Telecommunications: interconnection, universal service and interoperability of networks and services, open network provision ONP

The Economic and Monetary Committee adopted the recommendation by Imelda READ (PSE, UK) together with several amendments. One delicate point concerns the need to take account of environmental considerations within the framework of interconnection agreements and the balance to be struck between ecology and universal service. In addition, the committee insisted on: - a European character for the functioning of the telecommunications networks; - a guarantee of consumer protection in the form of "number portability"; - the introduction of a "pay or play" system in universal service.