Calls for firm measures from President Barroso to secure open pan-EU telecoms market

Brussels, 20 January 2010; The European Competitive Telecoms Association (ECTA) has announced the election of Hubertus von Roenne as chairman of the board of directors for 2010.

A German national, based in Paris, Mr von Roenne’s vision for his term as ECTA Chairman is to help build a truly pan-European competitive single market for communications in which consumers and businesses receive world-class services.

His appointment coincides with the changeover of the European Commission in Brussels which sees the Dutch Commissioner, Neelie Kroes, assume responsibility for the ‘Digital Agenda’.

Dr von Roenne marked his appointment by writing to EU President Jose Manuel Barroso outlining ECTA’s 2020 vision for how communications should be exploited to deliver future growth and prosperity in Europe.

“We urge President Barroso to take the opportunity of the EU Spring Council in March to commit to a strategy of proactive measures in the telecoms sector that will open markets to competition and deliver a connected and competitive Europe in the decade to come,” commented Dr von Roenne.

He cited four key areas that the EU must address:

1. take action to enforce telecoms rules and open markets fully to competition

2. Deploy open fibre networks to support innovation in high speed services

3. Create a single market for business communications

4. Boost competition in mobile markets to create seamless pan-European services

ECTA has asked to meet with President Barroso to discuss these points further once the new Commission is confirmed.

ECTA also elected Tom Ruhan as vice-Chairman and Luis Reis as Treasurer.

See here for details: http://www.ectaportal.com/en/ABOUT/Board-of-Directors/2010-Directors/Board-of-Directors-2010/

Ends

For further information please contact

Ilsa Godlovitch, Director, ECTA

Tel: +32 2 227 2718

m