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Brussels to propose amendments to EU telecoms framework later this year.
The European Commission on Thursday revealed a summary of responses to two recently-concluded telco consultations.
The first concerns its review of the regulatory framework for communications networks and services, while the second focuses on the need for Internet speed and quality beyond 2020.
For the first consultation, the Commission sought views on network access regulation, spectrum management and wireless connectivity, sector-specific regulation for communications services, universal service rules, and institutional set-up and governance.
On the whole, respondents said the current framework has helped to promote competition and deliver end-user benefits within most national markets.
However, "the administrations of several member states see the need for updating the telecoms rules, for reasons varying from the need to promote investment in next-generation infrastructures to the need to respond to technological and market changes," the Commission said, in a statement.
Respondents called for a more coordinated approach to developing new mobile technology, including 5G, and highlighted the need for more flexible access to, and use of, spectrum.
Unsurprisingly, the telecom industry called for over-the-top (OTT) communication providers to be subject to the same regulations as operators; while the OTTs themselves argued that the current regime works.
The Commission said the feedback will contribute to the revision of its telco regulations, which will be proposed later this year.
Meanwhile, the second consultation found that telcos are falling short of expectations.
"Many users consider that their needs are not fully fulfilled. Their trust that sufficient future connectivity will spontaneously emerge at a level of quality and speed which would fulfil their needs is low," the Commission said.
"Most of the responses show that that there is a clear need for a substantial improvement in connectivity features in the future."
Respondents said policy measures are needed to support the deployment of infrastructure in line with their future needs.
Brussels said the consultation will inform policy-making, regulatory and funding instruments that will contribute to facilitating broadband deployment.
