Universal Telecomms Services (Directive)

The EU-Commission wants to revise the universal service rules in order to enable all EU citizens to have a broadband connection at an “affordable price”. In cep’s view, however, an obligation for universal service providers, to offer social tariffs below market prices in order to give low-income citizens a broadband connection, would be in breach of the freedom to conduct a business.

cepPolicyBrief

Internet access for those with social needs can, in cep’s view, be ensured without a universal service, e.g. by way of vouchers or social benefits. Only allowing the universal service to be financed, in the future, by way of public funds - and no longer by way of apportionment - is appropriate and correct because a reliable determination of the companies who should be subject to apportionment is impossible.