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Briefings in English - 2007

Intense debates expected on EU telecoms reform package

On 13 November 2007, the European Commission presented its long-awaited proposal for a review of the EU regulatory framework for the electronic communications sector. The consultation process on the review started two years ago and has led to significant reform proposals that Commissioner Viviane Reding explains are necessary to put Europe’s digital economy on track and place its consumers centre stage. (November 2007)

New UK regulations on retaining traffic and location data

UK regulations now require telecoms service providers to retain traffic and location data, following an EU Directive that aims to combat terrorism and international organised crime. (October 2007)

Court upholds fine on Microsoft for abuse of market dominance

The European Court today upheld a 2004 European Commission decision fining Microsoft over €497m for abusing its dominant market position in the PC operating systems market. The Court confirmed that Microsoft’s refusal to supply interoperability information to competitors and bundling of Windows Media Player with the Windows operating system were illegal. The judgment is likely to encourage the Commission to continue enforcing EU competition law vigorously. (17 September 2007)

Launch of .Asia domain name

The sunrise period for priority registration for .Asia domain names begins on 9 October 2007. All organisations wishing to register need to work out which sunrise category they are in and ensure that they meet the relevant deadline for applications. This briefing explains the categories and how the process will work. (September 2007)

New anti-spam law in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s new anti-spam law, which will regulate all messages sent by electronic means advertising or promoting goods, services, facilities, land and/or interests in land, was published on 1 June 2007 and will be implemented in two phases. The first phase, which came into effect on 1 June, covers the use of improper techniques to communicate with multiple recipients, and the second, which will come into effect by the end of the year, sets out the rules for sending commercial electronic messages. (June 2007)

IT sourcing in mainland China

Legal and regulatory issues that need to be escalated to a company’s legal and compliance department (LCD) may arise when sourcing information technology (IT) goods and services to be used in mainland China. This guide provides an overview of such issues and actions to take. (May 2007)

Breaking out of the EU's spectrum gridlock

The European Commission unveiled its strategy for a more flexible spectrum policy last month. It has outlined the steps needed to achieve a more flexible policy empowering the spectrum user to choose among a wider range of services and technologies. This briefing looks at the Commission’s strategy. (March 2007)

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