Cable monopolies and deregulation
12.5.2015
Question for written answer E-007597-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Barbara Kappel (NI)
As in almost all markets based on and dependent on non-duplicable networks, the deregulation of telecommunications markets faces major problems. In the USA, which embarked upon this route some time ago, increasing deregulation has proved not to create greater competition, but rather to create new quasi-monopolies at state level, which has effects on investment, transmission speeds, services, customer orientation etc.. SECfilings indicate that, having peaked in 2000, investment in infrastructure and service offerings has sharply declined since the market was deregulated. Deregulation has also favoured the creation of monopolies in individual states, which has led to rising costs for consumers.
Can the Commission answer the following questions in this regard:
- 1.What measures will the Commission take to prevent such a development from occurring in Europe at Member State level?
- 2.In Europe, the cost of telecommunications services, including broadband, is far higher than in the USA, whereas costs for connectivity in the EU are lower than in the USA. The latter has to do inter alia with the quasi-monopolies in US states mentioned above. What measures will the Commission take to exploit this disparity as an opportunity for Europe and the European consumer?
- 3.From the business side, what market design for network access and use does the Commission intend to establish so as best to promote investment and product innovation for and to the benefit of customers?