BRUSSELS -(Dow Jones)- The European Union Wednesday opened five new probes against countries it says are breaking telecom regulations, most either by failing to allow customers to keep their mobile phone numbers or giving their national regulators insufficient powers.
The new cases are against the UK, Portugal, Cyprus, the Czech Republic and Lithuania. Lithuania has been accused of failing to allow customers to keep their mobile phone numbers when they change operators. Cyprus, Portugal and the UK are criticized for lacking a comprehensive directory service and the Czech Republic for insufficient protection of users against spam.
In addition to the new probes, the Commission said it was intensifying cases already launched against 10 countries. But the Commission closed nine other cases from previous rounds, insisting that progress was being made in the fight to open up Europe's telecom markets.
"I find it regrettable since the entry into force of the new rules in July, 2003, the Commission had to open altogether more than 50 infringement procedures to remedy shortcomings in implementation," said Information Society and Media Commissioner Viviane Reding. "However I am pleased that our efforts are now showing positive results in a number of member states."
A three-tier system exists for telecoms cases. In the first round, the Commission opens a probe. If evidence is found, it sends a warning letter. The accused government then has two months to respond. If the Commission remains dissatisfied, it then takes the case to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.
On Wednesday, the Commission brought two cases to court, one against Poland for failing to insure mobile phone portability and the other against Sweden for failing to implement the complete telecoms regulations. But in both cases, the Commission said it hoped the countries would comply before formal complaints are lodged at the Luxembourg court.
The Commission sent warning letters to the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Latvia, Malta, Poland and Slovakia, Cyprus, Portugal and the United Kingdom, all for failing to ensure comprehensive directory services.
The Czech Republic and Lithuania received warning letters for failing to ensure mobile portability, and Germany, Finland and Poland for giving their national regulators insufficient powers. The Czech Republic also received a letter for what the Commission called "insufficient protection of users against spam."
At the same time, the Commission closed nine proceedings against countries which now comply with telephone regulators. Several countries were praised for implementing a regulation requiring access to the European emergency number 112 - the Commission said all 25 E.U. member countries now allow access to that number.
Austria was also praised for amending its legislation to fight spam and Malta was for allowing competitors access to its incumbent access lines.
-By William Echikson, Dow Jones Newswires; +32-2-741-1482; william.echikson@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires"
Posted to the site on 14th December 2005
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/15235.php