Telephone and Internet providers must actively inform consumers what the most advantageous rates are for their personal situation. That is one of the components of a comprehensive amendment to the Telecommunications Act that State Secretary Mona Keijzer (Economic Affairs and Climate) sent to the House of Representatives today. The Netherlands may also start monitoring - as it does with telecom networks - Internet communication services such as Whatsapp or Skype when they break down or are interrupted.
The proposed legislative amendment consists of a broad package of measures to be introduced throughout the European Union under the so-called EU Telecom Code. Some of the measures from the EU Telecom Code have already been in effect in the Netherlands since December 2020. Such as that business owners must give written consent for a switch to another provider, even if they have received an offer to do so over the phone. This will better prevent possible deception of business users.
State Secretary Mona Keijzer (EZK): "The previous comprehensive review of EU-wide telecom regulations dates back more than 15 years. Back then we hardly had wireless internet communication. Nowadays fast fixed and mobile internet, available everywhere and for everyone, can be seen as a basic need. That is why this modernization is an important step. On the one hand to better regulate the interests of users. On the other hand to legally secure the establishment of the infrastructure needed for this."
The concept of electronic communication service in the Telecommunications Act will be broadened. Services that are only offered via the Internet, such as Whatsapp and Skype, will also fall under the law. As a result, their providers will have additional obligations towards users such as adequate security and an obligation to report incidents. Telecom Agency monitors compliance.
Users - consumers and business customers - must always receive a summary of their contract as a result of the proposed change. The telecom provider must actively advise a customer personally about the most advantageous tariffs. This will prevent users from paying excessive charges that do not match their usage habits. The right to number portability will also be extended. This will also apply if you want to transfer a number to another provider even before the current contract is terminated.
In addition, the bill contributes to properly regulated construction of new infrastructure. For example, through more opportunities for co-use for this of existing facilities and infrastructure. The bill also clarifies and strengthens the position of governments in this regard, often municipalities, during construction.
