(This note is not part of the Instrument and does not purport to be a legal interpretation)

These Regulations give effect to Directive (EU) 2018/1972 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 establishing the European Electronic Communications Code. They establish a harmonised framework for the regulation of electronic communications networks, electronic communications services, associated facilities and associated services, and certain aspects of terminal equipment. They lay down tasks of the national regulatory authority and, where applicable, of other competent authorities, and establish a set of procedures to ensure the harmonised application of the regulatory framework throughout the Union.

The Regulations aim to implement an internal market in electronic communications networks and services that results in the deployment and take-up of very-high-capacity networks, sustainable competition, interoperability of electronic communications services, accessibility, security of networks and services and end-user benefits, and to ensure the provision throughout the Union of good quality, affordable, publicly available services through effective competition and choice, to deal with circumstances in which the needs of end-users, including those with disabilities in order to access the services on an equal basis with others are not satisfactorily met by the market and to lay down the necessary end-user rights.

The Commission for Communications Regulation will be the national regulatory authority for the purposes of overseeing and enforcing these Regulations.