EU Directives now Comreg Decisions . Lots To Read!

spongebob · 25-07-2003 5:30pm #1

dahamsta · 25-07-2003 5:46pm

[never mind]

SkepticOne · 25-07-2003 6:12pm

Here's the relevant bits with regard to dial-up Internet access:

6. Regulatory Impact Assessment

6.1 RIA Consultation

In the Response to Consultation Document 03/68 ComReg indicated that it
would complete an RIA in tandem with the Decision Notice that will give
effect to the positions set out in document 03/68. With this in mind,
ComReg invited comments on the proposals set out therein.

6.2 Summary of Respondants Views
Six responses were received which have been helpful to the Commission.

The respondants were:

1. Eircom
2. IrelandOffline
3. 4 Individuals.

The responses are available for inspection at the Office, excluding any
confidential material that respondents have specifically asked to be
withheld. In general, respondents raised issues that had been dealt
with in ComRegs Response to Consultation 03/68. Five respondents, who
mainly commented on the issue of functional internet access, considered
that the proposed approach was inadequate in light of user needs. They
felt that a specific minimum bit rate should be set. Concern was also
expressed about the issue of carrier systems/line splitters. It was felt
that more action should be taken to ensure that users are informed where
they exist and that they should be removed by the USP upon request.

The other respondent [eircom presumably] felt that ComRegs proposed approach to
implementing USO regime was burdensome, increased the extent of the
existing obligations and they rejected many of ComRegs positions as set
out in document 03/68. Concern was expressed that a number of measures
that were currently provided on a voluntary basis were now being made
requirements under the USO regime. Issues were raised about the timing
of the designation process and the timeframes around the implementation
of a number of extensions to the USO. ComRegs position on the
establishment of a cost/fund mechanism was deemed unacceptable and they
indicated that they would, after further study, be submitting a
submission on the net cost of USO provision. The respondent also
provided its views on a methodology for RIA along with references to
best international practice in this area.

6.3 ComReg's Response

In view of the comments provided by this respondent [eircom, I assume], ComReg has, in
certain cases, decided to amend implementation timeframes. Aside from
that, the proposed positions regarding USO as set out by ComReg in
document 03/68 remain unchanged within this Decision Notice. Issues
regarding the calculating of any net cost of universal service provision
will be considered if and when appropriate in line with the provisions
in the regulations adopted by the Minister.

As regards an approach to RIA, the OECD4 has stated that there is no
single desirable system for the implementation of RIA in all countries
at all times. Institutional, social, cultural and legal differences
between countries require differing systems.

In addition, in his Response to Consultation on the Ministerial Policy
Directions5, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural
Resources recognised that the benefits of RIA must be reconciled with
the need for swift regulatory action where appropriate.

ComRegs position regarding the regulatory impact of the Universal
Service Obligations is set out at appendix 2.

[....]

Direction 1.
......

On the matter of functional internet access, the USP shall

(g) on or before 24th October 2003, develop a statement which sets out
the range of factors which can affect its network performance (and are
within its control) and therefore the speeds enjoyed by internet users.

(h) on or before 24th October 2003, inform ComReg of the number and
location of connections to the public telephone network that employ
carrier systems/pairgain devices.

......

7.3 Specific Decisions
.....
7.3.1 The Scope of the Universal Service Obligation
.....

7.3.1.2 Service at a fixed location functional internet access ComReg
does not seek to prescribe a definition of functional at this time.
Instead the USP is required to publish information of assistance to
users, develop and agree standard terms and to develop plan to address
network performance issues. As such the impact of the decision is
considered to be minimal at this time. In summary the decision is
positive in terms of achieving user protection objectives without
significant competitive impact.

So there you have it. Any one getting only 14.4k/sec can have the comfort of knowing that "the impact of the decision is considered to be minimal at this time. In summary the decision is positive in terms of achieving user protection objectives without significant competitive impact."

dahamsta · 25-07-2003 6:25pm

Hmmm. Perhaps now would be a good time to survey users. Setting up the survey would be easy-peasy (name, email address, connection speed from dropdown, as would advertising it (boards, mailing lists, sigfiles, etc), the issue would be with testing connections. Anyone got any suggestions?

adam

Paddy20 · 25-07-2003 6:45pm

Its a load of gobbledegook!. How anyone or any Government Department including Comreg can not already know what action is required in relation too Internet Access provision of all types is beyond me.

All they have to do is look at the telecommunications/ telephone voice, data and Internet Access servicesthat are instantly available in another part of Ireland. Then legislate to make it feasible for people like UTV Internet and even Virgin.Net, operate here in an open competitive market so that they can offer our citizens and the commercial sector the same range of choices and providers, and products.

As long as Eircom are openly allowed too continue as an illegal monopoly we will never have a fair marketplace in the telecommunications services industry - at a fair price!.

Paddy20.:mad:

Serbian · 29-07-2003 10:52am

The final paragraph of SkepticOne's quoted segment there is very disappointing. I hope ComReg plan, at some stage, to define what Functional means, and that it will set out minimum speed requirements of as close to 56k as possible.

Apart from that though, it is quite promising. I see Eircom's whinging is prominent once again.

EU Directives now Comreg Decisions . Lots To Read!

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