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

Because the Commission did not have to consult when using Article 90, the ESC was pleased to have been officially consulted. However, the time allowed was not sufficient to enable full consideration to be given to such an important matter. In general, the ESC was pleased that the Commission proposal for full liberalisation was proceeding. However, it was concerned that competition in the market in telecommunications services should be developed in an orderly manner and with regard to social consequences. In this respect, it was awaiting with interest the Commission’s report on the consequences on employment of liberalisation in the telecommunications sector. As regards the NRAs, the ESC considered that if they did not exist and operate to a common set of guidelines and there was no appeal procedure, there was little likelihood of common rules, regulations and practices being applied throughout the European Union. The ESC also recommended that in order to avoid confusion and the risk of varying interpretations of the text of Directive 90/388/EEC, which had already been amended, the Commission should produce a consolidated text as a matter of urgency.