EC consults on fast broadband network rollout
The European Commission
has opened a public
consultation , as part of the
review of the Broadband Cost
Reduction Directive , to collect
views , on incentivising the
rollout of fast broadband
networks , including fibre and
5G . The Directive , introduced
in 2014 , aims to enable fast
electronic communications
networks for people across
the EU by reducing the related
costs .
However , in the light of
technological , market and
regulatory developments ,
and in view of deploying very
high-speed broadband , these
rules need to be updated . In
addition to enabling a quicker
and more efficient rollout of
very high-capacity networks ,
including fibre and 5G , the
review will ensure that the
rules are aligned with the new
EU telecoms rules and explore
potential environmental
safeguards .
“ Faster , better and more
secure connectivity has
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become essential for all of us to work , learn , do business , innovate and interact ,” stated Thierry Breton , Commissioner for the Internal Market . “ The sustainable deployment of fibre , 5G and other fast networks should not be delayed by administrative hurdles or by the inability to exploit synergies with infrastructures which already exist . I am looking forward to hearing the views from EU citizens , industry and civil society on how we should improve our legislation so that together we help equip Europe with the foundation for next generation technologies .”
The recent Recommendation of the Commission on Connectivity called on Member States to boost investment in fibre and 5G networks and to agree by March 2021 on a toolbox of best practices for the timely rollout of fixed and mobile very high-capacity networks , including in those areas covered by the Broadband Cost Reduction Directive . Fast and reliable network availability is also in line with the European Electronic Communication
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Code , which Member States
must transpose into national
law by December 21st 2020 .
UK unit to oversee tech giants ’ platforms
Tech giants will be subject to a
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new regime to give UK consumers
more choice and control over their
data , help small businesses thrive ,
and ensure news outlets are not
forced out by their bigger rivals .
A dedicated Digital Markets
Unit , which will be set up within
the Competition and Markets
Authority ( CMA ), will work
closely with regulators including
Ofcom and the Information
Commissioner ’ s Office to
introduce and enforce a new
code to govern the behaviour of
platforms that currently dominate
the market , such as Google and
Facebook , to ensure consumers
and small businesses aren ’ t
disadvantaged .
The UK government notes
that online platforms bring
huge benefits for businesses and
society . Their services are making
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work easier and quicker and help people stay in touch with one another . Millions of people share creative content or advertise their small business ’ goods online .
But there is growing consensus in the UK and abroad that the concentration of power amongst a small number of tech companies is curtailing growth in the tech sector , reducing innovation , and potentially having negative impacts on the people and businesses that rely on them .
The new code will set clear expectations for platforms that have considerable market power over what represents acceptable behaviour when interacting with competitors and users .
Under the new code , platforms including those funded by digital advertising , could be required to be more transparent about the services they provide and how they are using consumers ’ data , give consumers a choice over whether to receive personalised advertising , and prevented from placing restrictions on their customers that make it hard for them to use rival platforms .
The new unit , which will begin work in April 2021 , could be given powers to suspend , block and reverse decisions of tech giants .
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EUROMEDIA 5 |