 2012 public consultation from 6 October to 4 November 2011, including an oral hearing 21 October, BEREC published a report. The fifteen stakeholder contributions are available in full on the BEREC page for public consultations.
The consultation summary title more exactly:
BEREC report on the consultation of the BEREC draft Work Programme 2012 BoR (11) 61 (9 December 2011; 15 pages)
WP consultation report
The report advances through the draft WP, mentioning both the comments made by the interested parties and the proposed reactions prepared for the Board of Regulators (BoR).
Thus, the contributions offer an overview of issues seen as critical, at least by some. They also indicate (group) interests of individual contributors regarding electronic communications in Europe.
In addition to themes covered by the draft WP, contributors proposed additional issues to address in the course of BEREC work.
WP 2012 adapted
Here are a few issues where BEREC indicated a clear will to adapt the text of the final Work Programme 2012 (although naturally feedback can influence future actions without textual adjustments). I quote the theme and the BEREC comment.
Universal Service Provisions: The remarks made by PhoneAbility, Telecom Italia and SFR where taken into account and the theme of calculation of net costs has been added to the Work Programme.
Recommendation on termination rates: As a result BEREC added the evaluation of SMS termination to the Work Programme.
Benchmarks: BEREC added the evaluation to include further benchmark exercises in the future to the Work Programme.
Access to special rate services: BEREC takes note of the comments. The concrete suggestions such as DQ services have been added to the Work Programme.
Cross-border and demand side related issues: BEREC is glad to see so much support for this issue. The harmonisation question as well as further detailed evaluation in the field of cross-border issues and business services will be covered in the Work Programme with regard to the outcome of two reports on this issue by the end of 2011.
Cooperation with RSPG (Radio Spectrum Policy Group) and ENISA (European Network and Information Security Agency): BEREC will evaluate questions of further harmonisation in the Work Program Programme.
Additional items... Migration from legacy services: BEREC welcomes the comment made on this issue and will look into it within the existing EWGs.
***
In some cases, such as the adoption of certain standards for seamless interoperability and the creation of a single market for pan-European businesses, BEREC saw the proposals as going beyond its remit.
Ralf Grahn
BEREC draft Work Programme 2012 consultation procedure
After the public consultation from 6 October to 4 November 2011, including an oral hearing 21 October, BEREC published a report on the public consultation. The fifteen stakeholder contributions are available in full on the BEREC page for public consultations.
The consultation summary:
BEREC report on the consultation of the BEREC draft Work Programme 2012 BoR (11) 61 (9 December 2011; 15 pages)
In this blog post I present the basic procedural aspects, before I look at the ”interested parties”.
Transparency
The BEREC Regulation 1211/2009, published two years ago, is available in 23 official EU languages; the English version:
REGULATION (EC) No 1211/2009 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 25 November 2009 establishing the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) and the Office (Text with EEA relevance); OJEU 18.12.2009 L 337/1
With regard to transparency, Article 17, in Chapter IV General Provisions, lays down a general rule on consultation, subject to confidentiality (Article 20) and further to the rules on public access to documents (Article 22):
The annual work programme is specifically mentioned as requiring consultation ahead of adoption, in Article 5(4) about the tasks of the Board of Regulators:
By publishing the draft, the consultation announcement, the contributions, the consultation summary and the final Work Programme 2012, BEREC acted in accordance with the principles on transparency. (A minor detail: The calls for contributions could further identify the document in question by adding the number to the name as well as by linking.)
Interested parties
During this consultation regarding future activities BEREC received contributions from fifteen stakeholders interested enough to want to influence electronic communications policies at the European level (summary page 2, consultations web page): EIDQ Association – the Association for the Directory Information and Related Search Industry, FTTH Council of Europe, The Number – Directory provider, The Voice on the Net (VON) Coalition Europe, Virgin Media, Telekom Austria, Telecom Italia, Belgacom, INTUG – International Telecommunications Users Group, ECTA, Cable Europe, Bundesverband Breitbandkommunikation, ETNO, Phone Ability and SFR.
In comparison, on a more concrete issue, the public consultation on draft guidelines on Transparency in the scope of Net Neutrality received 77 contributions (report BoR (11) 66).
On the other hand, some public consultations have received far fewer comments than the draft Work Programme 2012.
Participation is still way below the true numbers of participants in market and regulation activities. My impression is that the public and private players in the European electronic communications markets have not yet fully discovered BEREC as a new hinge between Digital Agenda aims at the European level and (converging) regulatory activity at the national level.
Ralf Grahn
The consultation summary:
BEREC report on the consultation of the BEREC draft Work Programme 2012 BoR (11) 61 (9 December 2011; 15 pages)
In this blog post I present the basic procedural aspects, before I look at the ”interested parties”.
Transparency
The BEREC Regulation 1211/2009, published two years ago, is available in 23 official EU languages; the English version:
REGULATION (EC) No 1211/2009 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 25 November 2009 establishing the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) and the Office (Text with EEA relevance); OJEU 18.12.2009 L 337/1
With regard to transparency, Article 17, in Chapter IV General Provisions, lays down a general rule on consultation, subject to confidentiality (Article 20) and further to the rules on public access to documents (Article 22):
Article 17
Consultation
Where appropriate, BEREC shall, before adopting opinions, regulatory best practice or reports, consult interested parties and give them the opportunity to comment within a reasonable period. BEREC shall, without prejudice to Article 20, make the results of the consultation procedure publicly available.
The annual work programme is specifically mentioned as requiring consultation ahead of adoption, in Article 5(4) about the tasks of the Board of Regulators:
4. The Board of Regulators shall, after consulting interested parties in accordance with Article 17, adopt the annual work programme of BEREC before the end of each year preceding that to which the work programme relates. The Board of Regulators shall transmit the annual work programme to the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as soon as it is adopted.
By publishing the draft, the consultation announcement, the contributions, the consultation summary and the final Work Programme 2012, BEREC acted in accordance with the principles on transparency. (A minor detail: The calls for contributions could further identify the document in question by adding the number to the name as well as by linking.)
Interested parties
During this consultation regarding future activities BEREC received contributions from fifteen stakeholders interested enough to want to influence electronic communications policies at the European level (summary page 2, consultations web page): EIDQ Association – the Association for the Directory Information and Related Search Industry, FTTH Council of Europe, The Number – Directory provider, The Voice on the Net (VON) Coalition Europe, Virgin Media, Telekom Austria, Telecom Italia, Belgacom, INTUG – International Telecommunications Users Group, ECTA, Cable Europe, Bundesverband Breitbandkommunikation, ETNO, Phone Ability and SFR.
In comparison, on a more concrete issue, the public consultation on draft guidelines on Transparency in the scope of Net Neutrality received 77 contributions (report BoR (11) 66).
On the other hand, some public consultations have received far fewer comments than the draft Work Programme 2012.
Participation is still way below the true numbers of participants in market and regulation activities. My impression is that the public and private players in the European electronic communications markets have not yet fully discovered BEREC as a new hinge between Digital Agenda aims at the European level and (converging) regulatory activity at the national level.
Ralf Grahn
EU electronic communications: BEREC Work Programme 2012
After the brief presentation of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC), we looked at the ongoing public consultation on the draft BEREC medium term strategy outlook.
