BEREC has adopted its Work Programme for 2021, which focuses on three priorities: (i) promoting full connectivity; (ii) supporting sustainable and open digital markets; and (iii) empowering end-users.  A key policy objective in 2021 is to promote the availability of very high capacity networks and 5G services.

BEREC also adopted two sets of new Guidelines:

i) BEREC Guidelines on criteria for consistent application of Article 61(3) EECC: These Guidelines cover the criteria to determine key aspects for the application of the extended and amended provision on symmetric access regulation according to Article 61(3) of the European Electronic Communications Code. Under certain circumstances, National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) may impose access to a point beyond the first concentration or distribution point; and

ii) BEREC Guidelines to foster the consistent application of the conditions and criteria for assessing co-investments in new very high capacity network elements (Article 76(1) and Annex IV EECC): these Guidelines aim to facilitate the consistent application by NRAs of the conditions which co-investment offers must comply with when commitments associated with those offers are being assessed by the NRAs in the context of Article 76 of the EECC. Therefore, the Guidelines aim to facilitate the consistent application of the minimum criteria for assessing the relevant co-investment offers, as set out in Article 76, paragraph 1 and Annex IV of the EECC.

BEREC also published draft Guidelines to assist NRAs on the consistent application of geographical surveys of network deployments: Phase II: Verification. These Guidelines are open for consultation until 27 January 2021. BEREC aims to approve the final version in June 2021.

BEREC also adopted the 5G radar, which is a tool for identifying developments in the 5G ecosystem that may need regulatory attention. The 5G radar will show the most important aspects for BEREC and NRAs, allowing them to prioritise developments in a timely manner. To read BEREC’s press release in full and for links to all relevant documents, click here.