Potential growth in the electronic communications market was the main topic of discussion between European Commissioner for Information Society Viviane Reding and Malta Communication Authority Chairman Joseph V. Tabone.
Yesterday’s meeting took place in the wake of Commissioner Reding’s meeting the day before with mobile telephony operators in view of the EU directive on the Euro Tariff plan, which is aimed at drastically reducing the cost of roaming mobile phone calls.
Mr Tabone explained to Commissioner Reding that the application of the EU framework for electronic communications has brought about tangible and lasting positive results for Maltese consumers.
“We have seen a vast range of new services and a significant fall in the overall telecoms price basket. We now need to work together to ensure that this positive trend continues in the future, by driving the growth of national markets while creating the environment for pan-European services to proliferate,” he continued.
Commissioner Reding said: “Close regulatory cooperation between the European Commission and national regulators is of crucial importance if we want Europe’s single market to function in the interest of EU citizens and businesses.”
She continued: “This is why I am grateful to have today had the occasion to get to know better the work of the Malta Communications Authority, as well as its chairman.”
Commissioner Reding continued: “I am particularly interested in Joseph Tabone’s expert views about the right regulatory approach on ensuring effective competition in the broadband markets and about the treatment of Next Generation Networks.
“The Commission is at the moment preparing a major reform of the EU’s regulatory framework for the electronic communications sector for October this year. This is why the discussions of today with the chairman will feed very usefully into the internal thinking of the European Commission,” she said.
Commissioner Reding and Mr Tabone discussed the potential for growth in the electronic communications market. They agreed that the telecommunication sector is recognised as being a key driver of economic development in Malta and the European Union. On this point, Mr Tabone said that, through its participation in the European Regulators Group, the MCA is committed to maximising this potential.
“This entails the continued effective implementation of the current European framework, taking on board the lessons learnt, while at the same time contributing to the development of a revised framework capable of meeting prospective regulatory challenges,” he said.
Mr Tabone concluded: “Achieving this over the next two to three years poses a significant test for regulators, as technological change, innovation and increasing competition – including cross-border competition – create a constantly shifting environment that requires a market-oriented and dynamic approach to regulation.”