Relating to the Digital Agenda for Europe, in this blog post we turn to the BEREC Work Programme 2012 documents.
Board of Regulators
The conclusions of the BEREC Board of Regulators meeting in Bucharest (Romania) 8-9 December 2011 deal with the Work Programme for next year in point 7 (page 3). The conclusions after some editing:
7. Draft 2012 BEREC WP
Summary of the contributions received during the public consultation on the 2012 draft BEREC WP BoR (11) 61
Revised 2012 draft BEREC WP BoR (11) 62
Proposal for operationalisation of the BEREC WP 2012 – set-up of EWGs BoR (11) 63
Background
The 2012 BEREC Chair (RTR) presented the results from the public consultation on the BEREC WP for 2012, held in the period 6 October - 4 November 2011, the revised draft WP and a proposal for operationalisation of the BEREC WP 2012, incl. the set-up of EWGs.
Conclusion
The BEREC 2012 WP and the consultation report were approved for publication and implementation.
Documents
If we concentrate on the main documents for the public, we have the draft Work Programme BoR (11) 40 Rev1 (October 2011; 16 pages).
After the public consultation from 6 October to 4 November 2011, including an oral hearing 21 October, BEREC published a report on the public consultation BoR (11) 61 (9 December 2011; 15 pages). The fifteen contributions are available also on the BEREC page for public consultations.
The final WP:
Work Programme 2012 BEREC Board of Regulators BoR (11) 62 (9 December 2011; 18 pages)
***
For the future BEREC could consider linking directly to the relevant documents in its conclusions.
I am going to look at the consultation summary and the final Work Programme 2012 in future blog posts.
Ralf Grahn
Relating to the Digital Agenda for Europe, in this blog post we turn to the BEREC Work Programme 2012 documents.
Board of Regulators
The conclusions of the BEREC Board of Regulators meeting in Bucharest (Romania) 8-9 December 2011 deal with the Work Programme for next year in point 7 (page 3). The conclusions after some editing:
7. Draft 2012 BEREC WP
Summary of the contributions received during the public consultation on the 2012 draft BEREC WP BoR (11) 61
Revised 2012 draft BEREC WP BoR (11) 62
Proposal for operationalisation of the BEREC WP 2012 – set-up of EWGs BoR (11) 63
Background
The 2012 BEREC Chair (RTR) presented the results from the public consultation on the BEREC WP for 2012, held in the period 6 October - 4 November 2011, the revised draft WP and a proposal for operationalisation of the BEREC WP 2012, incl. the set-up of EWGs.
Conclusion
The BEREC 2012 WP and the consultation report were approved for publication and implementation.
Documents
If we concentrate on the main documents for the public, we have the draft Work Programme BoR (11) 40 Rev1 (October 2011; 16 pages).
After the public consultation from 6 October to 4 November 2011, including an oral hearing 21 October, BEREC published a report on the public consultation BoR (11) 61 (9 December 2011; 15 pages). The fifteen contributions are available also on the BEREC page for public consultations.
The final WP:
Work Programme 2012 BEREC Board of Regulators BoR (11) 62 (9 December 2011; 18 pages)
***
For the future BEREC could consider linking directly to the relevant documents in its conclusions.
I am going to look at the consultation summary and the final Work Programme 2012 in future blog posts.
Ralf Grahn
Saturday, 24 December 2011
EU electronic communications: BEREC medium term strategy consultation
In the introduction to the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC), I mentioned that BEREC has announced a public consultation, which runs until 16 January 2012.
Board of Regulators
The latest meeting of the Board of Regulators (BoR) took place 8 to 9 December 2011 in Bucharest (Romania).
According to the conclusions the BoR held an extensive discussion on the draft medium term strategy and decided to publish it for consultation. The draft:
Draft BEREC medium term strategy outlook; 14 December 2011 BoR (11) 58 (7 pages)
Medium term strategy
In order to achieve a multi-annual perspective, BEREC is elaborating strategic goals and promises to present a document outlining its midterm strategy in the course of 2012.
According to the BEREC announcement the public consultation runs until 16 January 2012. The draft strategy document outlines the activities of this advisory body for the next 3 to 5 years.
Internal market for electronic communications
In the draft, BEREC starts by setting out its role in general terms as a contributor to the Digital Agenda, before going into detail (page 2):
Emphasis on the digital single market is added through the announcement of the main focus (page 3):
Priorities
After describing some trends in infrastructure and services and among consumers (page 3-4), the BEREC draft discusses the following core or priority issues for the coming years (page 4-5):
The BEREC draft then turns to the quality of its output, by describing its level of ambition regarding common positions, guidelines, the sharing of best practices, information and experiences between NRAs, the monitoring and benchmarking exercises, as well as Article 7/7a procedures related to the Framework Directive (see above) (page 6).
The last page mentions the need for efficiency during times of budget austerity for the NRAs.
Comment
In this first draft strategy BEREC has placed a few signposts outlining main goals and principles for the longer term. For those interested, it offers an introduction to the activities of BEREC.
In the midst of budget consolidation and weakening growth prospects, the European Council has repeatedly called for the establishment of a European digital single market as a means to engender economic growth and job creation. BEREC and the NRAs are in a strategic position between European level aims and the reality of national level regulation.
The stakeholders – including telecommunications enterprises, online service providers and content creators - now have the opportunity to contribute to the final version, although the annual Work Programmes can be expected to remain the main source for plans in the short term.
***
I wish the readers of my blogs, as well as my Facebook and Twitter friends, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2012!
Ralf Grahn
Board of Regulators
The latest meeting of the Board of Regulators (BoR) took place 8 to 9 December 2011 in Bucharest (Romania).
According to the conclusions the BoR held an extensive discussion on the draft medium term strategy and decided to publish it for consultation. The draft:
Draft BEREC medium term strategy outlook; 14 December 2011 BoR (11) 58 (7 pages)
Medium term strategy
In order to achieve a multi-annual perspective, BEREC is elaborating strategic goals and promises to present a document outlining its midterm strategy in the course of 2012.
According to the BEREC announcement the public consultation runs until 16 January 2012. The draft strategy document outlines the activities of this advisory body for the next 3 to 5 years.
Internal market for electronic communications
In the draft, BEREC starts by setting out its role in general terms as a contributor to the Digital Agenda, before going into detail (page 2):
BEREC’s task is to promote the consistent application of the regulatory framework and thereby contribute to the development of the internal market for electronic communications. In doing so, BEREC aims to play its part in the promotion of growth and innovation in the EU. BEREC can also provide considerable expertise and professional advice on European policy initiatives and related debates in the electronic communications sector.
Emphasis on the digital single market is added through the announcement of the main focus (page 3):
The main focus of BEREC in the medium term will be on its contribution to the realisation of the internal market. The contributions in this area, both upon request from the EU institutions and on its own initiative, will include in particular:
a. Adopting common regulatory approaches and best practices in areas where differences impede the internal market, and monitoring conformity with those approaches thereafter.
b. Issuing robust and respected opinions on Article 7 cases. [Footnote 1 adds the explanation: Article 7 and article 7a of the amended Framework Directive describe the process in case an NRA takes a market analysis decision. That NRA has to notify its draft decision to the Commission and to BEREC. Both BEREC and the Commission can then provide the NRA with advice. If, in a later stage, a final decision is notified, the Commission may have serious doubts regarding the decision. In such a case, the Commission has to ask BEREC for advice. The Commission has to take the utmost account of that advice.]
c. Advising the EU institutions on draft legislation and regulation.
