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

OBJECTIVE: the proposal for a directive from the European Parliament and the Council aims to permit new entrants to the market to interconnect their equipment to that of existing market operators. This measure is needed for the effective liberalization of the telecommunications sector on 1 January 1998 and will therefore apply before that date. At the same time the measure will introduce safety clauses guaranteeing the interconnection and interoperability of networks and services, so that users will be able to benefit increasingly from the universal provision of telecommunications services throughout the territory of the European Union. SUBSTANCE: The directive provides a harmonized framework for interconnection by application of the principles of open network provision (ONP). The main provisions of the directive are as follows: . application of the principles of transparency, objectivity and non-discrimination in the provision of an open network, in accordance with the principle of proportionality; . priority is given to commercial negotiations between the parties to an interconnection agreement, subject to certain conditions which must be laid down in advance by the national regulatory authorities; . the precise responsibilities of the national regulatory authorities, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, including effective mechanisms for settling disputes; . description of the way in which the essential requirements (security of operations handled on the network, maintenance of network integrity, interoperability of services and protection of personal data and confidentiality) are applied when providing interconnection services; . in addition, the Treaty's rules on competition are to be applied. �