EU: New telco overhauls unveiled, but doubts arise

The European Union’s telecommunications chief Neelie Kroes introduced the proposed overhauls for the EU’s telco industry Thursday, a plan that includes the abolishing of roaming fees and a landmark protection of net neutrality.

A press release issued yesterday outlined the proposals, which are the first major overhauls to the industry in 26 years. The reform was first initiated by Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso during his 2013 State of the Union address. The package was developed by Vice president Neelie Kroes, the Digital Agenda Commissioner.

In a statement, Kroes described the overhauls as “great news” for the EU’s telco future. “The European Commission says no to roaming premiums, yet to net neutrality, yes to investment, yes to new jobs.”

Despite the proposal, reports predict pushback from individual member states and likely moderations to the plans. Click the link below to read the Commission’s overview of the full reforms.

Despite the highly anticipated reforms, some experts and media speculate the offer will not go exactly as planned.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the reforms will not likely materialize as quickly as regulators hope, noting that Thursday’s announcement of the plan lacks clarity in prioritizing end-customers as well as in telecom policy.

Full Content: European Commission and Wall Street Journal

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