Priorities
After describing some trends in infrastructure and services and among consumers (page 3-4), the BEREC draft discusses the following core or priority issues for the coming years (page 4-5):
1. Infrastructural developments: Next generation networks
2. Consumer empowerment: boosting consumer choice and protection
3. Service related developments
The BEREC draft then turns to the quality of its output, by describing its level of ambition regarding common positions, guidelines, the sharing of best practices, information and experiences between NRAs, the monitoring and benchmarking exercises, as well as Article 7/7a procedures related to the Framework Directive (see above) (page 6).
The last page mentions the need for efficiency during times of budget austerity for the NRAs.
Comment
In this first draft strategy BEREC has placed a few signposts outlining main goals and principles for the longer term. For those interested, it offers an introduction to the activities of BEREC.
In the midst of budget consolidation and weakening growth prospects, the European Council has repeatedly called for the establishment of a European digital single market as a means to engender economic growth and job creation. BEREC and the NRAs are in a strategic position between European level aims and the reality of national level regulation.
The stakeholders – including telecommunications enterprises, online service providers and content creators - now have the opportunity to contribute to the final version, although the annual Work Programmes can be expected to remain the main source for plans in the short term.
***
I wish the readers of my blogs, as well as my Facebook and Twitter friends, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2012!
Ralf Grahn
Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC)
One part of the new EU regulatory framework for electronic communications, the telecoms package approved in 2009, was the establishment of BEREC.
The BEREC Regulation 1211/2009, published two years ago, is available in 23 official EU languages; the English version:
REGULATION (EC) No 1211/2009 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 25 November 2009 establishing the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) and the Office (Text with EEA relevance); OJEU 18.12.2009 L 337/1
It did not take the governments of the EU member states more than about half a year to agree to establish the BEREC office in Riga (Latvia), or maybe they waited for the transposition date of the telecoms package to pass:
DECISION TAKEN BY COMMON ACCORD BETWEEN THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES of 31 May 2010 on the location of the seat of the Office of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) (2010/349/EU); OJEU 23.6.2010 L 156/12
The BEREC office was inaugurated 14 October 2011, so it has been fully operational in Riga for less than three months.
The BEREC website can be described as spartan. Given the area – electronic communications – the absence of an RSS feed comes as a surprise. There is no social media presence (blog, Twitter, Facebook) I am aware of.
Board of Regulators
According to Regulation 1211/2009, BEREC is composed of a Board of Regulators (BoR), with one member from the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) in each member state. (BoR Rules of Procedure)
The NRAs from European Economic Area (EEA) states and from the candidates for EU accession have observer status.
The Regulation 1211/2009 established the office as a Community body with legal personality, with a Management Committee composed of one representative per member state NRA. (MC Rules of Procedure)
National Regulatory Authorities NRAs
In addition to the 27 EU member NRAs, there are observer NRAs from Croatia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey. The names and links are on offer here.
Digital Agenda & digital single market
At the inauguration ceremony in Riga, Commission vice-president Neelie Kroes outlined the contribution of BEREC and the National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) in the success of the Digital Agenda for Europe goal of a vibrant digital single market. The crucial tasks she mentioned were roaming, net neutrality, superfast broadband and getting every European digital.
BEREC medium term strategy consultation
BEREC has announced a public consultation, which runs until 16 January 2012. The draft strategy document the stakeholders are invited to comment on is:
Draft BEREC medium term strategy outlook; 14 December 2011 BoR (11) 58 (7 pages)
BEREC Work Programme 2012
The recently published Work Programme for 2012 offers more detail about the coming activities in the short term:
Work Programme 2012 BEREC Board of Regulators; 9 December 2011 BoR (11) 62 (18 pages)
Ralf Grahn
The BEREC Regulation 1211/2009, published two years ago, is available in 23 official EU languages; the English version:
REGULATION (EC) No 1211/2009 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 25 November 2009 establishing the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) and the Office (Text with EEA relevance); OJEU 18.12.2009 L 337/1
It did not take the governments of the EU member states more than about half a year to agree to establish the BEREC office in Riga (Latvia), or maybe they waited for the transposition date of the telecoms package to pass:
DECISION TAKEN BY COMMON ACCORD BETWEEN THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES of 31 May 2010 on the location of the seat of the Office of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) (2010/349/EU); OJEU 23.6.2010 L 156/12
The BEREC office was inaugurated 14 October 2011, so it has been fully operational in Riga for less than three months.
The BEREC website can be described as spartan. Given the area – electronic communications – the absence of an RSS feed comes as a surprise. There is no social media presence (blog, Twitter, Facebook) I am aware of.
Board of Regulators
According to Regulation 1211/2009, BEREC is composed of a Board of Regulators (BoR), with one member from the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) in each member state. (BoR Rules of Procedure)
The NRAs from European Economic Area (EEA) states and from the candidates for EU accession have observer status.
The Regulation 1211/2009 established the office as a Community body with legal personality, with a Management Committee composed of one representative per member state NRA. (MC Rules of Procedure)
National Regulatory Authorities NRAs
In addition to the 27 EU member NRAs, there are observer NRAs from Croatia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey. The names and links are on offer here.
Digital Agenda & digital single market
At the inauguration ceremony in Riga, Commission vice-president Neelie Kroes outlined the contribution of BEREC and the National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) in the success of the Digital Agenda for Europe goal of a vibrant digital single market. The crucial tasks she mentioned were roaming, net neutrality, superfast broadband and getting every European digital.
BEREC medium term strategy consultation
BEREC has announced a public consultation, which runs until 16 January 2012. The draft strategy document the stakeholders are invited to comment on is:
Draft BEREC medium term strategy outlook; 14 December 2011 BoR (11) 58 (7 pages)
BEREC Work Programme 2012
The recently published Work Programme for 2012 offers more detail about the coming activities in the short term:
Work Programme 2012 BEREC Board of Regulators; 9 December 2011 BoR (11) 62 (18 pages)
Ralf Grahn
Sunday, 18 December 2011
EU Digital Agenda: Open internet and net neutrality background
I mentioned the EU TTE Council (transport, telecommunications and energy) 12 and 13 December 2011 on my blogs in Finnish, Swedish (here and here) and English. The TTE Council adopted conclusions which on five pages establish the open internet and net neutrality as a policy objective in Europe, while balancing between contradictory claims and interests.
Here I am going to take a web log approach on my blogs, recording the steps from the Digital Agenda.
Digital Agenda for Europe
Let us start upstream, returning to A Digital Agenda for Europe. The original communication was published 19 May 2010, even if the revised version is dated 26 August 2010. The proposal kicked off one of the seven flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.
