European Telecom Network Operators Assn. (ETNO) urged European Un...

package, which includes general framework proposal and 4 more specific proposals on access and interconnection, universal service, authorization, data protection. Adoption of final package is expected in Dec., ETNO said. “We do not want any regulation of services such as mobile telephony that have emerged from a competitive environment,” ETNO Dir. Michael Bartholomew said. “We require a level playing field. To achieve a single market in telecoms, we need safeguards against arbitrary, and potentially contradictory, decisions by national regulatory authorities in different EU countries.” ETNO, which represents 45 European telecom operators in 35 countries, said in position paper submitted to telecom ministers that it was “anxious” over extent to which debate could be reopened on traffic data retention after last month’s terrorist attacks in U.S. Under current regulatory regime for data protection, network operators are permitted to store traffic data for only limited period and only for billing purposes, ETNO noted. Proposed directive that ministers are considering on data protection “does already contain provisions” that will let EU member states adopt legislative measures to safeguard public security and open investigations into criminal and terrorist activities. “ETNO strongly believes that any extension in storage requirements to meet the requests of law enforcement authorities will have to be carefully justified in terms of all costs and benefits for society as a whole,” position paper said. In other areas, ETNO said it was concerned that EU members “do not appreciate the fundamental need to achieve a harmonized market.” It urged safeguards to bar “arbitrary” decisions by national regulatory authorities. Group also urged hands-off regulatory approach, particularly on proposals by telecom ministers on access and interconnection directives. Prospect of “price controls could discourage investment in new technologies and services,” ETNO said.