The legal and economic framework of EU Telecom market regulation

Abstract

In this paper we examine ex ante electronic communications market analysis in the European Union's regulatory framework. We start with the analysis of relevant markets in accordance with the 1998 regulatory framework. Then we examine the 2002 regulatory framework through the definition of relevant markets, market analysis, SMP analysis, and adoption of measures for market regulation. We briefly compare the new 2007 regulatory framework with the previous ones. At the end we analyze some drawbacks of market analysis according to EU directives that have occurred in practice.

Keywords

• electronic communications markets
• EU regulatory framework
• SMP analysis
• sector-specific regulation
• relevant markets
• antitrust remedies