MEPs to vote on EU's telecoms package
Posted, May 06, 2009 @ 10:00
The EU's telecoms package will benefit consumers and advance the market said Malcolm Harbour MEP, Conservative consumer protection spokesman, ahead of the parliament's crucial vote on the package tomorrow.
Last week parliament and the council finally reached an agreement on the three reports contained within the package.
Included within these reports are proposals that focus on the regulatory framework (including radio spectrum measures), improving user rights and data privacy as well as the creation of a body to step up co-operation between national regulators so that they can successfully handle telecoms regulation.
Mr Harbour is the parliament's rapporteur on one of the three reports, and his in particular covers electronic networks and the protection of private personal data.
Speaking ahead of the vote tomorrow, Malcolm said:
"The telecoms package is vital for the competitiveness and advancement of the European telecoms sector. Consumers will get more choice, greater price transparency and increased security of their personal data."
"There will be more market led competition and businesses will be encouraged to invest in the newest fibre and wireless networks.
There has also been widespread scaremongering that the directive will limit or impose conditional access to certain websites. Commenting on this Malcolm said:
"The telecoms package provides a legal framework within which electronic communications can flourish. It does not impose any business model or interfere in a competitive market. The European Parliament cannot impose on a country how it is to organise its judicial system and anything to do with limiting access to a website is an issue for national governments. This package makes it a requirement that consumers are given a right to know about services that are restricted by their provider. Consumers can now choose whether to accept their service or change provider."