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Telephone Usage Down In EU As Internet Becomes More Popular
[July 22, 2014]

Telephone Usage Down In EU As Internet Becomes More Popular


(dpa-AFX International Compact Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - Use of traditional telephony services in the European Union is decreasing as Internet (VoIP) services have become increasingly popular, according to a report on state of EU Telecommunications markets.



Tuesday, the European Commission published the 2012 - 2013 report on the telecommunications market and regulation in the EU.

The majority of European countries have established broadband plans with Greece, Romania and Cyprus being the exceptions. These countries are in the process of finalizing their broadband plans.


Industry revenues again declined in 2013 but investment is beginning to grow, the report finds. Data traffic is growing quickly in the 28-nation bloc.

Mobile voice call and data prices are higher in the EU than the US, while the usage of mobile is higher in the US, resulting in a higher average revenue per user in the US.

Only Denmark, Germany, Latvia and Malta met the 2012 target for the authorization of the specific spectrum bands. 21 Member States did eventually meet the target in 2013, but the delay in assignment of the 800 MHz band has significantly slowed the roll-out of 4G mobile across the EU.

The time needed to obtain permits to roll out new networks ranges from a few days to years depending on where in the EU you are building the network. Most authorities still do not allow for electronic submission of requests.

The report also found that access to a passive telecommunication infrastructure is fragmented, complex and cumbersome in some Member States, including Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Luxemburg, Malta, and Poland.

EU Commissioner for the Digital Agenda, NeelieKroes said, "We are clearly still a long way from a real single market. We need to cut red tape and we need more consistent regulatory action at both national and EU levels to build up that single market. A quick implementation of the Broadband Cost Reduction Directive will contribute to this objective but there is more to do." Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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