Study in universal service in the accession countries
The European Commission's Information Society Directorate-General has published a call for tenders for a study on universal services in the accession countries. Universal service has become an important issue in the telecommunications sector in the European Union. Applicant countries are required to make provisions to establish universal service according to the part of the 'acquis communautaire' concerning telecommunications. 'Applicant countries realise the importance of providing universal services in order to drive the whole of the economy, not only in urban but also in rural and other poor areas', says the Commission. The Commission proposes a study to analyse and identify the strengths as well as the legislative, operational and regulatory weaknesses of universal service in the accession countries. On this basis the EU will be better equipped to provide them with recommendations and assistance in implementing the 'acquis communautaire' on universal service. For further information, please contact: European Commission Information Society Directorate-General Mr Y. Domzalski Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 200 (BU31 3/20) B-1049 Brussels Fax +32-2-2968393