Community policy in the field of telecommunications and postal services

OBJECTIVE: the proposal for a Decision seeks to define and implement Community policy in the field of telecommunications and postal services and provide for monitoring as regards enforcement of legislation adopted under that policy. SUBSTANCE: the Treaty and a number of Council and EP resolutions and Directives call on the Commission to act in various ways with a view to determining measures serving to define and implement Community policy on telecommunications and postal services. The policy will aim not least to establish a regulatory framework enabling the internal market gradually to be completed, harmonize the general principles governing access to network infrastructure and the use to be made thereof, define universal service and lay down the means of financing it, improve coherence and cohesion within the EC, promote the development of new audio-visual services, interconnect networks and make them interoperable on a Community-wide scale, using the trans-European telecommunications networks in particular, and explore certain external policy aspects. In pursuing its work, the Commission will initiate analysis, draw up assessments and progress reports, consult industry and the public, frame legislative proposals, monitor the application of legislation, ensure that European standards are in place in good time, and guarantee the provision of sufficient frequency resources throughout the EU. A range of supporting activities will be undertaken in addition to these measures. Studies will thus be commissioned, and seminars and consultations of experts held with a view to analysing markets, technologies, objectives, and policies. Work will likewise be commissioned in order to determine what steps might be taken to foster cohesion and international cooperation, and tasks will be assigned to standards organizations and bodies responsible for allocating frequencies. �