Telecoms Bill passes to the Senate after being approved by the Sejm

On Friday, the Sejm approved the new Telecoms Bill, harmonizing regulations to EU standards in a long-overdue move. The bill is meant to increase competition on the market, by for example, allowing so-called virtual operators to use the infrastructure of existing players and better protect the interests of consumers. Another change is the strengthening of the National Radio and Television Council (KRRiT) at the expense of the Telecoms and Post Regulation Office (URTiP). "The Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) probably decided that the new government could axe its man at the helm of URTiP, Witold Graboś, whereas KRRiT is a collective body, dominated by the SLD," explained Janusz Piechociński, head of the Infrastructure Commission, who guided the bill through the Sejm. The bill now goes before the Senate. (Gazeta Wyborcza, June 19-20, p.30) T.J.