CHAPTER III

TASKS OF NATIONAL REGULATORY AUTHORITIES

Policy objectives and regulatory principles
Article 8
1
Member States shall ensure that in carrying out the regulatory tasks specified in this Directive and the Specific Directives, the national regulatory authorities take all reasonable measures which are aimed at achieving the objectives set out in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4. Such measures shall be proportionate to those objectives.
Member States shall ensure that in carrying out the regulatory tasks specified in this Directive and the Specific Directives, in particular those designed to ensure effective competition, national regulatory authorities take the utmost account of the desirability of making regulations technologically neutral.
National regulatory authorities may contribute within their competencies to ensuring the implementation of policies aimed at the promotion of cultural and linguistic diversity, as well as media pluralism.
2
The national regulatory authorities shall promote competition in the provision of electronic communications networks, electronic communications services and associated facilities and services by inter alia:
a
ensuring that users, including disabled users, derive maximum benefit in terms of choice, price, and quality;
b
ensuring that there is no distortion or restriction of competition in the electronic communications sector;
c
encouraging efficient investment in infrastructure, and promoting innovation; and
d
encouraging efficient use and ensuring the effective management of radio frequencies and numbering resources.
3
The national regulatory authorities shall contribute to the development of the internal market by inter alia:
a
removing remaining obstacles to the provision of electronic communications networks, associated facilities and services and electronic communications services at European level;
b
encouraging the establishment and development of trans-European networks and the interoperability of pan-European services, and end-to-end connectivity;
c
ensuring that, in similar circumstances, there is no discrimination in the treatment of undertakings providing electronic communications networks and services;
d
cooperating with each other and with the Commission in a transparent manner to ensure the development of consistent regulatory practice and the consistent application of this Directive and the Specific Directives.
4
The national regulatory authorities shall promote the interests of the citizens of the European Union by inter alia:
a
ensuring all citizens have access to a universal service specified in Directive 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive);
b
ensuring a high level of protection for consumers in their dealings with suppliers, in particular by ensuring the availability of simple and inexpensive dispute resolution procedures carried out by a body that is independent of the parties involved;
c
contributing to ensuring a high level of protection of personal data and privacy;
d
promoting the provision of clear information, in particular requiring transparency of tariffs and conditions for using publicly available electronic communications services;
e
addressing the needs of specific social groups, in particular disabled users; and
f
ensuring that the integrity and security of public communications networks are maintained.