Calls for pan-European telecoms regulator

Nortel Networks’ EMEA president, Darryl Edwards, called for the creation of a pan-European telecoms regulator this week, in an interview with total telecom www.totaltele.com.

According to Edwards, not having a regulator to oversee Europe limits the development of hyperconnectivity, impedes competition and increases the cost of business.

Edwards also claimed that some European operators were over-protective in providing network access to rival companies.

EU Commissioner Viviane Reding, also wants a European regulator for electronic communications, and the proposal will be part of the European Commission’s forthcoming review of the telecoms regulatory framework.

The proposal aims to address the current disparity in the way rules are applied by different member states, which makes it difficult to roll out electronic communication services under the same conditions.

Reding is likely to faces tough opposition from member states to the proposal which involves creating a European Authority which would work closely with national regulatory authorities.

The authority would be based in Brussels and would aim to improve the consistency of regulation in the EU; reinforce cooperation between the NRAs and the Commission, and create a centre of expertise for regulatory issues.

The review is due in mid-October.