Directive 2009/136/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council

Direttiva 2009/136/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill

of 25 November 2009

tal- 25 ta’ Novembru 2009

amending Directive 2002/22/EC on universal service and users’ rights relating to electronic communications networks and services, Directive 2002/58/EC concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector and Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws

li temenda d-Direttiva 2002/22/KE dwar servizz universali u d-drittijiet tal-utenti li jirrelataw ma’ networks u servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi, id-Direttiva 2002/58/KE dwar l-ipproċessar tad-data personali u l-protezzjoni tal-privatezza fis-settur tal-komunikazzjoni elettronika

(Text with EEA relevance)

u r-Regolament (KE) Nru 2006/2004 dwar il-koperazzjoni bejn l-awtoritajiet nazzjonali responsabbli għall-infurzar tal-liġijiet tal-protezzjoni tal-konsumaturi

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

(Test b’rilevanza għaż-ŻEE)

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 95 thereof,

IL-PARLAMENT EWROPEW U L-KUNSILL TAL-UNJONI EWROPEA,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Wara li kkunsidraw it-Trattat li jistabbilixxi l-Komunità Ewropea, u b’mod partikolari l-Artikolu 95 tiegħu,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee [1],

Wara li kkunsidraw il-proposta mill-Kummissjoni,

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions [2],

Wara li kkunsidraw l-opinjoni tal-Kumitat Ekonomiku u Soċjali Ewropew [1],

Having regard to the opinion of the European Data Protection Supervisor [3],

Wara li kkunsidraw l-opinjoni tal-Kumitat tar-Reġjuni [2],

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty [4],

Wara li kkunsidraw l-opinjoni tal-Kontrollur Ewropew għall-Protezzjoni tad-Data [3],

Whereas:

Filwaqt li jaġixxu konformement mal-proċedura stabbilita fl-Artikolu 251 tat-Trattat [4],

(1) The functioning of the five directives comprising the existing regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services (Directive 2002/19/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on access to, and interconnection of, electronic communications networks and associated facilities (Access Directive) [5], Directive 2002/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on the authorisation of electronic communications networks and services (Authorisation Directive) [6], Directive 2002/21/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 7 March 2002 on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services (Framework Directive) [7], Directive 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive) [8] and Directive 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications) [9] (together referred to as "the Framework Directive and the Specific Directives")) is subject to periodic review by the Commission, with a view, in particular, to determining the need for modification in the light of technological and market developments.

Billi:

(2) In that regard, the Commission presented its findings in its Communication to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 29 June 2006 on the review of the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services.

(1) Il-funzjonament tal-ħames Direttivi li jikkostitwixxu l-qafas regolatorju eżistenti għal networks u servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi (Direttiva 2002/19/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tas- 7 ta’ Marzu tal-2002 dwar l-aċċess għal, u l-interkonnessjoni ta', networks ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi u faċilitajiet assoċjati (Direttiva tal-Aċċess) [5], Direttiva 2002/20/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tas- 7 ta’ Marzu tal-2002 dwar l-awtorizzazzjoni ta’ networks u servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi (Direttiva ta’ Awtorizzazzjoni) [6], Direttiva 2002/21/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tas- 7 ta’ Marzu tal-2002 dwar qafas regolatorju komuni għan-networks ta’ komunikazzjonijiet u servizzi elettroniċi (Direttiva Qafas) [7], Direttiva 2002/22/KE (Direttiva dwar is-Servizz Universali) [8] u Direttiva 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika) [9] (kollettivament imsejħa "id-Direttiva Qafas u d-Direttivi Speċifiċi")), huwa suġġett għal eżaminar perjodiku mill-Kummissjoni, bil-għan, b’mod partikolari, li tiġi determinata l-ħtieġa ta’ tibdil fid-dawl tal-iżviluppi teknoloġiċi u fis-suq.

(3) The reform of the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services, including the reinforcement of provisions for end-users with disabilities, represents a key step towards simultaneously achieving a Single European Information Space and an inclusive information society. These objectives are included in the strategic framework for the development of the information society as described in the Commission Communication to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 1 June 2005 entitled "i2010 – A European Information Society for growth and employment".

(2) F’dak ir-rigward, il-Kummissjoni ppreżentat ir-riżultati tagħha fil-Komunikazzjoni tagħha lill-Kunsill, il-Parlament Ewropew, il-Kumitat Ekonomiku u Soċjali Ewropew u l-Kumitat tar-Reġjuni tad- 29 ta’ Ġunju 2006 dwar l-eżami tal-qafas regolatorju tal-UE għan-networks u s-servizzi tal-komunikazzjoni elettronika.

(4) A fundamental requirement of universal service is to provide users on request with a connection to the public communications network at a fixed location and at an affordable price. The requirement is for the provision of local, national and international telephone calls, facsimile communications and data services, the provision of which may be restricted by Member States to the end-user’s primary location or residence. There should be no constraints on the technical means by which this is provided, allowing for wired or wireless technologies, nor any constraints on which operators provide part or all of universal service obligations.

(3) Ir-riforma tal-qafas regolatorju tal-UE għan-networks u s-servizzi tal-komunikazzjoni elettronika, inkluż ir-rinfurzar ta’ dispożizzjonijiet għall-utenti finali b'diżabbiltà, tirrappreżenta pass prinċipali lejn il-kisba simultanja ta’ Spazju Ewropew Uniku tal-Informazzjoni u soċjetà tal-informazzjoni inklussiva. Dawn l-għanijiet huma inklużi fil-qafas strateġiku għall-iżvilupp tas-soċjetà tal-informazzjoni kif deskritta fil-Komunikazzjoni tal-Kummissjoni lill-Kunsill, il-Parlament Ewropew, il-Kumitat Ekonomiku u Soċjali Ewropew u l-Kumitat tar-Reġjuni tal- 1 ta’ Ġunju 2005 bl-isem ta’ "i2010 — Soċjetà Ewropea tal-Informazzjoni għat-tkabbir u l-impjieg".

(5) Data connections to the public communications network at a fixed location should be capable of supporting data communications at rates sufficient for access to online services such as those provided via the public Internet. The speed of Internet access experienced by a given user may depend on a number of factors, including the provider(s) of Internet connectivity as well as the given application for which a connection is being used. The data rate that can be supported by a connection to the public communications network depends on the capabilities of the subscriber’s terminal equipment as well as the connection. For this reason, it is not appropriate to mandate a specific data or bit rate at Community level. Flexibility is required to allow Member States to take measures, where necessary, to ensure that a data connection is capable of supporting satisfactory data rates which are sufficient to permit functional Internet access, as defined by the Member States, taking due account of specific circumstances in national markets, for instance the prevailing bandwidth used by the majority of subscribers in that Member State, and technological feasibility, provided that these measures seek to minimise market distortion. Where such measures result in an unfair burden on a designated undertaking, taking due account of the costs and revenues as well as the intangible benefits resulting from the provision of the services concerned, this may be included in any net cost calculation of universal obligations. Alternative financing of underlying network infrastructure, involving Community funding or national measures in accordance with Community law, may also be implemented.

(4) Rekwiżit fundamentali ta’ servizz universali huwa li l-utenti jiġu fornuti, meta jitolbuha, b’konnessjoni ma’ network pubbliku tal-komunikazzjonijiet f’lok fiss u bi prezz li kulħadd jiflaħ għalih. Ir-rekwiżit huwa għall-forniment ta’ telefonati lokali, nazzjonali u internazzjonali, komunikazzjonijiet tal-fax u servizzi tad-data, li l-forniment tagħhom jista’ jkun ristrett mill-Istati Membri għall-post/residenza primarja tal-utent aħħari. M’għandu jkun hemm ebda limitazzjoni fuq il-mezzi tekniċi li bihom din tkun fornuta, b’mod li jkunu permessi teknoloġiji bil-wajer jew bla wajer, u lanqas xi limitazzjoni rigward liema operaturi jfornu l-obbligi kollha ta’ servizz universali jew parti minnhom.

(6) This is without prejudice to the need for the Commission to conduct a review of the universal service obligations, which may include the financing of such obligations, in accordance with Article 15 of Directive 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive), and, if appropriate, to present proposals for reform to meet public interest objectives.

(5) Konnessjonijiet tad-data ma’ network pubbliku tal-komunikazzjonijiet f’lok fiss għandhom ikunu jistgħu jifilħu komunikazzjonijiet tad-data b’rati suffiċjenti għall-aċċess għas-servizzi fuq l-Internet bħal dawk fornuti permezz tal-Internet pubbliku. Il-veloċità tal-aċċess tal-Internet esperjenzjata minn utent partikolari tista’ tiddependi fuq numru ta’ fatturi inklużi l-fornitur(i) tal-konnettività tal-Internet kif ukoll l-applikazzjoni partikolari li għaliha qed tintuża konnessjoni. Ir-rata tad-data li tista’ tiflaħ konnessjoni man-network pubbliku tal-komunikazzjonijiet tiddependi fuq il-kapaċitajiet tat-tagħmir terminali tal-abbonat kif ukoll fuq il-konnessjoni. Għal din ir-raġuni, mhuwiex xieraq li tkun magħmula obbligatorja rata speċifika ta’ data jew bit fil-livell tal-Komunità. Il-flessibilità hija meħtieġa biex tagħmilha possibbli għall-Istati Membri li fejn meħtieġ jieħdu miżuri biex jiżguraw li konnessjoni tad-data tkun kapaċi tiflaħ rati ta’ data sodisfaċenti li jkunu suffiċjenti biex jippermettu aċċess tal-Internet funzjonali, kif definit mill-Istati Membri, filwaqt li jitqiesu kif inhu xieraq iċ-ċirkostanzi speċifiċi fis-swieq nazzjonali, pereżempju l-bandwidth prevalenti użat mill-maġġoranza tal-abbonati f’dak l-Istat Membru, u l-fattibilità teknoloġika, sakemm dawn il-miżuri jkollhom l-għan li jimminimizzaw id-distorsjoni tas-suq. Fejn miżuri bħal dawn jirriżultaw f’piż mhux ġust fuq impriża magħżula, filwaqt li jitqiesu l-ispejjeż u d-dħul kif ukoll il-benefiċċji intanġibbli li jirriżultaw mill-forniment tas-servizzi kkonċernati, dan jista’ jiġi inkluż fi kwalunkwe kalkolu tal-kost nett tal-obbligi universali. Iffinanzjar alternattiv tan-network tal-infrastruttura sottostanti, li jinvolvi l-iffinanzjar Komunitarju jew miżuri nazzjonali konformement mal-liġi Komunitarja, jista’ wkoll jiġi implimentat.

(7) For the sake of clarity and simplicity, this Directive only deals with amendments to Directives 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive) and 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications).

