European Telecommunications Markets on the Verge of Full Liberalization
1998年1月1日欧洲多数国家将全面放开语音电话市场，但各国自由化进程不一，欧盟委员会利用单一市场权力推动改革，核心问题是市场能在多大程度上自由运作而非被迫竞争。
January 1, 1998 is the date when voice telephony is fully liberalized in most European countries. The process of privatization and liberalization has been uneven across Europe; actively embraced by countries such as the U. K., Sweden, and Finland, while opposed in others. The role of the European Commission which uses its powers under the single market to push recalcitrant operators and countries is key. No two countries in Europe are following the exact same path, which makes the Commission's role difficult; it is unclear to what extent rules interconnection, access, and universal service funding should be identical. New entrants in country markets include other incumbent operators as well as other utilities; alliances are forming among many participants. The central issue is the degree to which the marketplace will be allowed to function, rather than forced to compete, through politics.