The European Commission (EC) is seeking feedback on whether to re...
The European Commission (EC) is seeking feedback on whether to revise orders mandating the minimum set of leased lines needed for universal service, and setting prices for wholesale leased line part circuits. The Universal Service Directive identifies a minimum…
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number of leased lines with harmonized technical characteristics, but permits the EC to adapt that number to technical developments and changes in market demand, the EC said. It’s asking for comment on whether: (1) Some leased line type -- such as analog lines or 64 kbps digital -- should be removed from the minimum set of leased lines. (2) Any leased line types now in the minimum set should be modified. (3) Certain types of high- speed leased lines should be added to the minimum set. The 2nd consultation deals with pricing aspects of wholesale leased line part circuits, defined as the dedicated link between the customer’s premises and the point of interconnection of a new entrant telco, particularly those lines used for services such as connections to the switched telephone network, data services or broadband access. With monthly prices for leased line part circuits varying widely across Europe, the EC said it wanted to give guidance to national regulatory authorities on current best practice for pricing the lines. It’s seeking comment on: (1) The overall level of prices of leased line part circuits in member states. (2) Parameters for the types of leased lines to be covered in a revised order. (3) The proposed reference model for data collection. Comments on both consultations are due March 31 -- Infso-bl@cec.eu.int. The European Competitive Telecoms Assn. and British Telecom are finalizing comments but neither would disclose its position.