EU: Almunia, Kroes clash on path to unified telco market

New details emerged regarding the European Commission’s speculative plans for a single telecommunications market following news that Commissioner Joaquin Almunia apparently criticized EU telco head Neelie Kroes in her efforts to unify the EU telco market. Reports say the Commission said that, while not a complete document, the regulator is proposing a single telecommunications watchdog for the EU, with the Commission taking over responsibilities for national watchdogs such as the UK’s Ofcom. The proposal, which the Commission would not confirm, goes against Kroes’s plans as a Commission spokesperson confirmed to the BBC that “Neelie Kroes has already made it clear that there is no need for a single telecoms regulator.” Kroes’ proposals reportedly include access to all 28 EU states for all telecommunications operators and plans to end roaming charges. Ofcom declined to comment on the proposals as they said they had not yet seen the offer, say reports.

Full Content: BBC

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