Application of open network provision (ONP) to voice telephony

OBJECTIVES: - defining the rights of users of voice telephony services in their dealings with telecommunications organizations; - improving access for all users, including service providers, to the fixed pubic telephone network (the directive does not apply to mobile voice telephony); - encouraging the provision of Community-wide voice telephony services. COMMUNITY MEASURE: Directive 95/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the application of open network provision (ONP) to voice telephony. SUBSTANCE: The directive provides guarantees to users, including: - connection at a reasonable charge and within time limits fixed officially; - itemized billing; - dispute resolution procedures; - special tariffs for specific social groups; - provision of directories of users and public telephone call boxes; - the introduction of pan-European numbering for free calls. For certain aspects (quality of service, billing, provision of additional vocal telephony services), the directive entrusts the Commission with the task of ensuring that the action taken by the Member States to attain the targets set converge at Community level and provides a procedure allowing the Commission, assisted by a regulatory committee, to adopt binding measures where convergence is inadequate. The directive includes a review clause to adapt it, by 1 January 1998, to the requirements of market liberalization. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 19 January 1996 DEADLINE FOR TRANSPOSITION INTO NATIONAL LEGISLATION: 13 December 1996. �