I'd be more worried from an Internet perspective about all the talk in the report of a "single regulatory framework" and then the "European Basic Services Forum" (in the context of the Internet at least) seems to me to be more or less equal to some of the ideas behind the EOF initiative.

The report talks about a minimal regulatory framework (whatever that means): "Identify and establish the minimum of regulation needed, at the European level, to ensure the rapid emergence of efficient European information infrastructures and services. The terms of reference of the authority which will be responsible for the enforcement of this regulation is a question that will require a prompt attention." With the ambition of: - the regulation of those operations which, because of their Community-wide nature, need to be addressed at the European level, such as licensing, network interconnection when and where necessary, management of shared scarce resources \(e.g. radio-frequency allocation, subscriber numbering\) and advice to Member States regulatory authorities on general issues. (Sounds something like the US FCC). - a single regulatory framework valid for all operators, which would imply lifting unequal conditions for market access. It would also ensure that conditions for network access and service use be guided by the principles of transparency and non-discrimination, complemented by practical rules for dispute resolution and speedy remedy against abuse dominance. Don't know too much about the already existing PNO regulatory framework in Europe or weather also value added service such as the Internet is providing should be seen as being part of such regulation. If so and if the EOF is successfull what prevents network service operators from promoting such a platform. The problem arises if the network service operators can not collaborate in a peacefull manner. Bernhard.