Use of satellite dishes and freedoms on the single market

26.2.2001

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0718/01
by Enrico Ferri (PPE-DE)
to the Commission

Can the Commission say whether it intends in the near future to submit a document clarifying the relationships between the freedom to provide services underlying the single market and the rules governing the use of satellite dishes?

 

A document on that subject, in the form of a communication setting out the terms in which the above relationships were to be interpreted, was already included in the 2000 work programme but has not yet materialised.

 

Satellite dishes provide an easy means of receiving advanced-technology services (radio, TV, Internet, etc.) from other countries and thus help to foster contacts between the Union's different languages and cultures. Since the costs are relatively affordable, they are becoming increasingly popular with families. However, their use sometimes encounters unreasonable obstacles stemming from administrative formalities, charges, or collective decisions connected with the management of jointly owned buildings.

 

Is the Commission prepared to say whether and within what limits, if any, it believes that the freedoms offered by the single market can be brought to bear at the practical level to benefit consumers in this area of their daily lives?

 

OJ C 261 E, 18/09/2001