(6) Dan huwa bla ħsara għall-bżonn tal-Kummissjoni li tagħmel reviżjoni tal-obbligi tas-servizz universali, li tista’ tinkludi l-iffinanzjar ta’ obbligi bħal dawn, konformement mal-Artikolu 15 tad-Direttiva 2002/22/KE (id-Direttiva dwar is-Servizz Universali), u jekk hu xieraq, biex tippreżenta proposti għal riforma li jissodisfaw l-objettivi ta’ interess pubbliku.

(8) Without prejudice to Directive 1999/5/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 1999 on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity [10], and in particular the disability requirements laid down in Article 3(3)(f) thereof, certain aspects of terminal equipment, including consumer premises equipment intended for disabled end-users, whether their special needs are due to disability or related to ageing, should be brought within the scope of Directive 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive) in order to facilitate access to networks and the use of services. Such equipment currently includes receive-only radio and television terminal equipment as well as special terminal devices for hearing-impaired end-users.

(7) Għaċ-ċarezza u s-sempliċità, din id-Direttiva tittratta biss l-emendament tad-Direttivi 2002/22/KE (Direttiva dwar is-Servizz Universali) u 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika).

(9) Member States should introduce measures to promote the creation of a market for widely available products and services incorporating facilities for disabled end-users. This can be achieved, inter alia, by referring to European standards, introducing electronic accessibility (eAccessibility) requirements for public procurement procedures and calls for tender relating to the provision of services, and by implementing legislation upholding the rights of disabled end-users.

(8) Bla ħsara għad-Direttiva 1999/5/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tad- 9 ta’ Marzu 1999 dwar it-tagħmir tar-radju u tagħmir terminali ta’ telekomunikazzjonijiet u r-rikonoxximent reċiproku tal-konformità tagħhom [10], u b’mod partikolari r-rekwiżiti ta’ diżabbiltà stabbiliti bl-Artikolu 3(3)(f) tagħha, ċerti aspetti ta’ tagħmir terminali, inkluż tagħmir ta’ postijiet għall-konsumaturi intiż għal utenti finali b’diżabbiltà, sew jekk il-bżonnijiet speċjali tagħhom huma minħabba diżabbiltà jew relatati max-xjuħija, għandhom jinġiebu fil-kamp ta’ applikazzjoni tad-Direttiva 2002/22/KE (Direttiva dwar is-Servizz Universali) sabiex jiġi faċilitat l-aċċess għal networks u l-użu ta’ servizzi. Attwalment tali tagħmir jinkludi tagħmir terminali ta’ radju u televiżjoni li jirċievi biss kif ukoll apparat terminali speċjali għal utenti finali b’impediment fis-smigħ.

(10) When an undertaking designated to provide universal service, as identified in Article 4 of Directive 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive), chooses to dispose of a substantial part, viewed in light of its universal service obligation, or all, of its local access network assets in the national territory to a separate legal entity under different ultimate ownership, the national regulatory authority should assess the effects of the transaction in order to ensure the continuity of universal service obligations in all or parts of the national territory. To this end, the national regulatory authority which imposed the universal service obligations should be informed by the undertaking in advance of the disposal. The assessment of the national regulatory authority should not prejudice the completion of the transaction.

(9) L-Istati Membri għandhom idaħħlu miżuri biex jippromwovu l-ħolqien ta’ suq għal prodotti u servizzi disponibbli b’mod wiesa’ li jinkorporaw faċilitajiet għal utenti finali li jkunu b’diżabbiltà. Dan jista’ jintlaħaq inter alia billi ssir referenza għal standards Ewropej, bl-introduzzjoni ta’ rekwiżiti ta’ aċċessibbiltà elettronika (eAccessibility) għal proċeduri ta’ akkwist pubbliku u sejħiet għal offerti għall-forniment tas-servizzi, u billi tiġi implimentata leġiżlazzjoni li tafferma d-drittijiet tal-utenti finali b’diżabbiltà.

(11) Technological developments have led to substantial reductions in the number of public pay telephones. In order to ensure technological neutrality and continued access by the public to voice telephony, national regulatory authorities should be able to impose obligations on undertakings to ensure not only that public pay telephones are provided to meet the reasonable needs of end-users, but also that alternative public voice telephony access points are provided for that purpose, if appropriate.

(10) Meta impriża magħżula biex tipprovdi servizz universali, kif indikat fl-Artikolu 4 tad-Direttiva 2002/22/KE (id-Direttiva dwar is-Servizz Universali), tagħżel li ċċedi l-attivitajiet kollha tagħha fin-network tal-aċċess lokali fit-territorju nazzjonali, jew parti sostanzjali minnhom, meqjusa fid-dawl tal-obbligu tagħha ta’ servizz universali, lil entità legali separata li tkun proprjetà effettiva ta’ entità differenti, l-awtorità regolatorja nazzjonali għandha tevalwa l-effetti tat-tranżazzjoni biex tiżgura l-kontinwità tal-obbligi tas-servizz universali fit-territorju nazzjonali kollu jew f’partijiet minnu. Għal dan l-għan, l-awtorità regolatorja nazjonali li imponiet l-obbligi tas-servizz universali għandha tiġi infurmata mill-impriża qabel iċ-ċessjoni. L-evalwazzjoni tal-awtorità regolatorja nazzjonali m’għandhiex tippreġudika t-tlestija tat-tranżazzjoni.

(12) Equivalence in disabled end-users’ access to services should be guaranteed to the level available to other end-users. To this end, access should be functionally equivalent, such that disabled end-users benefit from the same usability of services as other end-users, but by different means.

(11) L-iżviluppi teknoloġiċi wasslu għal tnaqqis sostanzjali fin-numru ta’ telefons pubbliċi bi ħlas. Sabiex jiġu żgurati n-newtralità teknoloġika u l-aċċess kontinwu mill-pubbliku għat-telefonija bil-vuċi, l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għandhom ikunu jistgħu jimponu obbligi fuq l-impriżi biex jiżguraw mhux biss li t-telefons pubbliċi bi ħlas ikunu provduti biex jissodisfaw il-bżonnijiet raġonevoli tal-utenti finali, imma wkoll li jkunu provduti għal dak l-iskop, jekk ikun xieraq, punti ta’ aċċess pubbliċi alternattivi tat-telefonija bil-vuċi.

(13) Definitions need to be adjusted so as to conform to the principle of technology neutrality and to keep pace with technological development. In particular, conditions for the provision of a service should be separated from the actual definitional elements of a publicly available telephone service, i.e. an electronic communications service made available to the public for originating and receiving, directly or indirectly, national or national and international calls through a number or numbers in a national or international telephone numbering plan, whether such a service is based on circuit switching or packet switching technology. It is the nature of such a service that it is bidirectional, enabling both the parties to communicate. A service which does not fulfil all these conditions, such as for example a "click-through" application on a customer service website, is not a publicly available telephone service. Publicly available telephone services also include means of communication specifically intended for disabled end-users using text relay or total conversation services.

(12) L-ekwivalenza fl-aċċess tal-utenti finali b’diżabbiltà għas-servizzi għandha tkun iggarantita bl-istess livell disponibbli għal utenti finali oħra. Għal dan il-għan, l-aċċess għandu jkun ekwivalenti b’mod funzjonali b’tali mod li l-utenti finali b’diżabbiltà jibbenefikaw mill-istess użu tas-servizzi bħal utenti finali oħra, imma b’mezzi differenti.

(14) It is necessary to clarify that the indirect provision of services could include situations where originating is made via carrier selection or pre-selection or where a service provider resells or re-brands publicly available telephone services provided by another undertaking.

(13) Id-definizzjonijiet għandhom jiġu aġġustati sabiex ikunu konformi mal-prinċipju tan-newtralità teknoloġika u sabiex iżommu l-pass mal-iżvilupp teknoloġiku. B’mod partikolari, il-kondizzjonijiet għall-forniment ta’ servizz għandhom jinfirdu mill-elementi definizzjonali effettivi ta’ servizz telefoniku li hu pubblikament disponibbli, jiġifieri servizz ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika li hu disponibbli għall-pubbliku u li bih il-klijenti jistgħu jagħmlu jew jirċievu sejħiet nazzjonali jew nazzjonali u internazzjonali direttament jew indirettament permezz ta’ numru jew numri fi pjan ta’ numerazzjoni telefonika nazzjonali jew internazzjonali, kemm jekk tali servizz huwa bbażat fuq teknoloġija ta’ "switching" b’ċirkwit jew b’pakkett. Hija n-natura ta’ tali servizz li hija bidirezzjonali, li tippermetti liż-żewġ partijiet jikkomunikaw. Servizz li ma jissodisfax dawn il-kondizzjonijiet kollha, bħal pereżempju applikazzjoni "click-through" fuq websajt għas-servizz tal-konsumatur, mhuwiex servizz telefoniku li hu pubblikament disponibbli. Servizzi telefoniċi pubblikament disponibbli jinkludu wkoll mezzi ta’ komunikazzjoni speċifikament intiżi għal utenti finali b’diżabbiltà li jużaw trasmissjoni testwali jew servizzi ta’ konversazzjoni totali.

(15) As a result of technological and market evolution, networks are increasingly moving to "Internet Protocol" (IP) technology, and consumers are increasingly able to choose between a range of competing voice service providers. Therefore, Member States should be able to separate universal service obligations concerning the provision of a connection to the public communications network at a fixed location from the provision of a publicly available telephone service. Such separation should not affect the scope of universal service obligations defined and reviewed at Community level.

(14) Huwa meħtieġ li jiġi ċċarat li l-forniment indirett ta’ servizzi jista’ jinkludi sitwazzjonijiet fejn l-oriġinar huwa magħmul permezz ta’ għażla jew għażla minn qabel ta’ operatur jew fejn fornitur ta’ servizz ibiegħ mill-ġdid jew joħloq marka ġdida għal servizzi telefoniċi pubblikament disponibbli pprovduti minn impriża oħra.

(16) In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, it is for the Member States to decide on the basis of objective criteria which undertakings are designated as universal service providers, where appropriate taking into account the ability and the willingness of undertakings to accept all or part of the universal service obligations. This does not preclude that Member States may include, in the designation process, specific conditions justified on grounds of efficiency, including, inter alia, grouping geographical areas or components or setting minimum periods for the designation.

(15) Bħala riżultat tal-evoluzzjonijiet teknoloġiċi u fis-suq, in-networks qed jersqu dejjem eqreb lejn it-teknoloġija magħrufa bħala "Protokoll tal-Internet" (IP) u għall-konsumaturi dejjem qed tikber l-għażla li jistgħu jagħmlu bejn firxa ta’ fornituri ta’ servizzi vokali li jikkompetu ma’ xulxin. Għalhekk, l-Istati Membri għandhom ikunu jistgħu jisseparaw l-obbligi ta’ servizz universali għall-forniment ta’ konnessjoni ma’ network pubbliku ta’ komunikazzjonijiet f’post fiss mill-forniment ta’ servizz telefoniku li jkun pubblikament disponibbli. Din is-separazzjoni m’għandhiex teffettwa l-ambitu tal-obbligi ta’ servizz universali ddefiniti u eżaminati fuq livell Komunitarju.

