Long-distance call

14 September 2016 By Fiona Maharg-Bravo

The EU’s proposed new telecom rules will encourage investment in superfast broadband and coordinate spectrum auctions. The likes of WhatsApp will be subjected to tighter rules, though nothing they can’t handle. The snag is that it may take years for the rules to take effect.

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Europe may end up behind the curve on 5G internet

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The European Commission published a proposed overhaul of telecom rules on Sept. 14 as part of its strategy to achieve a single digital market.

The EU pledged to encourage investment in fast broadband by only obliging access to the network when there are market shortcomings. The new rules reduce regulation where rival operators co-invest in very high-capacity networks and make it easier for smaller players to be part of investment projects.

Wholesale market players who invest in networks without offering services to end-users will also benefit from lighter access obligations.

The Commission also plans to coordinate the assignment of radio spectrum in member states and propose a minimum of 25 years for the licenses. It launched an auction plan to launch commercial 5G services in Europe in 2020.

The new rules would also subject the likes of WhatsApp or Skype to the some of the same regulations that apply to traditional telecoms. Under the proposed directive, the so-called “over the top players”, or internet-based companies offering calls and messages, will have to ensure the security and integrity of their services and enable users to access emergency numbers.

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