EUROPEAN OFFICIALS are weighing up plans to take over the regulation of British telecoms companies such as BT with one-size-fits-all measures, The Times has learnt.

Brussels is considering proposals that would give it the power to decide and impose the same rules on all telecoms companies across Europe — regardless of the different situations that may apply in each country.

BT, for example, could face the same regulation as its peers in Greece or Italy.

At present, individual regulators such as Ofcom, the British communications watchdog, have the freedom to decide what measures will ensure an efficient and fair marketplace. For example, Ofcom recently instructed BT to set up a new division, called Openreach, to ensure that rivals had fair access to its network.

Brussels. which is considering the proposal as part of a wider review of the European Union Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications and Services — the rules that govern European telecoms companies — could go further and replace the 25 individual regulators with a centralised body, although it is thought unlikely that this measure will be implemented.

The proposals are expected to meet strong resistance in Britain.

In a document to the Commission, the Department of Trade and Industry, backed by Ofcom, said that “there is little evidence of which the UK is aware that demonstrates the need for greater harmonisation of approach with respect to regulatory remedies”.

The department said that the plans to “harmonise by force” across a wide range of markets could have a significant economic impact and urged the Commission to proceed “with caution”.

A spokesman for the Commission said that the body was in a “listening phase” and that it was still considering a variety of ideas.

The Commission said, however, that more centralised regulatory remedies could help to create a more level playing field among telecoms companies in Europe and iron out the differences between regulators that are more intent on ensuring a competitive marketplace and those that are more protectionist.

It is understood that the Commission is more in favour of allowing individual regulators to impose remedies, but only once approval has been gained from Brussels. At present, Ofcom does not have to consult Brussels before imposing rule changes.

A source close to the Commission said that the measures were aimed more at “abuse control” — stopping protectionism — rather than dictating remedies to regulators.

KEEPING TELECOMS FIRMS IN LINE

The framework is due to be reviewed this year

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