EU Commission

UN sets “ambitious but achievable” broadband targets

The UN’s Broadband Commission for Digital Development has set four new targets for governments across the world to ensure citizens have sufficient broadband access. The targets, which the UN described as “ambitious but achievable” address broadband policy, affordability and uptake.

Kroes criticises carriers’ “outrageous” roaming charges

Less than a week after the European Commission enforced regulations requiring mobile operators to further cut roaming tariffs within the EU, Commissioner Neelie Kroes has said Brussels will now move to end what she termed “roaming rip-offs.” Speaking at a press conference at the Commission headquarters on Wednesday, Kroes announced a “fundamental new approach” that would increase competition in the market and lower prices for consumers.

EU imposes new price caps for voice and data roaming

European mobile operators will once again be obliged to cut roaming tariffs in line with EU regulations that were first introduced in 2007. As of Friday, July 1, consumers opting for the EU-regulated “Eurotariff” will pay no more than 35c per minute for calls made and 11c per minute for calls received while roaming in the EU.

EU Commission launches consultation process on cloud computing

The EU Commission has launched a public consultation process into how businesses, public administrations and other interested parties can benefit from a cloud computing market that the Commission predicts will be worth €35bn in Europe by 2014.

EU to investigate traffic throttling and blocking allegations against telcos

The European Commission on Tuesday launched an investigation into telecoms providers’ traffic management and competition practices. Responding to allegations that some service providers were effectively blocking over-the-top (OTT) VoIP services such as Skype, telecoms commissioner Neelie Kroes has asked members to probe fixed and wireless operators for evidence of anti-competitive behaviour.

EU agrees technical rules for using LTE devices on GSM frequencies

The European Commission has agreed technical rules for how the opening up of spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands should take place. The rules are designed to avoid interference between 4G and existing 3G and GSM devices and, according to the Commission, must be implemented by member states before the end of this year.
The rules put in place a mechanism for the adoption of technical harmonisation rules that will allow GSM bands to be made available for LTE and WiMAX systems. Under EU telecoms regulations, member states have already had to examine competition between operators and address “any distortions of competition.”

EU and US agree on ICT trade principles

The EU and US government have shaken hands on an agreement to jointly support and promote ICT trade principles between the two blocs. As part of the agreement, ten principles have been agreed on, with the aim of making it easier for IT businesses in Europe and American to compete for contracts globally.