(17) National regulatory authorities should be able to monitor the evolution and level of retail tariffs for services that fall under the scope of universal service obligations, even where a Member State has not yet designated an undertaking to provide universal service. In such a case, the monitoring should be carried out in such a way that it would not represent an excessive administrative burden for either national regulatory authorities or undertakings providing such service.

(16) F’konformità mal-prinċipju tas-sussidjarjetà, għandhom ikunu l-Istati Membri li jiddeċiedu abbażi ta’ kriterji oġġettivi liema impriżi jkunu maħtura bħala fornituri ta’ servizz universali, fejn xieraq billi jieħdu kont tal-kapaċità u r-rieda ta’ impriżi li jaċċettaw l-obbligi tas-servizz universali kollha jew parti minnhom. Dan ma jipprekludix li l-Istati Membri jistgħu jinkludu, fil-proċess tal-ħatra, kondizzjonijiet speċifiċi ġustifikati fuq raġunijiet ta’ effiċjenza, inkluż, inter alia, raggruppament ta’ żoni ġeografiċi jew komponenti jew l-iffissar ta’ perjodi minimi għall-ħatra.

(18) Redundant obligations designed to facilitate the transition from the regulatory framework of 1998 to that of 2002 should be deleted, together with other provisions that overlap with and duplicate those laid down in Directive 2002/21/EC (Framework Directive).

(17) L-awtoritajiet nazzjonali regolatorji għandhom ikunu jistgħu jissorveljaw l-evoluzzjoni u l-livell tat-tariffi bl-imnut għal dawk is-servizzi li jaqgħu taħt l-ambitu tal-obbligi ta’ servizz universali anke meta Stat Membru ma jkunx għadu awtorizza impriża biex tipprovdi servizz universali. F’każ bħal dan, l-issorveljar għandu jitwettaq b’tali mod li ma jirrappreżentax piż amministrattiv eċċessiv kemm għall-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jew impriżi li jipprovdu dan is-servizz.

(19) The requirement to provide a minimum set of leased lines at retail level, which was necessary to ensure the continued application of provisions of the regulatory framework of 1998 in the field of leased lines, which was not sufficiently competitive at the time the 2002 framework entered into force, is no longer necessary and should be repealed.

(18) L-obbligi li m’għadx hemm bżonnhom imfassla biex jiffaċilitaw it-tranżizzjoni mill-qafas regolatorju tal-1998 għal dak tal-2002 għandhom jitħassru, flimkien ma’ dispożizzjonijiet oħrajn li huma f’sovrappożizzjoni ma’ dawk stabbiliti fid-Direttiva 2002/21/KE (Direttiva Qafas), jew li jidduplikawhom.

(20) To continue to impose carrier selection and carrier pre-selection directly in Community legislation could hamper technological progress. These remedies should rather be imposed by national regulatory authorities as a result of market analysis carried out in accordance with the procedures set out in Directive 2002/21/EC (Framework Directive) and through the obligations referred to in Article 12 of Directive 2002/19/EC (Access Directive).

(19) Ir-rekwiżit għall-forniment ta’ għadd minimu ta’ linji mikrija fuq il-livell ta’ bejgħ bl-imnut, li kien meħtieġ biex ikun żgurat li ma jkunx hemm interruzzjoni fl-applikazzjoni tad-dispożizzjonijiet tal-qafas regolatorju tal-1998 fil-qasam tal-linji mikrija, li ma kienx għadu kompetittiv biżżejjed fiż-żmien meta kien daħal fis-seħħ il-qafas tal-2002, mhux aktar meħtieġ u għandu jitħassar.

(21) Provisions on contracts should apply not only to consumers but also to other end-users, primarily micro enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which may prefer a contract adapted to consumer needs. To avoid unnecessary administrative burdens for providers and the complexity related to the definition of SMEs, the provisions on contracts should not apply automatically to those other end-users, but only where they so request. Member States should take appropriate measures to promote awareness amongst SMEs of this possibility.

(20) Jekk l-għażla jew l-għażla minn qabel tal-operatur ser ikomplu jiġu imposti direttament mil-leġiżlazzjoni Komunitarja, jista’ jagħti l-każ li jiġi mfixkel il-progress teknoloġiku. Dawn ir-rimedji għandhom minflok jiġu imposti mill-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali b’riżultat ta’ analiżi tas-suq skont il-proċeduri fid-Direttiva 2002/21/KE (Direttiva Qafas) u permezz tal-obbligi msemmija fl-Artikolu 12 tad-Direttiva 2002/19/KE (Direttiva dwar l-Aċċess).

(22) As a consequence of technological developments, other types of identifiers may be used in the future, in addition to ordinary forms of numbering identification.

(21) Id-dispożizzjonijiet dwar kuntratti għandhom japplikaw mhux biss għall-konsumaturi iżda wkoll għal utenti finali oħrajn, primarjament mikro-impriżi u, impriżi żgħar u ta’ daqs medju (SMEs), li jistgħu jippreferu kuntratt adattat għal ħtiġijiet tal-konsumatur. Sabiex jiġu evitati piżijiet amministrattivi mhux meħtieġa fuq fornituri u l-kumplessità relatata mad-definizzjoni ta’ SMEs, id-dispożizzjonijiet dwar il-kuntratti m’għandhomx japplikaw awtomatikament għal dawk l-utenti finali oħrajn iżda biss fejn huma jitolbu hekk. L-Istati Membri għandhom jieħdu miżuri xierqa biex jippromwovu għarfien fost l-SMEs ta’ din il-possibbiltà.

(23) Providers of electronic communications services that allow calls should ensure that their customers are adequately informed as to whether or not access to emergency services is provided and of any limitation on service (such as a limitation on the provision of caller location information or the routing of emergency calls). Such providers should also provide their customers with clear and transparent information in the initial contract and in the event of any change in the access provision, for example in billing information. This information should include any limitations on territorial coverage, on the basis of the planned technical operating parameters of the service and the available infrastructure. Where the service is not provided over a switched telephony network, the information should also include the level of reliability of the access and of caller location information compared to a service that is provided over a switched telephony network, taking into account current technology and quality standards, as well as any quality of service parameters specified under Directive 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive).

(22) Bħala konsegwenza tal-iżviluppi teknoloġiċi, tipi oħra ta’ identifikaturi jistgħu jintużaw fil-futur, b’żieda ma’ forom ordinarji ta’ identifikazzjoni tan-numerazzjoni.

(24) With respect to terminal equipment, the customer contract should specify any restrictions imposed by the provider on the use of the equipment, such as by way of "SIM-locking" mobile devices, if such restrictions are not prohibited under national legislation, and any charges due on termination of the contract, whether before or on the agreed expiry date, including any cost imposed in order to retain the equipment.

(23) Il-fornituri tas-servizzi tal-komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi li jippermettu sejħiet għandhom jiżguraw li l-klijenti tagħhom ikunu infurmati kif xieraq dwar jekk l-aċċess għas-servizzi ta’ emerġenza hux ipprovdut jew le, u dwar kwalunwke limitazzjoni fis-servizz (bħal limitazzjoni fil-forniment ta’ informazzjoni dwar il-post mnejn toriġina t-telefonata jew it-trasferiment ta’ sejħiet ta’ emerġenza). Tali fornituri għandhom jipprovdu wkoll lill-konsumaturi tagħhom informazzjoni ċara u trasparenti fil-kuntratt inizjali u fl-eventwalità ta’ kwalunkwe bidla fil-forniment tal-aċċess, pereżempju bħala parti mill-informazzjoni li tidher mal-kont. Din l-informazzjoni għandha tinkludi kwalunkwe limitazzjonijiet rigward kopertura territorjali, abbażi tal-parametri tekniċi ta’ operat tas-servizz ippjanati u l-infrastruttura disponibbli. Fejn is-servizz mhux ipprovdut fuq network ta’ telefonija switched, l-informazzjoni għandha tinkludi wkoll il-livell ta’ affidabbiltà tal-aċċess u tal-informazzjoni dwar mnejn toriġina s-sejħa mqabbla ma’ servizz li huwa pprovdut fuq network ta’ telefonija switched, b’kont meħud tat-teknoloġija attwali u l-istandards ta’ kwalità, kif ukoll kwalunkwe kwalità ta’ parametri ta’ servizz speċifikata taħt id-Direttiva 2002/22/KE (Direttiva dwar is-Servizz Universali).

(25) Without imposing any obligation on the provider to take action over and above what is required under Community law, the customer contract should also specify the type of action, if any, the provider might take in case of security or integrity incidents, threats or vulnerabilities.

(24) Fir-rigward ta’ tagħmir terminali, il-kuntratt tal-konsumatur għandu jispeċifika kwalunkwe restrizzjoni imposta mill-fornitur fuq l-użu tat-tagħmir, bħal permezz ta’ "SIM-locking" ta’ apparati ċellulari, jekk tali restrizzjonijiet mhumiex projbiti taħt il-leġislazzjoni nazzjonali, u kwalunkwe ħlas dovut mat-terminazzjoni tal-kuntratt, kemm qabel jew fid-data tal-iskadenza miftiehma, inkluż kwalunkwe spiża imposta sabiex jinżamm it-tagħmir.

(26) In order to address public interest issues with respect to the use of communications services and to encourage protection of the rights and freedoms of others, the relevant national authorities should be able to produce and have disseminated, with the aid of providers, public interest information related to the use of such services. This could include public interest information regarding copyright infringement, other unlawful uses and the dissemination of harmful content, and advice and means of protection against risks to personal security, which may for example arise from disclosure of personal information in certain circumstances, as well as risks to privacy and personal data, and the availability of easy-to-use and configurable software or software options allowing protection for children or vulnerable persons. The information could be coordinated by way of the cooperation procedure established in Article 33(3) of Directive 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive). Such public interest information should be updated whenever necessary and should be presented in easily comprehensible printed and electronic formats, as determined by each Member State, and on national public authority websites. National regulatory authorities should be able to oblige providers to disseminate this standardised information to all their customers in a manner deemed appropriate by the national regulatory authorities. When required by Member States, the information should also be included in contracts. Dissemination of such information should however not impose an excessive burden on undertakings. Member States should require this dissemination by the means used by undertakings in communications with subscribers made in the ordinary course of business.

(25) Mingħajr ma jimponu kwalunkwe obbligu fuq il-fornitur biex jieħu azzjoni aktar milli meħtieġ taħt il-liġi Komunitarja, il-kuntratt tal-konsumatur għandu jispeċifika wkoll it-tip ta’ azzjoni, jekk hemm, li l-fornitur jista’ jieħu fil-każ ta’ inċidenti ta’ sigurtà jew integrità, theddid jew vulnerabbiltajiet.

