By Martin Banks - 5th November 2009
It is very good news for citizens
Viviane Reding
Parliament and member states have finally reached agreement on the EU telecoms reform.
A deal was brokered late on Wednesday night after intense negotiations.
The talks focused on the sole remaining obstacle - the degree to which access to the internet should be protected by EU law.
Negotiators for the two sides agreed on the creation of a new internet freedom provision that will, it is claimed, "substantially strengthen" the rights of internet users.
News of the deal was announced at a press conference in parliament on Thursday.
Parliament still has to vote on the package in plenary. But the vote, probably at the end of this month, is expected to be a formality.
Speaking at the conference, EU telecoms commissioner Viviane Reding said the reforms are expected to come into force in early 2010.
She said, "It is very good news for citizens that we have reached an agreement on a new internet freedom provision.
"This is unprecendented across the globe and sends a strong signal that the EU takes fundamental rights very seriously.
"The reform will substantially enhance consumer rights and consumer choice."
Her comments were echoed by parliament's rapporteur on the telecoms package, Catherine Trautmann.
The French Socialist said, "A lot of hard work has gone into reaching this agreement but has been worthwhile."
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