The communication from the European Commission is available in 22 EU languages; here the English version:
A Digital Agenda for Europe; Brussels, 26.8.2010 COM(2010) 245 final/2
Open internet
The Digital Agenda communication offered this introduction to the openness of the internet (page 20-21), with a few indications about the occurring questions:
Net neutrality
Wikipedia offers a long introduction to the controversial topic Network neutrality. The article is general in scope, but most of the contents deal with developments and opinion in the United States. However, it discusses the legal situation in the European Union and a few member states (with some need for editing and updating).
Ralf Grahn
Here I am going to take a web log approach on my blogs, recording the steps from the Digital Agenda.
Digital Agenda for Europe
Let us start upstream, returning to A Digital Agenda for Europe. The original communication was published 19 May 2010, even if the revised version is dated 26 August 2010. The proposal kicked off one of the seven flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.
The communication from the European Commission is available in 22 EU languages; here the English version:
A Digital Agenda for Europe; Brussels, 26.8.2010 COM(2010) 245 final/2
Open internet
The Digital Agenda communication offered this introduction to the openness of the internet (page 20-21), with a few indications about the occurring questions:
2.4.3. Open and neutral internet
The Commission will also monitor closely the implementation of the new legislative provisions on the open and neutral character of the internet, which safeguard users' rights to access and distribute information online and ensure transparency about traffic management [Footnote 27 reference to: Article 8(4)(g) of the Directive 2002/21/EC on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services; Articles 20(1)(b) and 21(3)(c) and (d) of the Universal Service Directive]. The Commission will launch a public consultation before summer 2010 as part of its more general commitment to report by the end of the year, in the light of market and technological developments, on whether additional guidance is required, in order to secure the basic objectives of freedom of expression, transparency, the need for investment in efficient and open networks, fair competition and openness to innovative business models.
Net neutrality
Wikipedia offers a long introduction to the controversial topic Network neutrality. The article is general in scope, but most of the contents deal with developments and opinion in the United States. However, it discusses the legal situation in the European Union and a few member states (with some need for editing and updating).
Ralf Grahn
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Open internet and net neutrality in EU
The TTE Council of the European Union met to deal with transport and telecommunications issues:
3134th Council meeting Transport, Telecommunications and Energy; Brussels, 12 and 13 December 2011 (document 18416/11; 27 pages)
The general TTE conclusions offer an overview of the Council's response to the open internet and net neutrality, issued in relation to the Digital Agenda (pages 19-20):
Open internet and net neutrality
The general conclusions refer and link to the specific conclusions prepared by Coreper and dated 1 December 2011:
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - "The open internet and net neutrality in Europe" - Adoption of Council conclusions (document 17904/11, available in the other EU languages as well; 9 pages)
If you want to be on the safe side, you can compare with the text distributed to the press after TTE adoption, at this point in English and French.
COM(2011) 222
There is a link to the communication from the Commission (Council document 9350/11), but through Eur-Lex we can access COM(2011) 222 in 22 languges and three document formats. Here to the English version (pdf):
The open internet and net neutrality in Europe; Brussels, 19.4.2011 COM(2011) 222 final (10 pages)
Ralf Grahn
3134th Council meeting Transport, Telecommunications and Energy; Brussels, 12 and 13 December 2011 (document 18416/11; 27 pages)
The general TTE conclusions offer an overview of the Council's response to the open internet and net neutrality, issued in relation to the Digital Agenda (pages 19-20):
Open internet and net neutrality
The Council adopted conclusions on the open internet and net neutrality in Europe (17904/11).
These conclusions were drawn up on the basis of the Commission communication on the subject published in April 2011 (9350/11). This communication seeks to fulfil the Commission commitment to preserve "the open and neutral character of the internet, taking full account of the will of the co-legislators now to enshrine net neutrality as a policy objective and regulatory principle to be promoted by national regulatory authorities". This commitment was made in its declaration on net neutrality when the 2009 telecoms package was concluded (OJ C 308, 18.12.2009, p.2).
In the conclusions the Council underlines, inter alia, the need to preserve the open and neutral character of the internet and consider net neutrality as a policy objective. It welcomes the Commission's intention to assess the need, based on investigations by the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications' (BEREC), for more stringent measures and to publish additional guidance on net neutrality if necessary. In addition, it welcomes the Commission's commitments to monitor the implementation of the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications and services and to issue a code of existing EU online rights by 2012.
The Commission is invited, inter alia, to assess, jointly with BEREC, the discrepancy between advertised and actual delivery speeds occurring in member states, and report to the Council and the Parliament on the situation thereof by 2012. Furthermore, the Commission is invited to provide additional information on the best practices in traffic management and on how to respond to the requirements of global service providers concerning quality and pricing of services.
Open internet and net neutrality
The general conclusions refer and link to the specific conclusions prepared by Coreper and dated 1 December 2011:
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - "The open internet and net neutrality in Europe" - Adoption of Council conclusions (document 17904/11, available in the other EU languages as well; 9 pages)
If you want to be on the safe side, you can compare with the text distributed to the press after TTE adoption, at this point in English and French.
COM(2011) 222
There is a link to the communication from the Commission (Council document 9350/11), but through Eur-Lex we can access COM(2011) 222 in 22 languges and three document formats. Here to the English version (pdf):
The open internet and net neutrality in Europe; Brussels, 19.4.2011 COM(2011) 222 final (10 pages)
Ralf Grahn
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
Europe's Digital Competitiveness Report 2010
Competitiveness is as important as sustainable public finances for the member states of the European Union. Indeed, growth and jobs are key to higher revenue, less expenditure and better budget balance.
Information and communication technology (ICT) is a key to progress, and the EU offers an institutional framework for mutual learning.
These opportunities are essential for the weaker states in the eurozone and the EU.
Finding EU documents
It would be easier to find COM and SEC documents (preparatory documents) if the European Commission posted them all on Eur-Lex according to date and with all language versions visible through the bibliographic note.
Digital Competitiveness
Let us turn to the contents of one of the cornerstones of the Digital Agenda for Europe, one of the seven flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth (EU2020):
Europe's Digital Competitiveness Report 2010
(formally the two volumes of the Commission staff working document 17.5.2010 SEC(2010) 627).
The executive summary offered the following declaration on the contents (page 8):
With regard to the telecommunications markets (eCommunications), the contents of Chapter 2 Broadband are largely identical with the 15th report on the Single European Electronic Communications Market – 2009 COM(2010) 253 and the accompanying staff working document SEC(2010) 630.
Digital Single Market
The same summary presented main findings about the ideal of a digital single market, one of the main challenges for the Digital Agenda and the Single Market Act (SMA):
Productivity growth
The following reminds me of the great productivity challenges of the Mediterranean EU members, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, (Malta), Portugal and Spain, as well as the other new member states (page 11):
***
I intend to present and to comment on some other interesting ICT policy findings in one or more blog posts.
Ralf Grahn
P.S. Dear Reader, I am interested in national Digital Agendas and existing language versions, as well as information society plans and IT policy actions in the member states of the European Union. If you know something about national ICT policy and law, I am grateful if you can use the comment section or email me with relevant information.
Information and communication technology (ICT) is a key to progress, and the EU offers an institutional framework for mutual learning.
