Telecommunications in Europe is largely characterised by monopoly. A Single Market for business in Europe will not function properly without a Single Market in Telecommunications. This implies a need for review and reform. IGC 1996 is a forum to debate the rule-making and their enforcement. The existing role of the Commission in providing coordination and a general framework is inadequate.
Subsidiarity requires that national conditions and preferences are reflected in policy.
Meantime, setting and implementing telecommunications regulatory policies need not be at the same level of Government. Clear, firm, consistent and enforceable principles need to be established at EU level. It would concentrate on principles for universal service, interconnection of networks and licensing of operators. It would reflect convergence in the industry and embrace to the cable TV, broadcasting and the electronic publishing industries, Issues of contents should, however, be addressed separately. The Body must have stronger enforcement powers - including the administration of sanctions provided for in Directives.