COUNCIL RESOLUTION of 17 Dezember 1992 on the assessment of the situation in the Community telecommunications sector

(93/C 2/05)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,

Whereas Council Directive 90/387/EEC of 28 June 1990 on the establishment of the internal market for telecommunications services through the implementation of open network provision (1) sets out a framework for the harmonized provision of services within the Community;

Whereas a number of specific measures implementing open network provision have been adopted by the Council;

Whereas Commission Directive 90/388/EEC of 28 June 1990 on competition in the markets for telecommunications services (2) requires Member States to remove special or exclusive rights for the supply of telecommunications services other than voice telephony, telex, mobile radiotelephony, paging and satellite services;

Whereas the Commission has submitted to the Council a communication assessing the situation in the telecommunications sector in relation to the aims of Directive 90/388/EEC; whereas that communication also assesses progress on harmonization and any restrictions on access to telecommunications networks still remaining, the effects of those restrictions on the operation of the internal telecommunications market, and the measures that could be taken to remove those restrictions; whereas the Commission has asked Member States to give their opinions concerning the communication and the proposals contained therein before 31 January 1993;

Whereas the Commission has submitted to the Council a communication assessing progress towards cost orientation and adjustment of pricing structures for telecommunications within the Community,

RECOGNIZES:

- that substantial progress has been made towards the creation of a Community-wide market for telecommunications services, in particular through the implementation of open network provision,

- that the withdrawal of special or exclusive rights for the supply of telecommunications services other than voice telephony, telex, mobile radiotelephony, paging and satellite services, has led to substantial growth in the Community market for such services,

- that there is significant user demand for additional pan-European telecommunications services,

- that priority should be attached to creating the conditions which would permit this demand to be met,

- that additional pan-European services will create significant user demand for extra equipment and software,

- that the implementation of open network provision will lead to a better cost orientation of tariff principles within the Community,

- that there is a need in particular to promote better cost orientation for telecommunications services provided across intra-Community borders,

- that the application of the principle of cost orientation needs to take account of the provision of service to all at an affordable price and within a reasonable timescale,

- that telecommunications policy must be developed with regard to the principle of social and economic cohesion,

- that a further analysis is needed of the specific requirements for development of telecommunications in peripheral regions;

REAFFIRMS:

- that a political agreement, fully involving the European Parliament and the Council, will best foster implementation of the Community's future telecommunications policy;

CALLS UPON THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATIONS:

- to introduce further cost orientation into tariffs, in particular for intra-Community telecommunications services, and leased lines,

- to work to secure a general lowering of accounting rates for intra-Community telecommunications traffic;

URGES THE MEMBER STATES:

- to encourage such a movement towards cost-orientation and general lowering of accounting rates;

CALLS UPON THE COMMISSION:

- to consider, in consultation with interested parties, the political, economic, commercial and social implications of the options set out in the Commission communication for the future of the Community telecommunications services market. These consultations and studies should examine, in particular, measures necessary to ensure service for all throughout the Community, including the interests of the peripheral regions in this respect, and taking account of the level of network development and the specific needs of small networks,

- to set out, following these consultations, a transparent approach and timetable for a future regulatory framework for the Community telecommunications market, so as to allow regulators and operators to plan the necessary adjustments at national level,

- to work in close association with Member States in that respect, in particular with national regulatory officials through the establishment of a high level ad hoc committee;

WELCOMES:

- the Commission's intention to report before the next Council meeting of Telecommunications Ministers, and notes that the Council will then determine how to take work forward.

(1) OJ No L 192, 24. 7. 1990, p. 1.

(2) OJ No L 192, 24. 7. 1990, p. 10.