Consumers and electronic communications laws in Europe and England: reaping the rewards of the new regulatory framework

This article addresses the extent to which the new regulatory framework protects the interests of consumers in theEU and more particularly in theUK. It identifies three means through which consumers are to reap the rewards of the new framework. First of all, effective competition in the electronic communications sector will provide consumers with a market able to deliver value for money. In addition, the Universal Service Directive 2002/22/CE and its set of specifically targeted rules will directly impact consumer protection. Finally it is via the devolution of powers to the National Regulatory Authorities by the Framework Directive 2002/21/CE that consumers will feel the full effects of the new regulatory framework