Making it easier to change service provider and keep the same phone number, including rules for compensation if the process goes wrong or takes too long

European electronic communications rules seek to make broadband internet access and voice communications affordable and available throughout Europe through effective competition and choice. Where the needs of consumers are not met by the market, universal service obligations ensure that affordable adequate internet access and voice communications services are available, regardless of personal circumstances like location, income or disability. The adequate broadband internet must have sufficient bandwidth for using important services such as eGovernment, internet banking, and standard quality video calls.

EECC introduced a new general objective to promote connectivity and access to, and take-up of, very high-capacity networks, including fixed, mobile and wireless networks, by all citizens and businesses of the Union. Increased emphasis was also given to the need to take into account the variety of conditions relating to infrastructure and competition in different geographic areas and the need to promote efficient investment and innovation in new and enhanced infrastructures.

The Commission completed the review of the functioning of the EECC on 21 January 2026 with the adoption and publication of a Report to the European Parliament and the Council. After highlighting several challenges, the Digital Networks Act (DNA) proposal aims to replace the Code. In turn, the DNA will create a modern, simplified and more harmonised legal framework, that boosts innovation and investment in resilient and advanced digital infrastructure, that is critical for enabling the adoption of AI, cloud, space and other innovative technologies.

the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) has developed and adopted a significant number of guidelines, which aimed to promote a consistent application of the EECC and contribute to its successful implementation.

Only three Member States met the December 2020 deadline for transposing the EECC into national law. The transposition in all 27 Member States was only completed in August 2024, with the Commission supporting the Member States in the implementation process.