ETNO calls for reduction in regulation

The European Telecommunications Network Operators Association (ETNO) has called on the European Commission (EC) to reduce the scope of regulation on the telecoms industry in order to stimulate new business models and spur investment. Speaking at the ETNO-Total Telecom Regulatory Summit in Brussels, the association said that such a move was needed to help reinvigorate growth. ETNO called for European authorities to give more guidance on geographic market definition, encouraging deregulation in those areas where platform competition is a reality, and to limit the application of remedies to essential elements needed to counter an identified market failure. It said that the EC’s review of the list of relevant markets next year presents an opportunity for it to take a bold step towards deregulation, adding that operators should have flexibility in setting the price of access to fibre and engage in risk sharing agreements. ‘In Europe, too often excessively intrusive regulation blocks innovation,’ noted Luigi Gambardella, ETNO executive board chair, adding: ‘Such a situation creates a paradox: hampering innovation is hampering competition. In Europe, the way rules are applied does not enable operators to innovate. European citizens and consumers are not getting the full benefits that we could deliver to them. Profound changes in the industry should result in changes to regulation. Industry is committed to invest, but is expecting both the European Commission and national regulatory authorities to engage in a review of their policy that takes into account current and foreseen market conditions.’