(27) The right of subscribers to withdraw from their contracts without penalty refers to modifications in contractual conditions which are imposed by the providers of electronic communications networks and/or services.

(26) Sabiex jiġu indirizzati kwistjonijiet ta’ interess pubbliku fir-rigward tal-użu tas-servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet, u biex tiġi mħeġġa l-protezzjoni tad-drittijiet u l-libertajiet ta’ oħrajn, l-awtoritajiet nazzjonali rilevanti għandhom ikunu jistgħu jipproduċu u jxerrdu, bl-għajnuna ta’ fornituri, informazzjoni ta’ interess pubbliku relatata mal-użu ta’ servizzi bħal dawn. Din tista’ tinkludi informazzjoni ta’ interess pubbliku rigward ksur ta’ dritt tal-awtur, użu illegali ieħor u d-disseminazzjoni ta’ kontenut dannuż, u parir u mezzi ta’ protezzjoni kontra riskji għas-sigurtà personali, li jistgħu pereżempju jirriżultaw mill-iżvelar ta’ informazzjoni personali f’ċerti ċirkostanzi, kif ukoll riskji għall-privatezza u għad-data personali, u d-disponibbiltà ta’ software li hu faċli biex tużah u li jista’ jiġi kkonfigurat jew għażliet ta’ software li jippermettu l-protezzjoni tat-tfal jew ta’ persuni vulnerabbli. L-informazzjoni tista’ tiġi kkoordinata permezz tal-proċedura ta’ kooperazzjoni stabbilita fl-Artikolu 33(3) tad-Direttiva 2002/22/KE (Direttiva dwar is-Servizz Universali). Tali informazzjoni ta’ interess pubbliku għandha tiġi aġġornata kull meta meħtieġ u għandha tiġi ppreżentata f’forom stampati u elettroniċi faċilment komprensibbli, kif determinat minn kull Stat Membru, u fuq kwalunkwe websajt ta’ awtorità pubblika nazzjonali. Awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għandhom ikunu jistgħu jobbligaw lill-fornituri jxerrdu din l-informazzjoni standardizzata lill-konsumaturi kollha b’mod li huwa meqjus xieraq mill-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali. Meta meħtieġ mill-Istati Membri, l-informazzjoni għandha wkoll tiġi inkluża f’kuntratti. It-tixrid ta’ informazzjoni bħal din madankollu m’għandhiex timponi piż eċċessiv fuq l-impriżi. L-Istati Membri għandhom jeħtieġu dan it-tixrid bil-mezzi użati mill-impriżi fil-komunikazzjonijiet mal-abbonati magħmula waqt l-attivitajiet ordinarji tan-negozju.

(28) End-users should be able to decide what content they want to send and receive, and which services, applications, hardware and software they want to use for such purposes, without prejudice to the need to preserve the integrity and security of networks and services. A competitive market will provide users with a wide choice of content, applications and services. National regulatory authorities should promote users’ ability to access and distribute information and to run applications and services of their choice, as provided for in Article 8 of Directive 2002/21/EC (Framework Directive). Given the increasing importance of electronic communications for consumers and businesses, users should in any case be fully informed of any limiting conditions imposed on the use of electronic communications services by the service and/or network provider. Such information should, at the option of the provider, specify the type of content, application or service concerned, individual applications or services, or both. Depending on the technology used and the type of limitation, such limitations may require user consent under Directive 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications).

(27) Id-dritt tal-abbonati biex joħorġu mill-kuntratti tagħhom mingħajr penali jirreferi għal tibdiliet fil-kondizzjonijiet kuntrattwali li huma imposti mill-fornituri tan-network u/jew is-servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi.

(29) Directive 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive) neither mandates nor prohibits conditions imposed by providers, in accordance with national law, limiting end-users’ access to and/or use of services and applications, but lays down an obligation to provide information regarding such conditions. Member States wishing to implement measures regarding end-users’ access to and/or use of services and applications must respect the fundamental rights of citizens, including in relation to privacy and due process, and any such measures should take full account of policy goals defined at Community level, such as furthering the development of the Community information society.

(28) L-utenti finali għandhom ikunu jistgħu jiddeċiedu liema kontenut iridu jibagħtu u jirċievu, u liema servizzi, applikazzjonijiet, ħardwer u software iridu jużaw għal dawn l-għanijiet, bla ħsara għall-ħtieġa li tiġi ppreservata l-integrità u s-sigurtà tan-networks u s-servizzi. Suq kompetittiv jipprovdi lill-utenti b’għażla wiesgħa ta’ kontenut, applikazzjonijiet u servizzi. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għandhom jippromwovu l-abilità tal-utenti li jaċċessaw u jxerrdu l-informazzjoni u li jħaddmu applikazzjonijiet u servizzi li jagħżlu huma, kif previst fl-Artikolu 8 tad-Direttiva 2002/21/KE (id-Direttiva Qafas). Meta titqies l-importanza li dejjem qed tikber tal-komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi għall-konsumaturi u l-impriżi, l-utenti għandhom ikunu infurmati f’kull każ b’mod sħiħ dwar kwalunkwe kondizzjonijiet li jillimitaw imposti fuq l-użu tas-servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi mill-fornitur tas-servizz u/jew tan-network. Din l-informazzjoni għandha, jekk jagħżel hekk il-fornitur, tispeċifika t-tip tal-kontenut, tal-applikazzjoni jew tas-servizzi kkonċernati, is-servizzi jew l-applikazzjonijiet individwali, jew it-tnejn li huma. Skont it-teknoloġija użata u t-tip ta’ limitazzjoni, dawn il-limitazzjonijiet jistgħu jirrikjedu l-kunsens tal-utent konformement mad-Direttiva 2002/58/KE (id-Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika).

(30) Directive 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive) does not require providers to monitor information transmitted over their networks or to bring legal proceedings against their customers on grounds of such information, nor does it make providers liable for that information. Responsibility for punitive action or criminal prosecution is a matter for national law, respecting fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to due process.

(29) Id-Direttiva 2002/22/KE (id-Direttiva dwar is-Servizz Universali) la tirrikjedi u lanqas tipprojbixxi kondizzjonijiet imposti mill-fornituri, konformement mal-liġi nazzjonali, li jillimitaw l-aċċess u/jew l-użu tal-utenti finali fir-rigward ta’ servizzi u applikazzjonijiet, iżda tistabbilixxi l-obbligu li jipprovdu informazzjoni rigward kondizzjonijiet bħal dawn. L-Istati Membri li jixtiequ jimplimentaw miżuri rigward l-aċċess tal-utenti finali għal servizzi u applikazzjonijiet, jew l-użu tagħhom, għandhom jirrispettaw id-drittijiet fundamentali taċ-ċittadini, inkluż fir-rigward tal-privatezza u l-proċess ġust, u kwalunkwe miżuri bħal dawn għandhom iqisu b’mod sħiħ l-għanijiet tal-politika definiti fil-livell Komunitarju, bħat-tkomplija tal-iżvilupp tas-soċjetà tal-informazzjoni tal-Komunità.

(31) In the absence of relevant rules of Community law, content, applications and services are deemed lawful or harmful in accordance with national substantive and procedural law. It is a task for the Member States, not for providers of electronic communications networks or services, to decide, in accordance with due process, whether content, applications or services are lawful or harmful. The Framework Directive and the Specific Directives are without prejudice to Directive 2000/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2000 on certain legal aspects of information society services, in particular electronic commerce, in the Internal Market (Directive on electronic commerce) [11], which, inter alia, contains a "mere conduit" rule for intermediary service providers, as defined therein.

(30) Id-Direttiva 2002/22/KE (id-Direttiva dwar is-Servizz Universali) ma teżiġix mill-fornituri li jikkontrollaw l-informazzjoni trażmessa fin-networks tagħhom, u lanqas li jibdew proċedimenti ġudizzjarji kontra l-klijenti tagħhom minħabba din l-informazzjoni, u lanqas ma żżomm lill-fornituri responsabbli għal dik l-informazzjoni. Ir-responsabbiltà għal azzjoni punittiva jew prosekuzzjoni kriminali hija kwistjoni li trid tiġi ddeterminata skont il-liġi nazzjonali, filwaqt li jiġu rispettati d-drittijiet u l-libertajiet fundamentali inkluż id-dritt għal proċess skont il-liġi.

(32) The availability of transparent, up-to-date and comparable information on offers and services is a key element for consumers in competitive markets where several providers offer services. End-users and consumers of electronic communications services should be able to easily compare the prices of various services offered on the market based on information published in an easily accessible form. In order to allow them to make price comparisons easily, national regulatory authorities should be able to require from undertakings providing electronic communications networks and/or services greater transparency as regards information (including tariffs, consumption patterns and other relevant statistics) and to ensure that third parties have the right to use, without charge, publicly available information published by such undertakings. National regulatory authorities should also be able to make price guides available, in particular where the market has not provided them free of charge or at a reasonable price. Undertakings should not be entitled to any remuneration for the use of information where it has already been published and thus belongs in the public domain. In addition, end-users and consumers should be adequately informed of the price and the type of service offered before they purchase a service, in particular if a freephone number is subject to additional charges. National regulatory authorities should be able to require that such information is provided generally, and, for certain categories of services determined by them, immediately prior to connecting the call, unless otherwise provided for by national law. When determining the categories of call requiring pricing information prior to connection, national regulatory authorities should take due account of the nature of the service, the pricing conditions which apply to it and whether it is offered by a provider who is not a provider of electronic communications services. Without prejudice to Directive 2000/31/EC (Directive on electronic commerce), undertakings should also, if required by Member States, provide subscribers with public interest information produced by the relevant public authorities regarding, inter alia, the most common infringements and their legal consequences.

(31) Fin-nuqqas ta’ regoli rilevanti tal-liġi Komunitarja, il-kontenut, l-applikazzjonijiet u s-servizzi huma meqjusa jew legali jew dannużi f’konformità mal-liġi sostantiva u proċedurali nazzjonali. Huwa kompitu tal-Istati Membri, u mhux tal-fornituri tan-networks jew servizzi elettroniċi ta’ komunikazzjoni, biex jiddeċiedu, waqt li jiġu segwiti l-proċeduri dovuti, jekk il-kontenut, l-applikazzjonijiet jew servizzi humiex legali jew dannużi. Id-Direttiva Qafas u d-Direttivi Speċifiċi l-oħra huma bla ħsara għad-Direttiva 2000/31/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tat- 8 ta’ Ġunju 2000 dwar ċerti aspetti legali tas-servizzi tas-soċjeta' informatika, b’mod partikolari l-kummerċ elettroniku, fis-Suq Intern (Direttiva dwar il-kummerċ elettroniku) [11], li, inter alia, fiha regola ta’ "mere conduit" għall-fornituri ta’ servizz intermedjarji, kif definiti fiha.

