Adaptation of universal services in electronic communications to emerging technologies and changing needs of society

U radu je s regulatornog i tehničkog aspekta analizirano trenutno stanje u području pružanja univerzalnih usluga u elektroničkim komunikacijama u Republici Hrvatskoj, kao i šire u državama članicama Europske unije. Opisani su neujednačeni tehnički i regulatorni zahtjevi i prakse. Uz univerzalne usluge, analiziran je i njima srodan koncept univerzalnog pristupa. Obrađen je utjecaj tehnoloških promjena i promijenjenih zahtjeva društva na univerzalne usluge i univerzalni pristup. Naglasak je stavljen na položaj širokopojasnog pristupa internetu tj. njegovo uvođenje među univerzalne usluge. Na kraju rada prikazana je trenutno aktualna implementacija novog krovnog propisa Europske unije iz područja elektroničkih komunikacija, Europskog zakonika elektroničkih komunikacija, u dijelu koji se odnosi na univerzalne usluge.This thesis analyzes, from a regulatory and technical point of view, the current state of play in the provision of universal electronic communications services in the Republic of Croatia, as well as more widely in the European Union Member States. Uneven technical and regulatory requirements and practices are described. In addition to universal services, the concept of universal access is also analyzed.The impact of emerging technologies and changing societal needs on universal services and universal access is addressed. Emphasis was placed on the position of broadband Internet access, i.e. its introduction among universal services. Finally, the current implementation of thenew European Union umbrella regulation in the field of electronic communications, the European Electronic Communications Code, concerning universal services is presented