Telecommunications: open network provision (ONP) to voice telephony, and universal service

The Committee, which widely reiterates views previously expressed by it on the subject , is generally in favour of the proposal. It thinks, however, that mobile services should not be fully excluded from the scope of the proposal. A number of provisions - such as the rules governing subscribers' contracts and information services - should apply to mobile and fixed telephone services. While agreeing with the definition of universal service given in the proposal, the Committee thinks that universal service must not necessarily be mistaken for a minimum service, for that could lead people to believe that only minimum rights are guaranteed in Europe. Finally, the Committee: - underlines the need for consistency between the proposal, the future directive on interconnection and the Commission communication of 27 November 1996 , - is pleased to see that the draft directive, in line with its previous recommendation, covers facilities additional to the universal service, - notes with satisfaction that directory services are to be subject to universal service obligations, and welcomes the requirement to provide general access to a single emergency call number (112). �