President submits telecommunications bill

Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa has sent to the national assembly a telecoms and postal service bill, the assembly said on its website. The bill sets out general rules for the telecommunications sector; for establishing and operating networks that provide public telecommunication services, including television and radio broadcast; for the use of radio spectrum; and for the government's powers to regulate and control the industry. The initiative - including 179 articles and nine general provisions - establishes rights and duties for operators and standards for protecting users. It also looks to ensure universal access to telecommunication services and ICT, with quality, continuity and equitable rates to promote the country's technological development. Although some changes have been made in the legal system governing the telecoms sector, these have not been enough for efficient control of the industry and use of radio spectrum, according to Correa.