These opportunities are essential for the weaker states in the eurozone and the EU.
Finding EU documents
It would be easier to find COM and SEC documents (preparatory documents) if the European Commission posted them all on Eur-Lex according to date and with all language versions visible through the bibliographic note.
Digital Competitiveness
Let us turn to the contents of one of the cornerstones of the Digital Agenda for Europe, one of the seven flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth (EU2020):
Europe's Digital Competitiveness Report 2010
(formally the two volumes of the Commission staff working document 17.5.2010 SEC(2010) 627).
The executive summary offered the following declaration on the contents (page 8):
This year’s report focuses on significant developments in the area of broadband, use of internet services and eCommerce, the digital divide, online public services, the economic impact of ICT and the ICT sector. The report benchmarks the relative performance of the EU Member States, where possible compared with other major non-European economies such as the US, Japan and Korea.
With regard to the telecommunications markets (eCommunications), the contents of Chapter 2 Broadband are largely identical with the 15th report on the Single European Electronic Communications Market – 2009 COM(2010) 253 and the accompanying staff working document SEC(2010) 630.
Digital Single Market
The same summary presented main findings about the ideal of a digital single market, one of the main challenges for the Digital Agenda and the Single Market Act (SMA):
The internet has a huge potential to strengthen the single market by providing individuals and businesses with access, at their finger tips, to the entirety of the EU single market, by making them more informed market participants and by making prices more transparent. However, the level of eCommerce and eBusiness varies across Member States, and cross-border transactions are limited. Some 54% of internet users in the EU now engage in eCommerce (ordering or buying) but only 22 % of those e-shoppers have ordered from other EU countries. The main barriers to buying online are the perceived lack of need, security, trust and privacy concerns, and lack of skills. Online businesses also face regulatory and practical barriers to cross-border trading. As a result, more than 60% of cross-border transactions cannot be completed because traders refuse to serve consumers abroad. However, a genuine Digital Single Market, an important source of economic growth, is essential to stimulate the growth of businesses through larger markets and to provide consumers with more choice and lower prices.
Productivity growth
The following reminds me of the great productivity challenges of the Mediterranean EU members, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, (Malta), Portugal and Spain, as well as the other new member states (page 11):
The ICT industry is an important contributor to the growth of the European economy: while representing 5% of GDP, it drives 20% of overall productivity growth. Accounting for 1% of GDP, the ICT manufacturing sector is responsible for one quarter of total R&D investment. Together with ICT investment and take-up by enterprises, the sector drives half of productivity growth, as was the case before the recent economic crisis.
***
I intend to present and to comment on some other interesting ICT policy findings in one or more blog posts.
Ralf Grahn
P.S. Dear Reader, I am interested in national Digital Agendas and existing language versions, as well as information society plans and IT policy actions in the member states of the European Union. If you know something about national ICT policy and law, I am grateful if you can use the comment section or email me with relevant information.
Monday, 31 October 2011
EU Digital Agenda: finding Commission documents
The Digital Agenda for Europe was accompanied by a Commission staff working document known as:
Europe's Digital Competitiveness Report 2010
Both Volume 1 (general ICT competitiveness report) and Volume 2 (ICT country profiles) of the Commission staff working document 17.5.2010 SEC(2010) 627 have been published together in a glossy version.
However, Volume 2 with the ICT Country Profiles in SEC(2010) 627 was also posted separately by the Commission, for the convenience of readers.
Generally, the Digital Agenda web pages are quite good, but for some reason you won't find SEC(2010) 627 on Eur-Lex.
Even if the EU legal portal calls them preparatory acts, I would appreciate if every COM and SEC document would be posted on Eur-Lex (with all available language versions), because having them all in one place would facilitate finding relevant reports and proposals compared to hunting for them on the web pages and subpages of some thirty Commission services.
Ralf Grahn
P.S. Dear Reader, I am interested in national Digital Agendas (existing language versions), as well as information society plans and IT policy actions in the member states of the European Union. If you know something about national policy and law, I am grateful if you can use the comment section or email me with relevant information.
Europe's Digital Competitiveness Report 2010
Both Volume 1 (general ICT competitiveness report) and Volume 2 (ICT country profiles) of the Commission staff working document 17.5.2010 SEC(2010) 627 have been published together in a glossy version.
However, Volume 2 with the ICT Country Profiles in SEC(2010) 627 was also posted separately by the Commission, for the convenience of readers.
Generally, the Digital Agenda web pages are quite good, but for some reason you won't find SEC(2010) 627 on Eur-Lex.
Even if the EU legal portal calls them preparatory acts, I would appreciate if every COM and SEC document would be posted on Eur-Lex (with all available language versions), because having them all in one place would facilitate finding relevant reports and proposals compared to hunting for them on the web pages and subpages of some thirty Commission services.
Ralf Grahn
P.S. Dear Reader, I am interested in national Digital Agendas (existing language versions), as well as information society plans and IT policy actions in the member states of the European Union. If you know something about national policy and law, I am grateful if you can use the comment section or email me with relevant information.
Sunday, 30 October 2011
EU Digital Agenda: member state and market basics eCommunications
Telecoms networks and services are sorted under the Commission's Information Society web pages eCommunications. There the web page 15th Progress report on the single european electronic communications market - 2009 offers you access to the communication COM(2010) 253 in 22 EU languages, as well as to the two parts of the accompanying Commission staff working document SEC(2010) 630 final/2 with much more detail (English only), including the Country chapters (Annex 1 in Part 1 or separately).
After the pan-EU developments presented in the blog posts about Part 1 (latest post), we glance at Part 2:
CORRIGENDUM
Annule et remplace le document SEC(2010) 630 final du 25.5.2010
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT accompanying the COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS: PROGRESS REPORT ON THE SINGLE EUROPEAN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS MARKET (15th REPORT); Brussels, 25.8.2010 SEC(2010) 630 final/2 PART 2 (128 pages)
Part 2 contains financial indicators, information about mobile markets, fixed markets, broadband markets, converged services (bundled offers), broadcasting, tariffs for leased lines, as well as exchange rates and population.
As with the implementation in the member states in Part 1, we are content to signal Part 2 to those who are interested, since we are going to meet both EU member states and evolving market conditions in many future instances.
Ralf Grahn
P.S. Dear Readers, I am interested in national Digital Agendas (existing language versions), as well as information society plans and ICT actions in the member states of the European Union. If you know something, I am grateful if you can use the comment section or email me with relevant information.
After the pan-EU developments presented in the blog posts about Part 1 (latest post), we glance at Part 2:
CORRIGENDUM
Annule et remplace le document SEC(2010) 630 final du 25.5.2010
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT accompanying the COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS: PROGRESS REPORT ON THE SINGLE EUROPEAN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS MARKET (15th REPORT); Brussels, 25.8.2010 SEC(2010) 630 final/2 PART 2 (128 pages)
Part 2 contains financial indicators, information about mobile markets, fixed markets, broadband markets, converged services (bundled offers), broadcasting, tariffs for leased lines, as well as exchange rates and population.
As with the implementation in the member states in Part 1, we are content to signal Part 2 to those who are interested, since we are going to meet both EU member states and evolving market conditions in many future instances.