(33) Customers should be informed of their rights with respect to the use of their personal information in subscriber directories and in particular of the purpose or purposes of such directories, as well as their right, free of charge, not to be included in a public subscriber directory, as provided for in Directive 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications). Customers should also be informed of systems which allow information to be included in the directory database but which do not disclose such information to users of directory services.

(32) Id-disponibbiltà ta’ informazzjoni trasparenti, aġġornata u komparabbli dwar offerti u servizzi hija element ewlieni għall-konsumaturi fi swieq kompetittivi fejn diversi fornituri joffru s-servizzi. Utenti finali u konsumaturi ta’ servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi għandhom ikunu jistgħu jqabblu faċilment il-prezzijiet ta’ diversi servizzi offruti fis-suq abbażi ta’ informazzjoni pubblikata f’forma faċilment aċċessibbli. Sabiex il-konsumatur ikun jista’ faċilment iqabbel il-prezzijiet, l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għandhom ikunu jistgħu jeżiġu minn impriżi li jipprovdu networks u/jew servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi iktar trasparenza dwar informazzjoni (inklużi tariffi, xejriet ta’ konsum, u statistika rilevanti oħra) u li jiżguraw li partijiet terzi jkollhom id-dritt li jużaw mingħajr ħlas informazzjoni pubblikament disponibbli li tkun ippubblikata minn dawn l-impriżi. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għandhom ukoll ikunu jistgħu jagħmlu disponibbli gwidi tal-prezzijiet, b’mod partikolari fejn is-suq ma pprovdihomx mingħajr ħlas jew bi prezz raġonevoli. Impriżi ma għandhomx ikunu intitolati għal ebda remunerazzjoni għall-użu ta’ informazzjoni li diġà kienet ġiet pubblikata u għalhekk tappartjeni għad-dominju pubbliku. Barra minn hekk, utenti finali u konsumaturi għandhom ikunu infurmati adegwatament dwar il-prezz u t-tip ta’ servizz offrut qabel ma jixtru servizz, b’mod partikolari jekk numru li fuqu jsiru telefonati bla ħlas ikun suġġett għal ħlasijiet addizzjonali. Awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għandhom ikunu jistgħu jeħtieġu li tali informazzjoni tiġi provduta b’mod ġenerali, u għal ċerti kategoriji ta’ servizzi determinati minnhom, eżatt qabel ma tiġi konnessa s-sejħa, sakemm ma jkunx previst mod ieħor mil-liġi nazzjonali. Meta jiddeterminaw il-kategoriji ta’ sejħiet li jeħtieġu informazzjoni dwar il-prezz qabel il-konnessjoni, awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għandhom jieħdu kont dovut tan-natura tas-servizz, il-kondizzjonijiet tal-ipprezzar li japplikaw għalih u jekk hijiex offruta minn fornitur li mhuwiex fornitur ta’ servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi. Bla ħsara għad-Direttiva 2000/31/KE (Direttiva dwar il-kummerċ elettroniku), impriżi għandhom ukoll, jekk meħtieġa mill-Istati Membri, jipprovdu lill-abbonati informazzjoni ta’ interess pubbliku prodotta mill-awtoritajiet pubbliċi rilevanti, inter alia, dwar il-ksur l-aktar komuni u l-konsegwenzi legali tagħhom.

(34) A competitive market should ensure that end-users enjoy the quality of service they require, but in particular cases it may be necessary to ensure that public communications networks attain minimum quality levels so as to prevent degradation of service, the blocking of access and the slowing of traffic over networks. In order to meet quality of service requirements, operators may use procedures to measure and shape traffic on a network link so as to avoid filling the link to capacity or overfilling the link, which would result in network congestion and poor performance. Those procedures should be subject to scrutiny by the national regulatory authorities, acting in accordance with the Framework Directive and the Specific Directives and in particular by addressing discriminatory behaviour, in order to ensure that they do not restrict competition. If appropriate, national regulatory authorities may also impose minimum quality of service requirements on undertakings providing public communications networks to ensure that services and applications dependent on the network are delivered at a minimum quality standard, subject to examination by the Commission. National regulatory authorities should be empowered to take action to address degradation of service, including the hindering or slowing down of traffic, to the detriment of consumers. However, since inconsistent remedies can impair the functioning of the internal market, the Commission should assess any requirements intended to be set by national regulatory authorities for possible regulatory intervention across the Community and, if necessary, issue comments or recommendations in order to achieve consistent application.

(33) Il-konsumaturi għandhom jiġu infurmati bid-drittijiet tagħhom fir-rigward tal-użu tal-informazzjoni personali tagħhom fid-direttorji tal-abbonati, u b’mod partikolari bl-iskop jew skopijiet ta’ tali direttorji, kif ukoll bid-dritt tagħhom, mingħajr ħlas, li ma jkunux inklużi f’direttorju pubbliku ta’ abbonati, kif previst fid-Direttiva 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika). Il-konsumaturi għandhom ukoll jiġu infurmati dwar sistemi li jippermettu li tiġi inkluża informazzjoni fil-bażi tad-data tad-direttorju iżda li ma jiżvelawx din l-informazzjoni lil utenti ta’ servizzi tad-direttorju.

(35) In future IP networks, where provision of a service may be separated from provision of the network, Member States should determine the most appropriate steps to be taken to ensure the availability of publicly available telephone services provided using public communications networks and uninterrupted access to emergency services in the event of catastrophic network breakdown or in cases of force majeure, taking into account the priorities of different types of subscriber and technical limitations.

(34) Suq kompetittiv għandu jiżgura li l-utenti finali jirċievu l-kwalità ta’ servizz li jeħtieġu, imma f’każi partikolari jista’ jkun hemm bżonn li jiġi żgurat li n-networks pubbliċi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet jiksbu l-livelli minimi ta’ kwalità biex ikunu evitati d-degradazzjoni tas-servizz, l-imblukkar tal-aċċess u t-tnaqqis tal-attività fit-traffiku fuq in-networks. Sabiex jiġu sodisfatti r-rekwiżiti tal-kwalità tas-servizz, l-operaturi jistgħu jużaw proċeduri biex ikejlu u jimmaniġġjaw it-traffiku fuq link tan-network sabiex jiġi evitat milli jimtela l-link sal-kapaċità massima tiegħu jew iżjed minn din il-kapaċità, xi ħaġa li tirriżulta f’konġestjoni tan-network u prestazzjoni fqira. dawk il-proċeduri għandhom ikunu suġġetti għal skrutinju mill-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali, li jagixxu skont id-Direttiva Qafas u d-Direttivi Speċifiċi u b’mod partikolari billi jindirizzaw imġiba diskriminatorja, sabiex ikun żgurat li ma tiġix ristretta l-kompetizzjoni. Jekk ikun xieraq, l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jistgħu jimponu wkoll rekwiżiti minimi ta’ kwalità tas-servizz fuq impriżi li jipprovdu networks ta’ komunikazzjonijiet pubbliċi biex jiġi żgurat li s-servizzi u l-applikazzjonijiet li jiddependu fuq in-network jitwasslu f’konformità ma’ standard minimu ta’ kwalità, suġġett għal eżami mill-Kummissjoni. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għandhom is-setgħa li jieħdu azzjoni biex jindirizzaw id-degradazzjoni tas-servizz, inkluż it-tfixkil tat-traffiku jew li dan jimxi aktar bil-mod, b’detriment għall-konsumaturi. Madankollu, billi rimedji inkonsistenti jistgħu jxekklu l-funzjonament tas-suq intern, il-Kummissjoni għandha tevalwa kwalunkwe rekwiżiti maħsuba li jiġu stipulati mill-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għall-possibilità ta’ intervent regolatorju madwar il-Komunità u, jekk ikun neċessarju, tagħti kummenti jew tagħmel rakkomandazzjonijiet biex tinkiseb applikazzjoni konsistenti ta’ rimedji.

(36) In order to ensure that disabled end-users benefit from competition and the choice of service providers enjoyed by the majority of end-users, relevant national authorities should specify, where appropriate and in light of national conditions, consumer protection requirements to be met by undertakings providing publicly available electronic communications services. Such requirements may include, in particular, that undertakings ensure that disabled end-users take advantage of their services on equivalent terms and conditions, including prices and tariffs, as those offered to their other end-users, irrespective of any additional costs incurred by them. Other requirements may relate to wholesale arrangements between undertakings.

(35) Fin-networks IP tal-ġejjieni fejn il-forniment ta’ servizz jista’ jinfired mill-forniment tan-network, l-Istati Membri għandhom jiddeterminaw liema huma l-passi l-iżjed xierqa li għandhom jittieħdu biex tkun żgurata d-disponibbiltà tas-servizzi telefoniċi pubblikament disponibbli pprovduti li jużaw networks pubbliċi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet, u l-aċċessibbiltà bla interruzzjoni għal servizzi ta’ emerġenza f’każ ta’ ħsara katastrofika fin-network jew f’każi ta’ force majeure, b’kont meħud tal-prijoritajiet tat-tipi differenti ta’ abbonati u limitazzjonijiet tekniċi.

(37) Operator assistance services cover a range of different services for end-users. The provision of such services should be left to commercial negotiations between providers of public communications networks and operator assistance services, as is the case for any other customer support service, and it is not necessary to continue to mandate their provision. The corresponding obligation should therefore be repealed.

(36) Sabiex jiżguraw li utenti finali b’diżabbiltà jibbenefikaw mill-kompetizzjoni u l-għażla ta’ fornituri ta’ servizz li jgawdu maġġoranza ta’ utenti finali oħra, awtoritajiet nazzjonali rilevanti għandhom jispeċifikaw, fejn xieraq u fid-dawl ta’ kondizzjonijiet nazzjonali, rekwiżiti ta’ protezzjoni tal-konsumatur li għandhom jiġu sodisfatti minn impriżi li jipprovdu servizzi elettroniċi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet disponibbli pubblikament. Dawn ir-rekwiżiti jistgħu jinkludu, b’mod partikolari, li impriżi jiżguraw li utenti finali b’diżabbiltà jieħdu vantaġġ mis-servizzi tagħhom fuq pattijiet u kondizzjonijiet ekwivalenti, inklużi prezzijiet u tariffi, bħal dawk offruti lil utenti finali tagħhom oħra, irrispettivament minn kwalunkwe spejjeż addizzjonali mġarrba minnhom. Rekwiżiti oħra jistgħu jkunu relatati mal-arranġamenti bl-ingrossa bejn impriżi.

(38) Directory enquiry services should be, and frequently are, provided under competitive market conditions, pursuant to Article 5 of Commission Directive 2002/77/EC of 16 September 2002 on competition in the markets for electronic communications networks and services [12]. Wholesale measures ensuring the inclusion of end-user data (both fixed and mobile) in databases should comply with the safeguards for the protection of personal data, including Article 12 of Directive 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications). The cost-oriented supply of that data to service providers, with the possibility for Member States to establish a centralised mechanism for providing comprehensive aggregated information to directory providers, and the provision of network access under reasonable and transparent conditions, should be put in place in order to ensure that end-users benefit fully from competition, with the ultimate aim of enabling the removal of retail regulation from these services and the provision of offers of directory services under reasonable and transparent conditions.

