Electronic communications code

The European electronic communications code is set out in Directive (EU) 2018/1972. The code includes European Union (EU) rules regulating electronic communications (telecoms) networks, telecoms services, and associated facilities and services. It sets out tasks for national regulatory authorities and other relevant authorities, and establishes a set of procedures to ensure that the regulatory framework is harmonised throughout the EU.

Its main objectives are to:

• promote connectivity and take-up of very high capacity networks, including fixed, mobile and wireless networks;
• promote EU citizens’ interests by:
  • enabling maximum benefits in terms of choice, price and quality through effective competition,
  • maintaining network and services security,
  • ensuring protection for consumers through specific rules, and
  • addressing the needs of specific social groups, in particular people with disabilities, older people and people with special social needs;
• facilitate market entry and promote competition in the delivery of telecoms networks and associated facilities;
• contribute to the development of the internal market in telecoms networks and services in the EU, by developing common rules and predictable regulations featuring:
  • the effective, efficient and coordinated use of radio spectrum,
  • open innovation,
  • the development of trans-European networks,
  • the availability and interoperability of EU-wide services, and
  • end-to-end connectivity.

SEE ALSO

• Competition
• Consumer protection
• Electronic communications
• Electronic communication networks
• Electronic communication services
• European Union
• Internal market
• Trans-European networks (TENs)
• European electronic communications code (summary)
• Electronic communications laws – website (European Commission)
• New EU telecom rules: latest actions in time for transposition deadline – press release (European Commission).