Ralf Grahn
P.S. Dear Readers, I am interested in national Digital Agendas (existing language versions), as well as information society plans and ICT actions in the member states of the European Union. If you know something, I am grateful if you can use the comment section or email me with relevant information.
Saturday, 29 October 2011
EU Digital Agenda: Radio spectrum progress
After some basic economic and market trends, broadband and regulatory developments as they appeared at the time of the Digital Agenda launch, we return to the Commission staff working document SEC(2010) 630 final/2, which accompanied the 15th progress report about telecoms (eCommunications) markets in Europe:
CORRIGENDUM
Annule et remplace le document SEC(2010) 630 final du 25.5.2010
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT accompanying the COMMUNICATION PROGRESS REPORT ON THE SINGLE EUROPEAN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS MARKET (15th REPORT); Brussels, 25.8.2010 SEC(2010) 630 final/2 PART 1 (422 pages)
The working document continued by discussing various aspects of the consumer interest: users' access to the Internet and network management, number portability, out-of-court dispute resolution, the European emergency number 112, ”must carry” obligations and ePrivacy (page 61-70).
Radio spectrum management
The section on spectrum management reminds us of the digital dividend (page 73-74):
In 2009 EU member states took steps towards the introduction of market-based approaches in their spectrum management practices, the study records.
This reminds us of the fresh, 28 October 2011 press release about another forward step concerning a proposal we have discussed before: First radio spectrum policy programme: Political agreement between Council and Parliament (Council document 16072/11).
You can find background information through the Commission's information society web pages dedicated to the radio spectrum theme, including the latest news on approaching completion.
eCommunications infringement procedures
Monitoring and preventive work did not eliminate the need for infringement procedures (page 77):
You can find updated information about implementation and enforcement of existing eCommunications rules.
Ralf Grahn
P.S. Dear Readers, I am interested in national Digital Agendas (existing language versions), as well as information society plans and ICT actions in the member states of the European Union. If you know something, you can use the comment section or email me.
CORRIGENDUM
Annule et remplace le document SEC(2010) 630 final du 25.5.2010
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT accompanying the COMMUNICATION PROGRESS REPORT ON THE SINGLE EUROPEAN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS MARKET (15th REPORT); Brussels, 25.8.2010 SEC(2010) 630 final/2 PART 1 (422 pages)
The working document continued by discussing various aspects of the consumer interest: users' access to the Internet and network management, number portability, out-of-court dispute resolution, the European emergency number 112, ”must carry” obligations and ePrivacy (page 61-70).
Radio spectrum management
The section on spectrum management reminds us of the digital dividend (page 73-74):
In 2009, the Commission stepped up efforts aimed at coordinating the allocation of the digital dividend – high-quality radio spectrum freed as a result of switch-over from analogue to digital television broadcasting – for innovative wireless communication services across Europe.
In 2009 EU member states took steps towards the introduction of market-based approaches in their spectrum management practices, the study records.
This reminds us of the fresh, 28 October 2011 press release about another forward step concerning a proposal we have discussed before: First radio spectrum policy programme: Political agreement between Council and Parliament (Council document 16072/11).
You can find background information through the Commission's information society web pages dedicated to the radio spectrum theme, including the latest news on approaching completion.
eCommunications infringement procedures
Monitoring and preventive work did not eliminate the need for infringement procedures (page 77):
Enforcing effective implementation of the regulatory framework for electronic communications continued to be a priority in 2009. The Commission opened some 170 infringement proceedings under Article 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) (formerly Article 226 of the EC Treaty) from the date of application of the regulatory framework until the end of 2009. In around 110 cases this was due to failures to correctly implement the regulatory framework. While all Member States have been concerned by enforcement action, a significant number of issues have been settled since.
You can find updated information about implementation and enforcement of existing eCommunications rules.
Ralf Grahn
P.S. Dear Readers, I am interested in national Digital Agendas (existing language versions), as well as information society plans and ICT actions in the member states of the European Union. If you know something, you can use the comment section or email me.
Friday, 28 October 2011
EU Digital Agenda: regulatory developments
We have looked at some basic economic and market trends, as well as broadband developments as they appeared at the time of the Digital Agenda launch.
We return to the Commission staff working document SEC(2010) 630 final/2, which accompanied the 15th progress report about telecoms (eCommunications) markets in Europe:
CORRIGENDUM
Annule et remplace le document SEC(2010) 630 final du 25.5.2010
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT accompanying the COMMUNICATION PROGRESS REPORT ON THE SINGLE EUROPEAN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS MARKET (15th REPORT); Brussels, 25.8.2010 SEC(2010) 630 final/2 PART 1 (422 pages)
Since fixed telephony declines in terms of both revenues and volumes, I am just going to note the rapid rise of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony (page 34-36).
Telecoms regulation
The section about regulatory developments discussed the institutional framework, the implementation of regulatory measures, the consumer interest, horizontal regulation, spectrum management, as well as monitoring and enforcement.
Here are a few regulatory observations I found interesting enough to share with you.
NRAs
The EU member states have an obligation to ensure that the national regulatory authorities (NRAs) are legally distinct from and functionally independent of electronic communications networks and services providers, including state-owned ones.
One of the tasks of the Commission is to monitor the independence of NRAs, and it took action when necessary. Some of the critical issues were the institutional arrangements, the attribution of regulatory functions, the rules regarding the appointment and the dismissal of the regulator and the availability of adequate resources (staff, expertise and funding) (page 44-47).
Consumer protection
As the Commission said (page 55):
Some innovative approaches were noted. One was the deployment of IT tools which allow end-users to test their actual broadband speeds. Online evaluation mechanisms enabling cost comparisons of alternative usage patterns were another transparency tool (both on page 56).
Universal service obligations
The Commission mentioned four elements of universal telecommunications services, which had to be available to all end-users at an affordable price and specified quality (Universal Service Directive 2002/22, here link to consolidated version of 19 December 2009). These were currently under review in many countries: (i) access at a fixed location to telephony services, fax communications and functional internet, (ii) comprehensive directory and directory enquiry service, (iii) availability of public payphones, and (iv) special measures for disabled, those on low income and with special needs (page 57).
Finland was the first country to take concrete measures to initiate a designation procedure for universal service broadband of 1 Mbps (page 57).
Ralf Grahn
P.S. Dear Readers, I am interested in national Digital Agendas (existing language versions), as well as information society plans and ICT actions in the member states of the European Union. If you know something, you can use the comment section or email me.
We return to the Commission staff working document SEC(2010) 630 final/2, which accompanied the 15th progress report about telecoms (eCommunications) markets in Europe:
CORRIGENDUM
Annule et remplace le document SEC(2010) 630 final du 25.5.2010
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT accompanying the COMMUNICATION PROGRESS REPORT ON THE SINGLE EUROPEAN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS MARKET (15th REPORT); Brussels, 25.8.2010 SEC(2010) 630 final/2 PART 1 (422 pages)
Since fixed telephony declines in terms of both revenues and volumes, I am just going to note the rapid rise of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony (page 34-36).
