Information Policy

Montenegro: New Telecommunications Regulator Lacks Independence

ARTICLE 19 is concerned that the regulator being proposed in a new draft Law on Electronic Communications for Montenegro "the Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services" lacks independence even though it would exercise significant regulatory powers over broadcasters. This is in clear breach of international standards and a significant rollback from the current situation, in which an independent Broadcast Agency is responsible for broadcast regulation.

The current Broadcasting Law, adopted in September 2002, establishes a best practice model for the appointment of the Broadcast Agency, responsible for licensing broadcasters and other key regulatory functions. A number of stakeholders nominate members of the oversight Agency Council, with appointments being ratified by the Parliament. In stark contrast, the current (February 2008) version of the draft Law, presently before Parliament, provides that members of the proposed Council of the Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services ⌠shall be appointed by the Government, upon the Ministry proposal■. It is very well-established under international law that bodies which exercise regulatory powers over the media should be protected against political interference. A body which is appointed by the government, upon the nomination of a minister, clearly does not meet this standard.

The precise relationship between the old Broadcast Agency and the new Agency is not clear. The draft Law provides for the new Agency to take over the assets and staff of the Broadcast Agency, but it does not appear formally to abolish the latter. It is clear, however, that the new Agency exercises significant regulatory powers in relation to broadcasting, including licensing and planning of the radio frequency spectrum.

ARTICLE 19 calls on the Government and Parliament of Montenegro to revise the draft Law to bring it into line with international standards. The approach taken in the current Broadcasting Law serves as a good model of how this might be done.

Bangkok offers 15,000 free Wi-Fi spots

The Thai capital will offer 500,000 people free Wi-Fi access starting Thursday, in a pilot project that will provide 15,000 hotspots for them to get online, Bangkok's municipal government said. The scheme is part of the city's drive to cut back on its energy use as officials hope residents will drive less if electronic communication becomes more convenient.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/afp/20080625/ttc-lifestyle-thailand-internet-214f919.html

Internet phone calls getting popular in European homes

An EU-wide survey of 27,000 households has revealed the emergence of new consumption patterns in telecoms services in Europe. Technological progress and competition have brought more choice to European consumers; 24% of households have given up their fixed telephone in favour of mobile phones while 22% of them are using their computer from home to make phone calls over the Internet. In an increasing number of Member States, European households are using wireless access to connect to the Internet, via mobile or satellite networks. Meanwhile, 29% of European households buy bundled telecoms and media packages, an increase of nearly 10% since last year. Nevertheless, the top priority for consumers in this fast evolving environment remains the quality of services.

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/1049&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

EU to Slash Mobile Termination Rates by 70%

The European Union (EU) has unveiled plans which could lead to a 70% drop in mobile termination rates, although the guidelines could also increase the cost of owning a phone. EU Information Society Commissioner, Viviane Reding said she plans to end big differences in mobile termination rates between EU states and cross-subsidies between mobile and fixed-line termination rates at some operators. Her proposals would edge Europe closer to the "bill and keep" pricing structure obtainable in the United States. Commenting further, EU Competition Commissioner, Neelie Kroes said the plans will eliminate distortions in competition between fixed and mobile operators: "Truly cost-oriented termination rates will increase competition to the benefit of consumers. Consumers should expect to pay lower retail prices as a result."

Regardless of the merits of the new proposal, any noticeable increase in the cost of owning mobiles for those with less disposable income is bound to elicit a torrent of complaints. Global Insight believes that if EU customers are asked to pay to receive calls, populism, coupled with the prevailing anti-EU mood across the region could become an issue.

http://communicationsdirectnews.com/do.php/130/31382

Staff internet policies must be Facebook-ready, warns expert

Dealing with staff who misbehave on the web may be hampered by office policies written without Web 2.0 sites in mind, an employment expert has said. The warning follows disciplinary action against 18 police officers who boasted about crashes on Facebook.

http://www.out-law.com/page-9204