ACM invites market participants to engage in a dialog on 5G and regulation
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) today released a paper on 5G, the next generation of mobile networks. The paper covers regulation and the regulator’s role with regard to 5G. ACM will discuss these topics with relevant market participants.
5G and regulation
In its paper, ACM explains where 5G overlaps with its duties. Market participants need to make choices with regard to the roll-out of the 5G-network, and ACM would like to help them in that development process within the boundaries of its regulatory framework. Henk Don, Member of the Board of ACM, adds: ‘The development of 5G is still in its early stages, and, in that process, market participants need to make design choices regarding their 5G-networks. That may lead to situations where market participants will face questions concerning the 5G-network design, and regulatory rules and boundaries. That is why we invite relevant market participants to engage in a dialog with us about 5G and its implications for the market, consumers, and regulators.’
BEREC
The rules on net neutrality offer room for innovation and for the application of 5G-related technologies, according to BEREC, the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications. BEREC has expressed this view in an opinion document to which ACM has made a substantial contribution.
Workshop
In February 2019, ACM will organize a workshop on 5G and regulation. In the workshop, ACM would like to talk to telecom operators, telecom hardware suppliers, consumer rights organizations, and representatives of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) and the Radiocommunications Agency Netherlands (AT). ACM will use the input it receives at the workshop in the development of guidelines (’guidance’) regarding the application of regulations concerning 5G for businesses in the telecom sector. More information about the workshop will be published in early- 2019.