EECC

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The European Electronic Communications Code (EECC, European Code for Electronic Communications) is an EU directive that regulates electronic communications networks and services. In November 2018, the Council of the European Union adapted the new directive on the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC). It was adopted in December 2018 and the existing regulatory framework was consolidated and reformed.

By 2020, the member states must adapt their telecommunications laws (in Germany above all the TKG ) to the directive. In Germany, the reform is being promoted by the responsible federal ministries BMWi and BMVI and should come into force on December 21, 2020. An elaboration on the timing aspects of national implementation and application has been available since April 2019. The adjustments are made as part of a major amendment to the TKG.

The EECC is supplemented by the Data Protection Directive (European Union), the Telecommunications Internal Market Directive, the Telecommunications Internal Market Regulation, the Roaming Regulation, the decision on radio frequencies and some other provisions.

Implications for consumers

The EECC is intended to promote competition, encourage investment in networks, enable better consumer protection and introduce a public warning system of the "reverse 112" at national level. Among other things, it provides:

  • The prices for calls within the EU (more precisely calls from a mobile or landline phone from a consumer's home country to another EU country) are capped (19 cents / min., 6 cents / SMS)
  • Compensation if a change of provider fails
  • If the contract is tacitly extended, termination can be given with one month's notice
  • A compensation for "missed" service or technician appointments
  • In the event of major emergencies such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks, consumers receive warning messages directly on their mobile phones

The new regulations for calls within the EU have been in effect since May 15, 2019.

Effects for network operators

The implications for network operators and telecommunications service providers are significant. Contrary to previous adjustments, which should be positive for consumers, the adjustments apply not only to private customers, but also to business customers. The following tasks are to be implemented when the law comes into force:

  • New contract documents (pre-contractual information and contract summary) must be made available to the customer prior to purchase
  • Active contact with customers must take place annually and at the end of the contract period
  • Extension of the special right of termination and reduction in price
  • No more paper orders and no more contracts on the phone, as everything has to be recorded systematically

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Directive (EU) 2018/1972 of the European Parliament and the Council . In: European Union . December 11, 2018.
  2. ↑ Directive (EU) 2018/1972 of the European Parliament and of the Council of December 11, 2018 on the European code for electronic communications (PDF; 2.9 MB), accessed on November 15, 2019
  3. ↑ Article 61 (4) of Directive (EU) 2018/1972 (EECC Directive) | [1]
  4. ↑ [Committee clears the way for TKG amendment | https://www.bundestag.de/presse/hib/649536-649536 ]