Providing a comprehensive overview of the current European regulatory framework on telecommunications, this book analyses the 2016 proposal for a European Electronic Communications Code (EECC). The work takes as its basis the 2009 Regulatory Framework on electronic communications and analyses each of its five main directives, comparing them with the changes proposed in the EECC. Key chapters focus on issues surrounding choosing the right regulatory model in order to secure effective investment in next-generation networks and ensure their successful deployment.

This book presents the most thoroughgoing model yet offered to ensure the emergence of a genuinely competitive electronic communications industry in Europe. In the course of its in-depth analysis the discussion focuses on such factors as the following: EU telecommunications policy as revealed in liberalization and harmonization legislative measures; the EU electronic communications framework; case law covering issues of refusal to supply and the essential facilities doctrine; application of Article 82 EC to bottlenecks; specific types of an undertakings unilateral behaviour that may often occupy NRAs and competition authorities in the context of their ex post competition law investigations under Article 82 EC; strategic alliances and mergers in the move toward multimedia; access to premium content and the emergence of new media; the scope of content regulation in the online environment; and broadband (regulation of local loop unbundling and bitstream access). The book also provides practical guidance on issues concerning the complicated market definition and analysis mechanism promulgated by the European Commission's Recommendation and Guidelines.

Since the last edition of the book was published, there have been a number of important developments in the telecommunications industry, for example the operational separation of BT in the UK, which may prove a model for the rest of Europe in dealing with incumbent operators, and the debate over "network neutrality" in the US, which is dominating the roll-out of the infrastructure.Telecommunications Law and Regulation is fully updated and contains new chapters on technology and markets, and capacity agreements. Other topics addressed in this new edition include the consequences of convergence within an EU and international context, including the blurring of conduit and content regulations; the implications of IP and Next Generation Networks; issues of communication privacy in the context of the "war on terrorism", and how these impact on the commercialoperations of service providers; the obtaining and trading of spectrum, with governments and regulators looking to fully exploit the"digital dividend"; and the application of ex post competition law to the sector, as governments attempt to deregulate competitive markets. The book examines all aspects of EU 2003regime; implementation issues, and the proposed reforms arising from the 2006 review.Written by leading experts in the field, it offers comprehensive coverage of the law and regulatory structures relating to telecommunications. It is essential reading for legal practitioners involved in the communications industry and of interest to management consultants, bankers and accountants who will need to be aware of the legal implications of this fast changing area. It is also a highly accessible and thought-provoking book for postgraduate study.

An established authority on electronic communications in the EU, this fully updated work provides insight into the regulations and a thorough analysis of the applicable competition rules and regulatory framework.

This book is a systematic comparative study of WTO and EU law relevant for universal service provision, and a timely contribution to the ongoing scholarly and policy debates about the concept and scope of universal service. Universal service is one of the most significant regulatory issues worldwide and it is likely to remain so. The central question dealt with by the author is how the technologically intensive sector of telecommunications services can be regulated in a socially fair way in the light of liberalisation and the immense importance of ICTs in the Information Society. The author investigates whether the legal frameworks of WTO and EU can meet the challenges of the rapid and dramatic technological and social change and formulates relevant policy recommendations. The book is of interest to both scholars and practitioners in several disciplines, such as EU and WTO law, telecommunications law and regulation, political science regarding market regulation and governance as well as European integration and WTO. Olga Batura is affiliated to the Leuphana Law School, University of Lüneburg, Germany, and to the European Humanities University in Vilnius, Lithania.

This fascinating book examines and offers critical comments on the new 'significant market power'-regime, as put into place by the 2003 European regulatory framework on electronic communications networks and services. An overview of this regime. Its characteristics, guiding principles, and procedures is provided, using the mobile sector as a case study. The authors give a clear and comprehensive presentation of the new SMP-procedure that may lead to the imposition of remedies on undertakings with significant market power. The book also contains an analysis of all available European Commission comments on the notifications of draft measures by national regulatory authorities, for mobile as well as other markets. Addressing pressing issues, in view of the implementation of the new regulatory framework, this book is a useful working instrument for everyone who is active in the electronic communications sector including practicing lawyers, firms in the electronic communications sector, regulatory authorities, academics and policymakers throughout Europe.

This book examines the process and consequences of telecommunications liberalisation in the context of an ever closer European Union. The creation of a single market for telecommunications and of a wider European single market mirror one another. Telecommunications are also something of a test case for the privatisation process, as this sector has traditionally been a state monopoly. The volume approaches the European experience from three angles: * the politics of regulation and the process of liberalisation in the EU (including case studies of the UK, France, and Germany) * increasing global economic interdependence makes international comparisons essential, and the volume compares the EU experience with that of the Czech Republic, Israel and Thailand * the consequences of technology and continuous innovation