EU adopts telecom reform plan for Europe

The European Commission (EC), the executive body of the European Union (EU), has adopted a plan for telecom market reform called 'Connected Continent' which, among other measures, would include reduction in consumer charges.

The EC paved the way for its most ambitious plan in 26 years Wednesday, aiming to make Europe a global digital leader again, reports Xinhua.

Launched by the EC President Jose Manuel Barroso in his 2013 'State of the Union' speech, the 'Connected Continent' legislative package will reduce consumer charges, simplify red tape faced by companies, and bring a range of new rights for both users and service providers.

"Further, substantial progress towards a European single market for telecoms is essential for Europe's strategic interests and economic progress, for the telecoms sector itself and for citizens who are frustrated that they do not have full and fair access to internet and mobile services," Barroso said in his speech.

Vice President of the European Commission Neelie Kroes, the person behind the new package, said the new legislation promised a great future for the mobile and internet market in Europe.

"The European Commission says no to roaming premiums, yes to net neutrality, yes to investment, yes to new jobs. Fixing the telecoms sector is no longer about this one sector but about supporting the sustainable development of all sectors," she added.

The telecom sector makes up nine percent of Europe's digital economy, as all sectors increasingly depend on connectivity to be globally competitive and deliver services.