(37) Is-servizzi ta’ assistenza mill-operatur ikopru firxa ta’ diversi servizzi għall-utenti finali. Il-forniment ta’ servizzi bħal dawn għandu jitħalla għal negozjati kummerċjali bejn il-fornituri ta’ networks pubbliċi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet u s-servizzi ta’ assistenza mill-operejter, bħal mhu l-każ għal kull servizz ieħor ta’ sostenn għall-klijenti, u m’hemmx għalfejn jitkompla l-forniment mandatarju tagħhom. Għaldaqstant, l-obbligu korrispondenti għandu jitħassar.

(39) End-users should be able to call and access the emergency services using any telephone service capable of originating voice calls through a number or numbers in national telephone numbering plans. Member States that use national emergency numbers besides "112" may impose on undertakings similar obligations for access to such national emergency numbers. Emergency authorities should be able to handle and answer calls to the number "112" at least as expeditiously and effectively as calls to national emergency numbers. It is important to increase awareness of "112" in order to improve the level of protection and security of citizens travelling in the European Union. To this end, citizens should be made fully aware, when travelling in any Member State, in particular through information provided in international bus terminals, train stations, ports or airports and in telephone directories, payphone kiosks, subscriber and billing material, that "112" can be used as a single emergency number throughout the Community. This is primarily the responsibility of the Member States, but the Commission should continue both to support and to supplement initiatives of the Member States to heighten awareness of "112" and periodically to evaluate the public’s awareness of it. The obligation to provide caller location information should be strengthened so as to increase the protection of citizens. In particular, undertakings should make caller location information available to emergency services as soon as the call reaches that service independently of the technology used. In order to respond to technological developments, including those leading to increasingly accurate caller location information, the Commission should be empowered to adopt technical implementing measures to ensure effective access to "112" services in the Community for the benefit of citizens. Such measures should be without prejudice to the organisation of emergency services of Member States.

(38) Servizzi ta’ konsultazzjoni tad-direttorju għandhom ikunu, u ta’ sikwit huma, provduti taħt kondizzjonijiet ta’ suq kompetittiv, skont l-Artikolu 5 tad-Direttiva tal-Kummissjoni 2002/77/KE tas- 16 ta’ Settembru 2002 dwar kompetizzjoni fis-swieq għal networks u servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi [12]. Miżuri applikati għas-suq bl-ingrossa li jiżguraw l-inklużjoni ta’ data ta’ utent aħħari (kemm fissa kif ukoll mobbli) f’bażijiet ta’ data għandhom jirrispettaw is-salvagwardji għall-protezzjoni ta’ data personali, inkluż l-Artikolu 12 tad-Direttiva 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika). Il-provvista orjentata lejn l-ispiża tad-data lill-fornituri tas-servizz, bil-possibilità għall-Istati Membri li jistabbilixxu mekkaniżmu ċentralizzat biex jipprovdu informazzjoni aggregata komprensiva lill-fornituri tad-direttorju, u l-forniment ta’ aċċess għan-network b’kondizzjonijiet raġonevoli u trasparenti, għandha titlesta sabiex jiġi żgurat li utenti finali jibbenefikaw bis-sħiħ mill-kompetizzjoni, bl-għan aħħari li tkun tista’ titneħħa r-regolamentazzjoni tal-bejgħ bl-imnut minn fuq dawn is-servizzi u l-forniment ta’ offerti tas-servizzi tad-direttorju b’kondizzjonijiet raġonevoli u trasparenti.

(40) Member States should ensure that undertakings providing end-users with an electronic communications service designed for originating calls through a number or numbers in a national telephone numbering plan provide reliable and accurate access to emergency services, taking into account national specifications and criteria. Network-independent undertakings may not have control over networks and may not be able to ensure that emergency calls made through their service are routed with the same reliability, as they may not be able to guarantee service availability, given that problems related to infrastructure are not under their control. For network-independent undertakings, caller location information may not always be technically feasible. Once internationally-recognised standards ensuring accurate and reliable routing and connection to the emergency services are in place, network-independent undertakings should also fulfil the obligations related to caller location information at a level comparable to that required of other undertakings.

(39) L-utenti finali għandhom ikunu jistgħu jsejħu lil u jidħlu fis-servizzi ta’ emerġenza bl-użu ta’ kwalunkwe servizz telefoniku li hu kapaċi joriġina sejħiet vokali permezz ta’ numru jew numri fil-pjan ta’ numerazzjoni telefonika nazzjonali. L-Istati Membri li jużaw numri ta’ emerġenza nazzjonali oħrajn minbarra l-"112" jistgħu jimponu fuq l-impriżi obbligi simili għall-aċċess bħal dawk għan-numri ta’ emerġenza nazzjonali. L-awtoritajiet ta’ emerġenza għandhom ikunu jistgħu jimmaniġġjaw u jwieġbu telefonati fuq in-numru "112" malajr u b’mod effiċjenti almenu daqs fil-każ ta’ telefonati fuq numri ta’ emerġenza nazzjonali oħra. Huwa importanti li jiżdied l-għarfien tan-numru "112" sabiex jittejjeb il-livell ta’ ħarsien u sigurtà għaċ-ċittadini waqt l-ivvjaġġar tagħhom fl-Unjoni Ewropea. Għal dan il-għan, iċ-ċittadini għandhom isiru konxji, meta jivvjaġġaw fi kwalunkwe Stat Membru b’mod partikolari permezz ta’ informazzjoni pprovduta fil-vendi tal-karozzi tal-linja, fl-istazzjonijiet ferrovjarji, fil-portijiet jew l-ajruporti internazzjonali u fid-direttorji tat-telefon, fil-kjoskijiet tat-telefon u l-materjal mibgħut lill-abbonati inklużi l-kontijiet, li n-numru "112" jista’ jintuża bħala numru ta’ emerġenza uniku kullimkien ġewwa l-Komunità. Din hija primarjament ir-responsabbiltà tal-Istati Membri, iżda l-Kummissjoni għandha tkompli kemm tappoġġa kif ukoll tissupplimenta inizjattivi tal-Istati Membri biex tkompli żżid il-konoxxenza tal-"112" u perjodikament biex tevalwa l-kuxjenza tal-pubbliku dwar l-"112". L-obbligu biex tiġi pprovduta informazzjoni dwar il-post mnejn toriġina t-telefonata għandu jissaħħaħ sabiex jitkabbar il-ħarsien taċ-ċittadini. B’mod partikolari, l-impriżi għandhom jagħmlu disponibbli l-informazzjoni dwar il-post mnejn tkun qed issir is-sejħa lil servizzi tal-emerġenza hekk kif is-sejħa tilħaq dak is-servizz indipendentement mit-teknoloġija użata. Sabiex tirreaġixxi għall-iżviluppi teknoloġiċi, inklużi dawk li jwasslu għal aktar preċiżjoni tal-informazzjoni dwar il-post mnejn tkun qed issir is-sejħa, il-Kummissjoni għandha tingħata s-setgħa li tadotta miżuri implimentattivi tekniċi biex tiżgura aċċess effettiv għas-servizzi tal-"112" fil-Komunità għall-benefiċċju taċ-ċittadini tal-Unjoni Ewropea. Miżuri bħal dawn għandhom ikunu bla ħsara għall-organizzazzjoni tas-servizzi tal-emerġenza tal-Istati Membri.

(41) Member States should take specific measures to ensure that emergency services, including "112", are equally accessible to disabled end-users, in particular deaf, hearing-impaired, speech-impaired and deaf-blind users. This could involve the provision of special terminal devices for hearing-impaired users, text relay services, or other specific equipment.

(40) L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li impriżi li jipprovdu lill-utenti finali b’servizz ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi maħsub għal sejħiet ta’ oriġini permezz ta’ numru jew numri fi pjan ta’ numerazzjoni telefonika nazzjonali, jipprovdu aċċess affidabbli u preċiż għal servizzi ta’ emerġenza filwaqt li jiġu kkunsidrati l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet u l-kriterji nazzjonali. Impriżi indipendenti min-network ma jista’ ma jkollhomx kontroll fuq in-networks u jafu ma jkunux jistgħu jiżguraw li s-sejħiet ta’ emerġenza magħmula permezz tas-servizz tagħhom ser ikunu trasferiti bl-istess affidabbiltà, peress li huma jistgħu ma jkunux kapaċi jiggarantixxu disponibbiltà tas-servizz meta jiġi meqjus li problemi relatati mal-infrastruttura mhumiex taħt il-kontroll tagħhom. Għal impriżi indipendenti min-network, l-informazzjoni dwar il-post mnejn toriġina s-sejħa mhux dejjem taf tkun fattibbli teknikament. Ladarba jiġu stabbiliti standards internazzjonalment rikonoxxuti li ser jiżguraw routing u konnessjoni preċiżi u affidabbli għas-servizzi ta’ emerġenza, impriżi indipendenti min-network għandhom ukoll jissodisfaw l-obbligi relatati mal-informazzjoni dwar mnejn toriġina s-sejħa f’livell komparabbli ma’ dak meħtieġ għal impriżi oħra.

(42) Development of the international code "3883" (the European Telephony Numbering Space (ETNS)) is currently hindered by insufficient awareness, overly bureaucratic procedural requirements and, in consequence, lack of demand. In order to encourage the development of ETNS, the Member States to which the International Telecommunications Union has assigned the international code "3883" should, following the example of the implementation of the ".eu" top-level domain, delegate responsibility for its management, number assignment and promotion to an existing separate organisation, designated by the Commission on the basis of an open, transparent and non-discriminatory selection procedure. That organisation should also have the task of developing proposals for public service applications using ETNS for common European services, such as a common number for reporting thefts of mobile terminals.

(41) L-Istati Membri għandhom jieħdu miżuri speċifiċi biex jiżguraw li s-servizzi ta’ emerġenza, inkluż in-numru "112", ikunu aċċessibbli ugwalment għall-utenti finali li jkunu b’diżabbiltà, b’mod partikolari għal dawk l-utenti torox, b’impediment fis-smigħ, jew fid-diskors u dawk torox-għomja. Dan jista’ jinvolvi l-forniment ta’ apparat terminali speċjali għal utenti b’impediment fis-smigħ, servizzi ta’ trażmissjoni testwali, jew tagħmir speċifiku ieħor.

(43) Considering the particular aspects related to reporting missing children and the currently limited availability of such a service, Member States should not only reserve a number, but also make every effort to ensure that a service for reporting missing children is actually available in their territories under the number "116000", without delay. To that end, Member States should, if appropriate, inter alia, organise tendering procedures in order to invite interested parties to provide that service.

