Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba has presented 342 amendments to the European Commission’s proposed Digital Networks Act, arguing that independent telecommunications regulators must retain strong powers to protect consumers.
As the Socialists and Democrats’ negotiator in the European Parliament’s Internal Market Committee, Agius Saliba said the Commission’s proposal introduces new rules for Europe’s telecommunications market while reducing the powers of independent national authorities.
“Many of the complaints I receive from Maltese citizens are linked to the way they are treated by telecommunications companies,” Agius Saliba said. He argued that the Commission’s proposal is “weakening these safeguards”.
His amendments seek stronger consumer protection, including for small businesses, enhanced rights for persons with disabilities, and greater importance for emergency telephone services within the European legislative framework.
Agius Saliba also opposed giving the Commission a veto over decisions concerning mergers, warning this could lead to a European market controlled by a small number of dominant operators.
“In Malta this could mean more concentration in our market, more power for companies, less choice for consumers, worse service and higher prices,” he said.
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