Commission proposes common framework for general authorizations and licences in telecommunications
The European Commission has published a proposal for a Directive on a common framework for general authorizations and individual licences in the field of telecommunications services. The proposed Directive would require Member States, through designated national regulatory authorities, to implement open and transparent procedures for the granting of general authorizations to operate public telecommunications services within their territories. The proposal outlines the services which would be covered by general authorizations, and the conditions which could be attached to such authorizations. The proposal would also limit the application of individual licences, granted to holders of general authorizations, to the following purposes: - To allow access to specific radio frequencies; - To give rights of access to land; - To give rights to provide infrastructure between the Community and third countries; - To impose obligations relating to mandatory provision of public services; - To impose obligations relating to competition law, where the licensee has significant market power. The proposal requires Member States to facilitate the provision of telecommunication services between Member States, through coordination, and harmonization, where possible, of authorization procedures. The Commission will undertake steps to implement a system for one-stop-shopping to obtain licences to operate services within the Community. The European Commission would be assisted in its evaluation of the measures to be taken by an advisory committee, the European Union Telecommunications Committee, consisting of representatives of the national regulatory authorities and chaired by a representative of the Commission. The proposal would render inoperative existing authorizations which have not been brought into line with the provisions of the Directive by 1 January 1999, except where the Commission grants the Member State concerned a deferment.