(42) L-iżvilupp tal-kodiċi internazzjonali "3883" (l-Ispazju Ewropew tan-Numerazzjoni Telefonika (ETNS)) attwalment huwa mxekkel minħabba li mhux magħruf biżżejjed, minħabba rekwiżiti proċedurali burokratiċi żżejjed u, b’konsegwenza ta’ dan, nuqqas ta’ domanda. Sabiex jinkoraġġixxu l-iżvilupp tal-ETNS, l-Istati Membri li l-Unjoni Internazzjonali tat-Telekomunikazzjoni assenjatilhom il-kodiċi internazzjonali "3883" għandhom, filwaqt li jsegwu l-eżempju tal-implimentazzjoni tad-dominju tal-ogħla livell ".eu", jiddelegaw ir-responsabilità għall-ġestjoni, l-assenjazzjoni tan-numru u l-promozzjoni tiegħu lil organizzazzjoni separata eżistenti, magħżula mill-Kummissjoni fuq il-bażi ta’ proċedura ta’ selezzjoni miftuħa, trasparenti u mhux diskriminatorja. Dik l-organizzazzjoni għandha tingħata wkoll il-kompitu li tiżviluppa proposti għal applikazzjonijiet ta’ servizz pubbliku li jużaw l-ETNS għal servizzi komuni Ewropej, bħal numru komuni biex jiġi rrappurtat serq ta’ terminali mobbli.

(44) Voice calls remain the most robust and reliable form of access to emergency services. Other means of contact, such as text messaging, may be less reliable and may suffer from lack of immediacy. Member States should, however, if they deem it appropriate, be free to promote the development and implementation of other means of access to emergency services which are capable of ensuring access equivalent to voice calls.

(43) Meta jiġu kkunsidrati l-aspetti partikolari relatati mar-rappurtar ta’ tfal nieqsa u d-disponibilità attwali limitata ta’ dan is-servizz, l-Istati Membri mhux biss għandhom jirriżervaw numru, iżda wkoll jagħmlu kull sforz biex jiżguraw li servizz għar-rappurtar ta’ tfal nieqsa ikun effettivament disponibbli fit-territorji tagħhom permezz tan-numru 116000 mingħajr dewmien. Għal dan l-għan, l-Istati Membri għandhom, jekk ikun xieraq, fost affarijiet oħra, jorganizzaw proċeduri ta’ offerti sabiex jistiednu lill-partijiet interessati sabiex jipprovdu dak is-servizz.

(45) Pursuant to its Decision 2007/116/EC of 15 February 2007 on reserving the national numbering range beginning with "116" for harmonised numbers for harmonised services of social value [13], the Commission has asked Member States to reserve numbers in the "116" numbering range for certain services of social value. The appropriate provisions of that Decision should be reflected in Directive 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive) in order to integrate them more firmly into the regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services and to facilitate access by disabled end-users.

(44) Sejħiet bil-vuċi jibqgħu l-aktar forma b’saħħitha u affidabbli ta’ aċċess għal servizzi ta’ emerġenza. Mezzi oħra ta’ kuntatt, bħal messaġġi biċ-ċellulari, jistgħu jkunu anqas affidabbli u jistgħu jsofru min-nuqqas ta’ immedjatezza. Madankollu, l-Istati Membri, jekk iqisuha xierqa, għandhom ikunu ħielsa li jippromwovu l-iżvilupp u l-implimentazzjoni ta’ mezzi oħra ta’ aċċess għal servizzi ta’ emerġenza li huma kapaċi li jassiguraw aċċess ekwivalenti għal sejħiet vokali.

(46) A single market implies that end-users are able to access all numbers included in the national numbering plans of other Member States and to access services using non-geographic numbers within the Community, including, among others, freephone and premium rate numbers. End-users should also be able to access numbers from the European Telephone Numbering Space (ETNS) and Universal International Freephone Numbers (UIFN). Cross-border access to numbering resources and associated services should not be prevented, except in objectively justified cases, for example to combat fraud or abuse (e.g. in connection with certain premium-rate services), when the number is defined as having a national scope only (e.g. a national short code) or when it is technically or economically unfeasible. Users should be fully informed in advance and in a clear manner of any charges applicable to freephone numbers, such as international call charges for numbers accessible through standard international dialling codes.

(45) F’konformità mad-Deċiżjoni 2007/116/KE tal- 15 ta’ Frar 2007 dwar ir-riżervar tal-firxa tan-numri nazzjonali li jibdew b’ "116" għal numri armonizzati għal servizzi armonizzati ta’ valur soċjali [13], il-Kummissjoni talbet lill-Istati Membri biex jirriżervaw numri fil-firxa ta’ numri "116" għal ċerti servizzi ta’ valur soċjali. Id-dispożizzjonijiet adegwati ta’ dik id-Deċiżjoni għandhom jiġu riflessi fid-Direttivi 2002/22/KE (Direttiva dwar is-Servizz Universali) sabiex jiġu integrati aktar fis-sod fil-qafas regolatorju għal networks u servizzi tal-komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi u biex jiffaċilitaw l-aċċess minn utenti finali b’diżabbiltà.

(47) In order to take full advantage of the competitive environment, consumers should be able to make informed choices and to change providers when it is in their interests. It is essential to ensure that they can do so without being hindered by legal, technical or practical obstacles, including contractual conditions, procedures, charges and so on. This does not preclude the imposition of reasonable minimum contractual periods in consumer contracts. Number portability is a key facilitator of consumer choice and effective competition in competitive markets for electronic communications and should be implemented with the minimum delay, so that the number is functionally activated within one working day and the user does not experience a loss of service lasting longer than one working day. Competent national authorities may prescribe the global process of the porting of numbers, taking into account national provisions on contracts and technological developments. Experience in certain Member States has shown that there is a risk of consumers being switched to another provider without having given their consent. While that is a matter that should primarily be addressed by law enforcement authorities, Member States should be able to impose such minimum proportionate measures regarding the switching process, including appropriate sanctions, as are necessary to minimise such risks, and to ensure that consumers are protected throughout the switching process without making the process less attractive for them.

(46) Is-suq uniku jimplika li l-utenti finali jista’ jkollhom aċċess għan-numri kollha inklużi fil-pjani nazzjonali ta’ numerazzjoni ta’ Stati Membri oħra, u għas-servizzi, li jużaw numri li m’humiex ġeografiċi fl-ambitu tal-Komunità inklużi, fost oħrajn, numri ta’ telefonati bla ħlas u numri b’rati primjum. L-utenti finali għandhom ukoll ikunu jistgħu jaċċessaw numri mill-Ispazju Ewropew tan-Numerazzjoni Telefonika (ETNS) u numri ta’ Telefonati Bla Ħlas Internazzjonali Universali (UIFN). L-aċċess transkonfinali għar-riżorsi ta’ numerazzjoni u għas-servizz assoċjat m’għandux jiġi ostakolat ħlief f’każi ġustifikati b’mod oġġettiv, pereżempju għall-ġlieda kontra l-frodi jew l-abbuż (eż. f’konnessjoni ma’ ċerti servizzi ta’ rati primjum) meta n-numru jkun definit bħala li għandu ambitu nazzjonali biss (per eżempju kodiċi qasir nazzjonali), jew meta teknikament u ekonomikament mhumiex fattibbli. L-utenti għandom jingħataw informazzjoni sħiħa bil-quddiem b’mod ċar dwar kwalunkwe ħlasijiet applikabbli għan-numri ta’ telefonati bla ħlas, bħall-ħlasijiet għal sejħiet internazzjonali aċċessibbli permezz ta’ kodiċi standard ta’ ddajljar internazzjonali.

(48) Legal "must-carry" obligations may be applied to specified radio and television broadcast channels and complementary services supplied by a specified media service provider. Member States should provide a clear justification for the "must carry" obligations in their national law so as to ensure that such obligations are transparent, proportionate and properly defined. In that regard, "must carry" rules should be designed in a way which provides sufficient incentives for efficient investment in infrastructure. "Must carry" rules should be periodically reviewed in order to keep them up-to-date with technological and market evolution and in order to ensure that they continue to be proportionate to the objectives to be achieved. Complementary services include, but are not limited to, services designed to improve accessibility for end-users with disabilities, such as videotext, subtitling, audio description and sign language.

(47) Sabiex jieħdu vantaġġ sħiħ mill-ambjent kompetittiv, il-konsumaturi għandhom ikunu jistgħu jagħmlu għażliet infurmati u jibdlu minn fornitur għal ieħor meta jkun fl-interess tagħhom li jagħmlu dan. Hu essenzjali li jiġi żgurat li dan ikunu jistgħu jagħmluh mingħajr ma jiġu mfixkla minn ostakli legali, tekniċi jew metodi prattiċi, inklużi kondizzjonijiet, proċeduri, ħlasijiet, eċċ. kuntrattwali. Il-portabbiltà tan-numri huwa faċilitatur ewlieni tal-għażliet għad-dispożizzjoni tal-konsumaturi u l-kompetizzjoni effikaċi fis-swieq kompetittivi għall-komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi u għandu jiġi implimentat mingħajr dewmien żejjed, hekk li n-numru ikun funzjonalment attivat fi żmien ġurnata waħda tax-xogħol u l-utent ma jesperjenzax telf ta’ servizz li jdum aktar minn ġurnata waħda tax-xogħol. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jistgħu jippreskrivu l-proċess globali tal-portabbiltà tan-numri, b’kont meħud tad-dispożizzjonijiet nazzjonali dwar il-kuntratti u l-iżviluppi teknoloġiċi. L-esperjenza miksuba f’uħud mill-Istati Membri wriet li hemm riskju li l-konsumaturi jinbidlilhom il-fornitur mingħajr ma jkun ingħata l-kunsens tagħhom. Filwaqt li din hija kwistjoni li għandha tiġi indirizzata l-ewwel nett mill-awtoritajiet tal-infurzar tal-liġi, l-Istati Membri għandhom ikunu jistgħu jimponu miżuri proporzjonati minimi bħal dawn fir-rigward tal-proċess ta’ kommutazzjoni, inklużi sanzjonijiet xierqa, kif huma meħtieġa biex jitnaqqsu riskji bħal dawn u sabiex jiżguraw li l-konsumaturi jkunu protetti matul il-proċess kollu ta’ kommutazzjoni, mingħajr ma l-proċess isir inqas attraenti għalihom.

(49) In order to overcome existing shortcomings in terms of consumer consultation and to appropriately address the interests of citizens, Member States should put in place an appropriate consultation mechanism. Such a mechanism could take the form of a body which would, independently of the national regulatory authority and service providers, carry out research into consumer-related issues, such as consumer behaviour and mechanisms for changing suppliers, and which would operate in a transparent manner and contribute to the existing mechanisms for stakeholder consultation. Furthermore, a mechanism could be established for the purpose of enabling appropriate cooperation on issues relating to the promotion of lawful content. Any cooperation procedures agreed pursuant to such a mechanism should, however, not allow for the systematic surveillance of Internet usage.