Telecoms regulation
The section about regulatory developments discussed the institutional framework, the implementation of regulatory measures, the consumer interest, horizontal regulation, spectrum management, as well as monitoring and enforcement.
Here are a few regulatory observations I found interesting enough to share with you.
NRAs
The EU member states have an obligation to ensure that the national regulatory authorities (NRAs) are legally distinct from and functionally independent of electronic communications networks and services providers, including state-owned ones.
One of the tasks of the Commission is to monitor the independence of NRAs, and it took action when necessary. Some of the critical issues were the institutional arrangements, the attribution of regulatory functions, the rules regarding the appointment and the dismissal of the regulator and the availability of adequate resources (staff, expertise and funding) (page 44-47).
Consumer protection
As the Commission said (page 55):
The requirement to provide transparent and up-to-date information on tariff plans, prices, and service terms and conditions is one of the fundamental pillars of EU consumer protection rules in the area of telecommunications.
Some innovative approaches were noted. One was the deployment of IT tools which allow end-users to test their actual broadband speeds. Online evaluation mechanisms enabling cost comparisons of alternative usage patterns were another transparency tool (both on page 56).
Universal service obligations
The Commission mentioned four elements of universal telecommunications services, which had to be available to all end-users at an affordable price and specified quality (Universal Service Directive 2002/22, here link to consolidated version of 19 December 2009). These were currently under review in many countries: (i) access at a fixed location to telephony services, fax communications and functional internet, (ii) comprehensive directory and directory enquiry service, (iii) availability of public payphones, and (iv) special measures for disabled, those on low income and with special needs (page 57).
Finland was the first country to take concrete measures to initiate a designation procedure for universal service broadband of 1 Mbps (page 57).
Ralf Grahn
P.S. Dear Readers, I am interested in national Digital Agendas (existing language versions), as well as information society plans and ICT actions in the member states of the European Union. If you know something, you can use the comment section or email me.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
EU Digital Agenda: broadband trends
Yesterday we looked at some basic economic facts and market trends in the European ICT sector, available at the time the Digital Agenda was launched.
We return to the Commission staff working document SEC(2010) 630 final/2, which accompanied the 15th progress report about telecoms (eCommunications) markets in Europe:
CORRIGENDUM
Annule et remplace le document SEC(2010) 630 final du 25.5.2010
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT accompanying the COMMUNICATION PROGRESS REPORT ON THE SINGLE EUROPEAN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS MARKET (15th REPORT); Brussels, 25.8.2010 SEC(2010) 630 final/2 PART 1 (422 pages)
Here are a few market trends I found interesting enough to share with you.
BRICS
Europeans generally and the movers and 'brakers' of European integration need to adapt the EU to a globalising world, with some countries (BRICS) not only emerging, but practically bursting unto the scene. Here a quote regarding broadband uptake (page 23):
Europe did not necessarily offer the best deal for SMEs and consumers (page 23):
Broadband speed
With regard to broadband speed the trend was clear (page 27):
State aid
The working paper referred to the guidelines adopted by the Commission on 17 September 2009 which outline how public funding can be provided for broadband in line with EU state aid rules (page 32-33):
Since then the European Commission had advanced to 83 decisions by 28 July 2011. The Commission DG Competition (see Telecommunications) is now digesting the responses to the public consultation regarding the revision of the State aid Broadband Guidelines.
Ralf Grahn
P.S. Dear Readers, I am still interested in Digital Agendas (language versions), as well as information society plans and ICT actions in the member states of the European Union. If you know something about national information society strategies, you can use the comment section or email me.
We return to the Commission staff working document SEC(2010) 630 final/2, which accompanied the 15th progress report about telecoms (eCommunications) markets in Europe:
CORRIGENDUM
Annule et remplace le document SEC(2010) 630 final du 25.5.2010
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT accompanying the COMMUNICATION PROGRESS REPORT ON THE SINGLE EUROPEAN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS MARKET (15th REPORT); Brussels, 25.8.2010 SEC(2010) 630 final/2 PART 1 (422 pages)
Here are a few market trends I found interesting enough to share with you.
BRICS
Europeans generally and the movers and 'brakers' of European integration need to adapt the EU to a globalising world, with some countries (BRICS) not only emerging, but practically bursting unto the scene. Here a quote regarding broadband uptake (page 23):
Growth rates in developing countries (India 62%, China 23%, Russia 39%, Brazil 23%, Mexico 54%) outpaced the levels of developed countries, clearly from much lower levels of penetration. Many EU operators have been very active in these growing markets.
Europe did not necessarily offer the best deal for SMEs and consumers (page 23):
In October 2009 broadband standalone access at 100 Mbps was available at around 30 euros per month in Japan and 20 euros in Korea. These prices are between 20 and 50% lower than prices for similar products in those EU countries where these are available.
Broadband speed
With regard to broadband speed the trend was clear (page 27):
Low speed broadband lines with download rates between 144 Kbps and 2 Mbps only represent 15% of all fixed broadband lines in January 2010, down from 25% in 2009, while the fastest category of lines (10 Mbps and above) has increased its share, from 14% in January 2009 to 23% of all fixed broadband lines in January 2010.
State aid
The working paper referred to the guidelines adopted by the Commission on 17 September 2009 which outline how public funding can be provided for broadband in line with EU state aid rules (page 32-33):
In 2009 the European Commission took 12 decisions regarding broadband projects involving public funding. 11 of these were found to be compatible with the Treaty (article 4(3) decision types), while one was not considered aid but rather a Service of General Economic Interest.
The total amount of the aid approved was €467 million.
Since then the European Commission had advanced to 83 decisions by 28 July 2011. The Commission DG Competition (see Telecommunications) is now digesting the responses to the public consultation regarding the revision of the State aid Broadband Guidelines.
Ralf Grahn
P.S. Dear Readers, I am still interested in Digital Agendas (language versions), as well as information society plans and ICT actions in the member states of the European Union. If you know something about national information society strategies, you can use the comment section or email me.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
EU Digital Agenda: ICT markets and information society
The latest roundups of my blog posts in the trilingual series about EU and national information society strategies can be found in the entries Euroopan digitaalistrategia – kirjoitussarja FI SV EN and Digital Agenda: EU and national FI SV EN.
I commented briefly on one of the cornerstones of the Digital Agenda for Europe in the blog post EU electronic communications market(s) at Digital Agenda start.
This was the communication COM(2010) 253 final/3, which exists in 22 official EU languages, but the version in force seems to be the third revision. We went to the English pdf version of the 15th report:
CORRIGENDUM:
Annule et remplace le document COM(2010) 253 final du 25.5.2010
Concerne toutes les versions linguistiques
PROGRESS REPORT ON THE SINGLE EUROPEAN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS MARKET 2009 (15TH REPORT); Brussels, 25.8.2010 COM(2010) 253 final/3 (16 pages)
eCommunications
We saw that telecoms networks and services are sorted under the Commission's Information Society web pages eCommunications.
The web page 15th Progress report on the Single European Electronic Communications Market - 2009 offered us access to the communication COM(2010) 253 in 22 EU languages, as well as to the two parts of the accompanying Commission staff working document SEC(2010) 630 final/2 with much more detail (English only), including the Country chapters (Annex 1 in Part 1 or separately).
