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

Parliament unanimously adopted the recommendation for second reading by Mrs Imelda READ (PSE, UK) on the Directive concerning interconnection and interoperability of telecommunications networks and services. At second reading the EP retabled the amendments which had not been taken over by the Council, relating to the costing and financing of universal service, the cost of interconnection, environmental protection, numbering, and the setting up of a European Regulatory Authority. Furthermore, Parliament stressed the need to ensure a European character for the functioning of the telecommunications networks, which means reforming the institutional framework proposed by the Council, and a consumer protection guarantee by way of number portability (continuity of numbering and rerouting of old numbers when a user changes supplier). In addition, the EP would like to see the introduction of a 'Pay or play' system in universal service, whereby the provision of universal service would not be confined to the former monopoly. New entrants capable of providing such a service could be exempted from the financial contribution required of the operators. �