The Body of European Regulators is launching four consultations as a result.
Background: The Body of European Regulators (BEREC) groups together national regulatory authorities in the EU. Each quarter, it holds plenary meetings, the results of which are then disclosed to the public through a debrief. On Wednesday, 19 June, BEREC’s chair presented the results of the 39th plenary, which took place last week. Among the main topics there were mobile roaming, and the review of the Recommendation on Relevant Markets.
Roam-Like-At-Home is a clear success: BEREC found high compliance from operators, no significant impact on retail prices, and wholesale rates generally well below the price caps. However, some issues need addressing, as RLAH has had some negative impact on MVNOs and in some cases has not been available on 4G.
Call termination markets could be deregulated: On the upcoming review of the EC’s Recommendation on Relevant Markets, BEREC revealed that it would not be against the removal of the call termination markets, if the Commission provides guidance on how to address remedies other than prices. Instead, it would be against the suggested inclusion of a new physical infrastructure market, for which it currently sees no benefit.
Next steps: The 40th plenary will take place on 2–4 October in Greece. In the meantime, stakeholders can respond to the four consultations launched by BEREC on: draft guidelines for a reference offer, related to transparency obligations; a draft call for initial input on guidelines to interpret Article 61(3) of the European Electronic Communications Code, on access to wirings inside buildings; common criteria for the assessment of numbering resources to companies other than electronic communications networks; and draft guidelines on a notification template for the general authorisation of electronic communication providers.
