Telcos want higher network charges in EU

Telecoms providers should be able to raise prices charged to rivals for using their networks to help spur investment in faster fiber optics, said the European Telecommunications Network Operators' Association (ETNO), whose members include Deutsche Telekom, Telecom Italia and Telefonica.

EU telecoms chief Neelie Kroes said last year she might tell telecoms companies to cut access charges to their copper-based networks to force them to invest in fiber optics. The suggestion, which could still be modified, is part of the Commission's plan to speed up the roll-out of ultra-fast broadband across Europe to boost jobs and businesses. The EU executive will unveil its proposals later this year.