International rules on telecom cross-subsidies
Bruton asked whether EC or international proposals might restrict cross-subsidies, especially international calls subsidising local users. Burke said EC discussions were under way but their outcome was uncertain, and asked Bruton to table a separate question about whether the Commission had published a proposal.
Were proposals made at EC level or by the international telecommunications union which would have the effect of regulating subsidisation of one category of user as against another and in particular, were there moves which would require that any cross-subsidisation of local users by international calls could be deemed to be contrary to an internationally agreed norm?
Comment on this
There have been talks on this matter at EC level. However, it would be premature to say how those talks are going to turn out.