Broadband Package: BEUC demands High Speed Action

BEUC, the European Consumers’ Organisation, welcomes the European Commission´s ‘Broadband Strategy’ consisting of a Communication on investment in broadband networks, a Recommendation on Regulated Access to Next Generation Access (NGA) networks and a proposal to establish a Radio Spectrum Policy Programme announced today.

The EU Strategy details how it will achieve the objectives outlined in the Digital Agenda, includes concrete measures to foster an open and competitive broadband network across Europe and regulates the roll-out of NGAs.

BEUC applauds the EU's declared willingness to explore funding solutions for the realisation of high speed broadband access for all Europeans. Alongside this, the Recommendation on NGAs provides clear guidance that should promote competition, foster investment and ensure consumers have a real, viable choice among competitive broadband providers. The new rules will put an end to regulatory holidays for dominant firms who keep the telecoms sector wrapped up and undermine market liberalisation.

Monique Goyens, Director General of BEUC, the European Consumers' Organisation said:

"Today's package is praiseworthy progress towards achieving open and competitive networks. The near future of broadband in the EU should be characterised by consumer choice driving innovation, pricing transparency, fair cost-sharing and non-discrimination against new providers. It is now over to national regulators to ensure consumer benefit by overseeing a competitive European network. If that does not happen, the simple fact is that service choices for consumers will be sadly lacking.

"Today's package does not bring us across the finish line however. The Commission should go further and include fast and ultra-fast broadband in the scope of the Universal Services Directive - that would be a proper leap towards the political goal of broadband for all."

BEUC, the European Consumers' Organisation has a membership of 43 well respected, independent national consumer organisations from 31 European countries (EU, EEA and applicant countries). BEUC acts as the umbrella group in Brussels for these organisations and our main task is to represent our members and defend the interests of all Europe's consumers.