Estonia

[EE] New Electronic Communications Act

IRIS 2005-3:1/17

Monika Silvia Valm

Norwegian Research Centre for Computers & Law, Faculty of Law, University of Oslo

On 8 December 2004 the Estonian Parliament adopted a new Electronic Communications Act. It implements the EC's Electronic Communications regulatory package (see IRIS 2002-3: 4), Changes in Estonian Telecommunications Law (see IRIS 2000-5: 14) were required due to the country's accession to the EU on 1 May last year. In line with the EC regulatory package, the new Law covers all types of transmission networks used for electronic communications, including cable TV and broadcasting networks. The Law will not extend to content regulation. Regarding authorization of broadcasting services, individual licences are still required, also for broadcasting in the cable TV network, where the state will continue to exercise content control. The Act entered into force on 1 January 2005.