What is the 2002 Framework?
How was the package implemented in the UK?
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A package of European Directives that set the regulatory framework for electronic communications:
- Framework Directive
- Authorisation Directive
- Interconnection Directive
- Universal Service Directive (USD)
- Directive on Privacy & Electronic Communications
The package was agreed to bring about effective competition in the provision of electronic communications and services across all Member States. It was also designed to harmonise approaches to regulating communications providers with significant market power and to opening up markets to increased competition. Separation of Government from day-to-day regulation and reduction of state owned incumbent operators were among the key objectives.
The package also recommended the “relevant” markets that Member States have to review to determine whether any players have significant market power (SMP). If SMP is found the package provides National Regulators (Ofcom in the UK) with a range of remedies that can be applied to improve competition in those markets (e.g., by reducing barriers to market entry).
Under the Directives, the effectiveness of the new regulatory framework was required to be reviewed by the end of last year (2006).