EC launches new telecoms consultation

Date: 03/10/2011

A new initiative has been launched by the European Commission that could be of benefit to businesses purchasing 0800 numbers.

The organisation hopes to establish a more coherent approach to the regulation of telecoms networks in its member states.

In order to do so, it has launched two public consultations, the first of which deals with the non-discriminatory access alternative providers have to the infrastructure created by larger companies.

The second is focused on the prices national providers charge smaller operators for access to this service.

European Commission vice-president for the Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes said: "We need regulatory consistency in all member states to ensure a level playing field for telecoms across the whole EU, in which competition and investment can thrive."

Last month, the UK's regulatory body Ofcom revealed the most complained about landline providers in Britain. TalkTalk Group topped the list, while Virgin Media was found to have the fewest customer complaints.