Relevance of Retaining Notions of Universal Service in a Competitive Telecommunications Environment – Case of European Union

DOWNLOADS: 56

ABSTRACT VIEWS: 674

Abstract

This paper attempts to examine the question of the continued relevance of Universal Service (“US”) in a competitive telecommunications environment. Keeping the scope of examination limited to the European Union (“EU”), the essay seeks to appreciate the concept of US as interpreted and applied under the prevailing regulatory environment in the EU. In order to assess the possible benefits and drawbacks of retention of the notion of US, a brief examination is conducted of the evolution and rationale of US in the EU, its constituents, scope and boundaries, findings of the statutory review process and of achievements reported thereof. It is concluded that given the minimalist, stringent and yet flexible approach to US in the EU, the retention of the notion of US as an integral part of the overall e-communications regulatory framework is essential and beneficial.

References

1. K Eliassen , FromDeregulation, privatization and public service delivery: Universal Service in telecommunications in EuropePolicy and Society , volume 27 , p. 239 – 248 Posted: 2009Crossref
2. H Hoernig , T ValletiThe Interplay Between Regulation and Competition: The Case of Universal Service Obligations’ CESifo Working Paper No , volume 682 Posted: 2002
3. M NenovaThe New Concept of Universal Service in a Digital Networked Communications Environment’, NCCR Trade Regulation Working Paper No.2006/10 I/S: AJournal of Law and Policy for the Information Society , volume 3 , issue 1 , p. 117 – 146 Posted: 2006
4. M YoungThe future of Universal service, Does it have oneIJL&IT , volume 13 , issue 2 Posted: 2005Crossref
5. Books Benjamin , Lichtman , & Shelanski , Weiseramending Directive 2002/22/EC on universal service and users’ rights relating to electronic communications networks and services, Directive 2002/58/EC concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector and Regulation (EC) NoPDF Directive 2009/136/EC of the European Parliament , volume 101 , p. 51 – 77 Posted: 2002-11
6. The Commission’s “Broadband for all” policy to foster growth and jobs in Europe: Frequently Asked Questions Posted: 1993-11-16
7. The Commission’s 2008 Report on the Scope of the Universal Service in Telecoms: Frequently Asked Questions Posted: 2008-09-25
8. Communication To The European Parliament, The Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Universal Service forCOM (96) 73 Posted: 1996-03-12
9. Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2002/22/EC on universal service and users’ rights relating to electronic communications networks, Directive 2002/58/EC concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector and Regulation(EC) NoCOM(2005) 203 final , volume 163 Posted: 2002-08-25
10. M Hencsey , O Reymond , Alexander R Santamato , S Westerhof , J GDirectorate-General Competition, unit H-3 State aid rules and public funding of broadbandCompetition Policy Newsletter , issue 1 Posted: 2005
11. InfodevTelecommunications Regulation Handbook , volume 6 Posted: 2000