04 June, 2013

ETNO supports a more dynamic approach to competition that benefits the end-user with more investment and choice

“To serve our consumers and to meet these demands, it is essential that the broadband industry has the flexibility to offer differentiated products and services.”

BRUSSELS, 4 June 2013 – ETNO was pleased to take part in today's discussion on net neutrality at the European Parliament where Commissioner Neelie Kroes (DG CONNECT) spoke about a full and open Internet.

In order to achieve this neutral landscape, Commissioner Kroes has requested that network providers and operators be transparent in their offers.

The European Telecommunications and Network Operators Association Executive Board Chair, Luigi Gambardella was invited to the event "Guaranteeing Open Competition and the Open Internet in Europe" and spoke on a panel which explored the pros and cons of regulating net neutrality at the European level.

Speaking on behalf of ETNO, Luigi Gambardella voiced support for protecting end users, whom he noted are also valuable customers of operators. He said, "What we see as providers is that consumers are demanding differentiated products and services, at differing price points. To serve our consumers and to meet these demands, it is essential that the broadband industry has the flexibility to offer differentiated products and services. At the same time, we recognize that unrestricted access to content and services is important and we support the availability of offers without restriction of access to specific content and services."

In order to provide such services, ETNO believes that investment is a key driver for innovation and strength of the European market which in turn will stimulate economic growth and re-position the EU market on a global level. Currently, the EU telecoms market is lagging behind the US and Asian markets due to too much regulation and a fragmented playing field.

Luigi Gambardella says, "ETNO supports a more dynamic approach to competition that benefits the end-user with more investment and quality. An approach that is capable of adapting to market and technological trends and helps to make Europe competitive again."

Click here to read Luigi Gambardella’s speech.

PDF here

For more information, please contact: Ralph Lloyd-Davis, ETNO Digital Communications & IT Tel: (32-2) 227 10 88 Fax:  (32-2) 219 64 12 E-mail: lloyd@etno.be

ETNO’s 37 member companies and 12 observers from Europe and beyond represent a significant part of total ICT activity in Europe. They account for an aggregate annual turnover of more than €600 billion and employ more than 1.6 million people. ETNO companies are the main drivers of broadband and are committed to its continual growth in Europe.

© ETNO 2024
Comfortable read mode Normal mode X