SEC(2010) 630 final/2
Relatively short communications often build on more detailed documents intended for specialists. In most cases they are available only in English.
In this case the accompanying Commission staff working document comes with a warning:
CORRIGENDUM
Annule et remplace le document SEC(2010) 630 final du 25.5.2010
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT accompanying the COMMUNICATION
PROGRESS REPORT ON THE SINGLE EUROPEAN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS MARKET (15th REPORT); Brussels, 25.8.2010 SEC(2010) 630 final/2 PART 1
It is a hefty document - 422 pages. The first 79 pages are dedicated to an overview of market and economic developments, as well as regulatory developments, while Annex 1 from page 80 deals with implementation in the individual EU member states.
Let us take a look at some basic economic facts: revenues, investment, mobile market concentration, mobile communications and fixed broadband growth.
Revenues
An introductory paragraph on revenues offers us a picture of the economic importance of electronic communications and the European ICT sector in general (in 2008; page 4):
Investment
The financial and economic uncertainty and crisis curtailed investment in the telecoms sector in 2008 (page 5):
In a majority of member states the commercial launch of LTE (Long Term Evolution) had been delayed until 2010-2011, with extensive deployment expected in 2013-2014 (page 6).
Mobile market concentration
The study noted that the top 10 mobile operators concentrate 90% of the market (page 7, footnote 10) and described the situation (page 7) in the mobile markets:
Mobile communications
The study noted that the approach to auctioning of spectrum licences had led to a national focus which had not yet translated into pan European services (page 7).
Mobile internet still drove only 4% of the total revenue with significant divergence across member states (page 8). However, the mobile broadband market was emerging rapidly.
Mobile voice penetration in the EU reached 121.9% and, as expected, its growth rate in 2009
had begun to stabilise (+2.5%) (page 10).
Fixed broadband
According to the study (page 19):
Internationally, in 2009 the Netherlands and Denmark continued to have the highest broadband penetration rates, followed by Sweden, Finland and Luxembourg, which had penetration levels above 30% of the population, along with a group of four non-EU countries, Norway, Switzerland, Korea and Iceland (page 22).
***
Even if not sizzling hot, I found the economic facts and market trends quite interesting, both with regard to the European Union as a whole and concerning the huge differences between individual member states.
Ralf Grahn
P.S. Dear Readers, I am still interested in Digital Agendas (language versions), as well as information society plans and ICT actions in the member states of the European Union. If you know something, you can use the comment section or email me.
I commented briefly on one of the cornerstones of the Digital Agenda for Europe in the blog post EU electronic communications market(s) at Digital Agenda start.
This was the communication COM(2010) 253 final/3, which exists in 22 official EU languages, but the version in force seems to be the third revision. We went to the English pdf version of the 15th report:
CORRIGENDUM:
Annule et remplace le document COM(2010) 253 final du 25.5.2010
Concerne toutes les versions linguistiques
PROGRESS REPORT ON THE SINGLE EUROPEAN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS MARKET 2009 (15TH REPORT); Brussels, 25.8.2010 COM(2010) 253 final/3 (16 pages)
eCommunications
We saw that telecoms networks and services are sorted under the Commission's Information Society web pages eCommunications.
The web page 15th Progress report on the Single European Electronic Communications Market - 2009 offered us access to the communication COM(2010) 253 in 22 EU languages, as well as to the two parts of the accompanying Commission staff working document SEC(2010) 630 final/2 with much more detail (English only), including the Country chapters (Annex 1 in Part 1 or separately).
SEC(2010) 630 final/2
Relatively short communications often build on more detailed documents intended for specialists. In most cases they are available only in English.
In this case the accompanying Commission staff working document comes with a warning:
CORRIGENDUM
Annule et remplace le document SEC(2010) 630 final du 25.5.2010
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT accompanying the COMMUNICATION
PROGRESS REPORT ON THE SINGLE EUROPEAN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS MARKET (15th REPORT); Brussels, 25.8.2010 SEC(2010) 630 final/2 PART 1
It is a hefty document - 422 pages. The first 79 pages are dedicated to an overview of market and economic developments, as well as regulatory developments, while Annex 1 from page 80 deals with implementation in the individual EU member states.
Let us take a look at some basic economic facts: revenues, investment, mobile market concentration, mobile communications and fixed broadband growth.
Revenues
An introductory paragraph on revenues offers us a picture of the economic importance of electronic communications and the European ICT sector in general (in 2008; page 4):
Revenues for the EU electronic communications sector were €351 billion in 2008 in the EU, which account for about half of the ICT sector overall. Seven of the ten largest telecoms operators in the world are European. 43% of the sector revenues are driven by fixed voice telephony and broadband (both business and private users), 47% are provided by mobile communications (voice and data), with the remaining 10% from Pay TV.
Investment
The financial and economic uncertainty and crisis curtailed investment in the telecoms sector in 2008 (page 5):
Investment by the EU electronic communication sector accounted for €47 billion in 2008, which represents a drop of 1.5% on 2007. Investment in the fixed market accounted for 70% of the total (incumbents are responsible for 70% of that figure) while the mobile sector was responsible for the remaining 30%.
In a majority of member states the commercial launch of LTE (Long Term Evolution) had been delayed until 2010-2011, with extensive deployment expected in 2013-2014 (page 6).
Mobile market concentration
The study noted that the top 10 mobile operators concentrate 90% of the market (page 7, footnote 10) and described the situation (page 7) in the mobile markets:
The four main groups are present in the majority of Member States (in the form of subsidiary, joint venture or commercial agreement) and they own the first and/or second largest mobile operator in almost all EU Member States (except in Denmark, Latvia and Finland). Most of the main mobile operators are subsidiaries of fixed incumbents. The only large European group which is not the subsidiary of a fixed incumbent has now entered the fixed market to complement its activities (in order to be able to supply convergent offers, e.g. quadrupleplay). While half of European operators are not part of these groups, these represent only 20% of the European market.
Mobile communications
The study noted that the approach to auctioning of spectrum licences had led to a national focus which had not yet translated into pan European services (page 7).
Mobile internet still drove only 4% of the total revenue with significant divergence across member states (page 8). However, the mobile broadband market was emerging rapidly.
Mobile voice penetration in the EU reached 121.9% and, as expected, its growth rate in 2009
had begun to stabilise (+2.5%) (page 10).
Fixed broadband
According to the study (page 19):
In January 2010 there were 123.7 million fixed broadband lines, up 9.3% since January 2009, and the EU average fixed broadband penetration rate reached 24.8%, up 2percentage points over one year.
Internationally, in 2009 the Netherlands and Denmark continued to have the highest broadband penetration rates, followed by Sweden, Finland and Luxembourg, which had penetration levels above 30% of the population, along with a group of four non-EU countries, Norway, Switzerland, Korea and Iceland (page 22).
***
Even if not sizzling hot, I found the economic facts and market trends quite interesting, both with regard to the European Union as a whole and concerning the huge differences between individual member states.
Ralf Grahn
P.S. Dear Readers, I am still interested in Digital Agendas (language versions), as well as information society plans and ICT actions in the member states of the European Union. If you know something, you can use the comment section or email me.
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