Domestic regulators criticize EU telecoms reform plans

European domestic regulators have criticized plans by the European Commission to enact much-needed reforms to the regional telecoms industry, saying they have been “rushed through” and are likely to favor market consolidation.

The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) said that it was concerned that the regulations would jeopardize investment, competition and consumer benefit in the region. The concerns among national regulators build on criticism within the commission and from industry executives of the proposals, which were proposed by vice-president Neelie Kroes. Even so, the plans were still easily passed and adopted by the commission last week after a lengthy redrafting process over the summer.