General authorizations and individual licences in the field of telecommunications services (common framework)

Rapporteur Mr Wim VAN VELZEN (NL, EPP) saw his draft recommendation for second reading adopted on the directive on access to networks via ONP, and in particular the granting of licences and the selection of criteria. With the deadline for full liberalisation (1 January 1998) coming closer every week, the rapporteur asks the House to adopt his report this week. In order to avoid further delays, he has tabled only 6 major amendments and 2 additonal amendments, which were all adopted unanimously in EMAC: - Amendment 2 on the scope of the directive on general authorizations; - Amendment 3 on the procedures for individual licences; - Amendment 6 on making the provision of new services for the information society easier. A service provider can start providing a new service after six weeks unless clear reasons for rejection exist. This amendment introduces an appeal procedure. Mr VAN VELZEN thinks this amendment is essential for the development of the information society, as it provides a clear balance between the possibility for operators to start a new service and the legitimate regulatory concerns regulators might have to address. If the House gives the green light to this report later this week, it would be possible for the Telecommunications Council In March to deal with the licences directive and possibly to finish it. The EP amendments help to create a clear and predictable licences environment. Clear time limits are set out in the directive and the above mentioned appeal procedures must be introduced on the basis of this legislation in all member states. �