Telecommunications: Implementation of full competition in markets (amend. Direct. 90/388/EEC)

While regretting the use of Article 90, the rapporteur, Mrs READ, understood that the Commission wanted to step up the pace of deregulation. She focused on the need for clarifying the rules and ensuring fair competition in the telecommunications markets. She also stressed the importance of guaranteeing fair competition between the different operators. Commissioner VAN MIERT welcomed the excellent cooperation that had taken place between the Commission and Parliament and said that he could accept in full Amendments Nos 1, 5, 8, 9 and 11 to 13, along with Amendments Nos 23 and 24. Moreover, he was also prepared to incorporate the substance of Amendments Nos 2 to 4, 15, 16, 18, 19, 22 and 25. As far as the universal service was concerned, the Commissioner expressed his agreement with the principles being supported by Parliament. However, when it came to the methods of funding he opposed the idea of granting large companies a five-year period of grace for contributing towards the universal fund. Finally, the Commissioner declared his support for an obligation in principle and for minimum rules for ensuring network interconnection.