EU telecom rules: Commission publishes proposals on voice termination rates and relevant markets

Today, the European Commission has published two draft proposals of harmonisation tools, as part of the new EU telecom rules. The draft Delegated Act on single maximum Union-wide voice termination rates (so called “Eurorates”) is now open for public feedback for a four-week period. It sets maximum Eurorates that telecommunications operators can charge each other to deliver voice calls between their networks. The corresponding rates, one for fixed and one for mobile services, will ensure a more integrated and competitive cross-border environment in EU telecoms markets, which will ultimately benefit consumers in the form of lower prices and more varied offers for fixed and mobile calls. In order to prepare the Delegated Act, in 2019, the Commission conducted a public consultation. The Commission also publishes today for information the draft Recommendation and its accompanying Explanatory Note on Relevant Markets. This recommendation sets out the list of product and service markets within the telecommunications sector that are not fully competitive and therefore require regulatory intervention across the EU. Based on the public consultation, carried out in 2019, as well as an external study and stakeholder workshops, the Commission has identified markets that are key for providing broadband services both for consumers and  for businesses. Both proposals have been sent to the Body of European Regulators of Electronic Communication (BEREC) for their opinion and to the relevant Member States’ regulatory authorities. Member States have to transpose the new EU telecom rules into their national legislation by 21 December 2020. The Commission will adopt two final proposals by that time, after having received the BEREC opinions and feedback from stakeholders.  More information is available here and here.