Re: Bangemann Commission Document available from the Web

[Bernhard Stockman <]

> I'd be more worried from an Internet perspective about all the talk
> in the report of a "single regulatory framework" and then the "European
> Basic Services Forum" (in the context of the Internet at least) seems
> to me to be more or less equal to some of the ideas behind the EOF
> initiative.

The report talks about a minimal regulatory framework (whatever
that means):

  "Identify and establish the minimum of regulation needed, at the
  European level, to ensure the rapid emergence of efficient European
  information infrastructures and services. The terms of reference of
  the authority which will be responsible for the enforcement of this
  regulation is a question that will require a prompt attention."

With the ambition of:

  - the regulation of those operations which, because of their
  Community-wide nature, need to be addressed at the European level,
  such as licensing, network interconnection when and where necessary,
  management of shared scarce resources \(e.g. radio-frequency
  allocation, subscriber numbering\) and advice to Member States
  regulatory authorities on general issues.

(Sounds something like the US FCC).

  - a single regulatory framework valid for all operators, which would
  imply lifting unequal conditions for market access.  It would also
  ensure that conditions for network access and service use be guided by
  the principles of transparency and non-discrimination, complemented by
  practical rules for dispute resolution and speedy remedy against abuse
  dominance.

Don't know too much about the already existing PNO regulatory
framework in Europe or weather also value added service such as the
Internet is providing should be seen as being part of such
regulation.  If so and if the EOF is successfull what prevents network
service operators from promoting such a platform. The problem arises
if the network service operators can not collaborate in a peacefull
manner.

Bernhard.