Symmetrical Access Regulation and Termination Charges (Directive)

The Commission wants to extend the regulation of telecoms network operators independently of market power in order to speed up the deployment of very high capacity networks. Upper limits on termination charges will indirectly bring down the price of calls.

cepPolicyBrief

In cep's view, the symmetrical regulation of access for telecoms network operators is inappropriate. Market-power-based and geographically differentiated regulation or the strict application of competition law would be better. It is also uncertain whether this regulation does in fact favour the deployment of fast networks. EU-wide upper limits for termination charges constitute politically-controlled pricing and are in breach of the freedom to conduct a business and the right to property.