European Union approves new telecoms reform

The European Union has agreed on the final touches on a set of new telecommunication rules that should make the life of EU citizens easier in the coming years.

Apart from increased security and better quality of internet services, the new legislative package, which will come into effect in May 2011, will also guarantee that consumers will be able to change their service provider of both fixed and mobile telephony in just one working day and retaining the same number. This process in Malta takes at least a week for fixed telephony but is much faster, at times even just a day, in the case of mobile phones.

This latest development comes after two years of haggling between MEPs and member states. A number of governments did not want to let go of their right to cut off internet access for users who share files illegally.

MEPs conceded that they did not have legal responsibility on the matter and that member states were free to decide how best to combat online piracy.

The reform substantially strengthens competition and consumer rights on Europe's telecoms markets, facilitates high-speed internet broadband connections to all Europeans and establishes a European Body of Telecoms Regulators. The Malta Communication Authority will also form part of the new European set up.

Under the new rules, consumers will receive better information ensuring they understand what services they subscribe to and, in particular, what they can or cannot do with those communications services.

Consumer contracts must specify, among other things, information on the minimum service quality levels and on compensation and refunds if these levels are not met.

Malta has been criticised in the past years on quality, particularly on internet bandwidth speeds provided locally. Providers will now have to guarantee that the speeds they are offering are actually delivered to their clients.

The new legislative package needs to be rubber stamped by the EU Council and the European Parliament. Both processes are expected to be concluded this month.