WRITTEN QUESTION E-0911/01

by Piia-Noora Kauppi (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(28 March 2001)

Subject: Cooperation in the construction of the third generation network

A heated debate is now going on about the mistakes which were made in the procedure for allocating the frequencies required for the third generation of wireless communication. However, the frequencies have now largely been allocated, and it is time to debate how the EU can remain involved in the development of the mobile Internet, and how we can meet the global challenges.

It is in the interest of the European consumer that it should be possible to construct the third generation wireless networks without placing an undue strain on the cluster of industries which make up the European telecommunications sector.

Mr Kaj-Erik Relander, managing director of the Finnish telecommunications operator Sonera, has spoken publicly about the cost savings which could be brought about in the EU Member States if cooperation in network construction and maintenance were to be permitted. However, Mr Relander says that cooperation requires the approval of the licensing authorities or regulators.

How does the Commission intend to bring its influence to bear so that the investments which the third generation requires can be made without an undue strain being placed on the European telecommunications cluster and thus on the EU's competitiveness?

Can the Commission put any pressure on the national authorities to take a positive attitude towards telecommunications operators' efforts to construct networks jointly with other licence holders?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(8 June 2001)

On 20 March 2001, the Commission adopted a communication from the Commission to the Council, the Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regionsentitled The Introduction of Third Generation Mobile Communications in the European Union: State of Play and the Way Forward.(1)

This Communication gives a brief analysis on the current state of deployment of third generation (3G) mobile communications network and services, and proposes a certain number of actions including facilitating the deployment of 3G networks under the current legal framework is examined. As part of this process, it is proposed to address inter alia the conditions to be met in order to permit network infrastructure sharing, which the Commission considers in principle positively due to its potential economic gains, on the condition that the competition rules and the provisions of other relevant Community law are respected.

The Commission has already taken the initiative to contact national regulatory authorities with a view to discussing the matter further. Furthermore, exchanges with industry aimed at clarifying the technical scope of network infrastructure sharing are being undertaken, in order to fully understand the regulatory implications. The Commission aims at establishing a consensus on the conditions under which network infrastructure sharing can be conceived, taking into account the existing legislation. Such a consensus would allow national regulatory authorities to take the necessary steps falling under their responsibility, while ensuring a co-ordinated Community approach overall.

(1) COM(2001) 141 final.