(48) Obbligi ta’ trasmissjoni "must-carry" legali jistgħu jiġu applikati għal servizzi speċifiċi ta’ radju u ta’ kanali ta’ trasmissjoni televiżiva u lil servizzi komplimentari forniti minn fornitur ta’ servizz tal-media speċifiku. L-Istati Membri għandhom jipprovdu ġustifikazzjoni ċara għall "obbligi ta’ ridiffużjoni" fil-leġiżlazzjoni nazzjonali tagħhom biex jiżguraw li dawn l-obbligi huma trasparenti, proporzjonati u definiti kif xieraq. F’dan ir-rigward, l-"obbligi ta’ ridiffużjoni" għandhom jitfasslu b’mod li jiġu pprovduti inċentivi suffiċjenti għal investiment effiċjenti fl-infrastruttura. L-"obbligi ta’ ridiffużjoni" għandhom ikunu eżaminati perjodikament sabiex jinżammu aġġornati mal-evoluzzjoni teknoloġika u tas-suq biex jiġi żgurat li jkomplu jkunu proporzjonati għall-għanijiet li jridu jinkisbu. Servizzi ta’ komplimentarjetà jinkludu, iżda m’humiex limitati għal servizzi maħsuba biex tittejjeb l-aċċessibiltà għal utenti b’diżabbiltajiet, bħat-test bil-video, sottotitlar, deskrizzjoni awdjo jew lingwa tas-sinjali.

(50) Universal service obligations imposed on an undertaking designated as having universal service obligations should be notified to the Commission.

(49) Sabiex jintgħelbu n-nuqqasijiet eżistenti f’termini ta’ konsultazzjonijiet mal-konsumaturi u sabiex jiġu indirizzati kif jixraq l-interessi taċ-ċittadini, l-Istati Membri għandhom jimplimentaw mekkaniżu ta’ konsultazzjoni xieraq. Dan il-mekkanimu jista’ jieħu l-forma ta’ entità li, indipendentement mill-awtorità regolatorja nazzjonali u mill-fornituri tas-servizzi, twettaq riċerka dwar kwistjonijiet relatati mal-konsumatur, bħall-imġiba tal-konsumaturi u mekkaniżmi għall-bdil minn fornitur għal ieħor, u li topera b’mod trasparenti u tikkontribwixxi għall-mekkaniżmi eżistenti għall-konsultazzjonijiet mal-partijiet interessati. Barra minn dan, jista’ jiġi stabbilit mekkaniżmu għall-iskop li jippermetti kooperazzjoni xierqa dwar kwistjonijiet relatati mal-promozzjoni ta’ kontenut legali. Madankollu, kwalunkwe proċeduri ta’ kooperazzjoni maqbula skont tali mekkaniżmu m’għandhomx jippermettu sorveljanza sistematika ta’ użu tal-Internet.

(51) Directive 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications) provides for the harmonisation of the provisions of the Member States required to ensure an equivalent level of protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, in particular the right to privacy and the right to confidentiality, with respect to the processing of personal data in the electronic communications sector, and to ensure the free movement of such data and of electronic communications equipment and services in the Community. Where measures aiming to ensure that terminal equipment is constructed so as to safeguard the protection of personal data and privacy are adopted pursuant to Directive 1999/5/EC or Council Decision 87/95/EEC of 22 December 1986 on standardization in the field of information technology and telecommunications [14], such measures should respect the principle of technology neutrality.

(50) L-obbligi ta’ Servizz Universali imposti fuq impriża maħtura bħala waħda b’obbligi ta’ servizz universali għandhom jiġu notifikati lill-Kummissjoni.

(52) Developments concerning the use of IP addresses should be followed closely, taking into consideration the work already done by, among others, the Working Party on the Protection of Individuals with regard to the Processing of Personal Data established by Article 29 of Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data [15], and in the light of such proposals as may be appropriate.

(51) Id-Direttiva 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika) tistipula l-armonizzazzjoni tad-dispożizzjonijiet tal-Istati Membri meħtieġa biex jiġi żgurat livell ekwivalenti ta’ protezzjoni ta’ drittijiet u libertajiet fundamentali, partikolarment id-dritt għall-privatezza, fir-rigward tal-ipproċessar tad-data personali fis-settur tal-komunikazzjoni elettronika u sabiex jiġi żgurat il-moviment liberu ta’ tali data u tat-tagħmir u s-servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika fil-Komunità. Fejn miżuri maħsuba sabiex jiżguraw li t-tagħmir terminali huwa mibni biex jissalvagwardja l-protezzjoni tad-data personali u l-privatezza huma adottati skont id-Direttiva 1999/5/KE jew id-Deċiżjoni tal-Kunsill 87/95/KEE tat- 22 ta’ Diċembru 1986 rigward l-istandardiżazzjoni fil-qasam tat-teknoloġija tal-informazzjoni u tat-telekomunikazzjoni [14], dawn il-miżuri għandhom jirrispettaw il-prinċipju tan-newtralità teknoloġika.

(53) The processing of traffic data to the extent strictly necessary for the purposes of ensuring network and information security, i.e. the ability of a network or an information system to resist, at a given level of confidence, accidental events or unlawful or malicious actions that compromise the availability, authenticity, integrity and confidentiality of stored or transmitted data, and the security of the related services offered by, or accessible via, these networks and systems, by providers of security technologies and services when acting as data controllers is subject to Article 7(f) of Directive 95/46/EC. This could, for example, include preventing unauthorised access to electronic communications networks and malicious code distribution and stopping "denial of service" attacks and damage to computer and electronic communication systems.

(52) Żviluppi li jirrigwardaw l-użu tal-indirizzi tal-IP għandhom jiġu osservati mill-qrib, billi jitqies ix-xogħol li jkun diġà sar, fost l-oħrajn, mill-Grupp ta’ Ħidma dwar il-Protezzjoni tal-Individwi fir-rigward tal-Ipproċessar ta’ Data Personali stabbilit mill-Artikolu 29 tad-Direttiva 95/46/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tal- 24 ta’ Ottubru 1995 dwar il-protezzjoni ta’ individwi fir-rigward tal-ipproċessar ta’ data personali u dwar il-moviment liberu ta’ dik id-data [15], u fid-dawl ta’ proposti bħal dawn skont kif ikun meħtieġ.

(54) The liberalisation of electronic communications networks and services markets and rapid technological development have combined to boost competition and economic growth and resulted in a rich diversity of end-user services accessible via public electronic communications networks. It is necessary to ensure that consumers and users are afforded the same level of protection of privacy and personal data, regardless of the technology used to deliver a particular service.

(53) L-ipproċessar tad-data dwar it-traffiku safejn hu strettament meħtieġ sabiex tkun żgurata s-sigurtà tan-network u tal-informazzjoni, jiġifieri l-kapaċità ta’ network jew sistema ta’ informazzjoni li tirreżisti, b’ċertu livell ta’ fiduċja, għal fatti aċċidentali jew azzjonijiet illegali jew malizzjużi li jikkompromettu d-disponibilità, l-awtentiċità, l-integrità u l-kunfidenzjalità ta’ data maħżuna jew trażmessa, u s-sigurtà tas-servizzi relatati offruti minn jew aċċessibbli permezz ta’ dawn in-networks u s-sistemi, minn fornituri ta’ teknoloġiji u servizzi tas-sigurtà meta jaġixxu bħala kontrolluri tad-data hija suġġetta għall-Artikolu 7(f) tad-Direttiva 95/46/KE. Pereżempju dan jista’ jinkludi aċċess mhux awtorizzat għal networks ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi u distribuzzjoni ta’ kodiċi malizzjuż u t-twaqqif ta’ attakki taċ-ċaħda ta’ servizz, u d-danni lis-sistemi tal-kompjuter u tal-komunikazzjoni elettronika.

(55) In line with the objectives of the regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services and with the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity, and for the purposes of legal certainty and efficiency for European businesses and national regulatory authorities alike, Directive 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications) focuses on public electronic communications networks and services, and does not apply to closed user groups and corporate networks.

(54) Il-liberalizzazzjoni ta’ swieq ta’ networks u servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi u l-iżvilupp teknoloġiku mgħaġġel flimkien taw spinta lit-tkabbir ekonomiku u l-kompetizzjoni u rriżultaw f’diversità għanja ta’ servizzi għall-utenti finali aċċessibbli permezz ta’ networks pubbliċi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi. Hu meħtieġ li jiġi żgurat li l-konsumaturi u l-utenti jingħataw l-isess livell ta’ ħarsien tal-privatezza u d-data personali, irrispettivament mit-teknoloġija użata għall-forniment ta’ servizz partikolari.

(56) Technological progress allows the development of new applications based on devices for data collection and identification, which could be contactless devices using radio frequencies. For example, Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFIDs) use radio frequencies to capture data from uniquely identified tags which can then be transferred over existing communications networks. The wide use of such technologies can bring considerable economic and social benefit and thus make a powerful contribution to the internal market, if their use is acceptable to citizens. To achieve this aim, it is necessary to ensure that all fundamental rights of individuals, including the right to privacy and data protection, are safeguarded. When such devices are connected to publicly available electronic communications networks or make use of electronic communications services as a basic infrastructure, the relevant provisions of Directive 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications), including those on security, traffic and location data and on confidentiality, should apply.

(55) F’konformità mal-għanijet tal-qafas regolatorju għal networks u servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika u, mal-prinċipji tal-proporzjonalita’ u s-sussidjarjetà, u għal finijiet taċ-ċertezza u l-effiċjenza legali kemm għan-negozji Ewropej kif ukoll għall-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali, id-Direttiva 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika) tiffoka fuq in-networks jew is-servizzi pubbliċi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika, u ma tapplikax għall-gruppi magħluqa ta’ utenti jew għan-networks korporattivi.

(57) The provider of a publicly available electronic communications service should take appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure the security of its services. Without prejudice to Directive 95/46/EC, such measures should ensure that personal data can be accessed only by authorised personnel for legally authorised purposes, and that the personal data stored or transmitted, as well as the network and services, are protected. Moreover, a security policy with respect to the processing of personal data should be established in order to identify vulnerabilities in the system, and monitoring and preventive, corrective and mitigating action should be regularly carried out.

(56) Il-progress teknoloġiku jippermetti l-iżvilupp ta’ applikazzjonijiet ġodda bbażati fuq tagħmir għall-ġbir tad-data u l-identifikazzjoni, li jista’ jkun tagħmir li ma jkollux kuntatt bil-wajer li juża frekwenzi radju. Pereżempju, it-Tagħmir ta’ Identifikazzjoni permezz ta’ Frekwenza tar-Radju (RFIDs) juża frekwenzi radju biex jaqbad data minn tabelli esklużivament identifikati, li mbagħad tista’ tiġi ttrasferita fuq networks ta’ komunikazzjonijiet eżistenti. L-użu wiesa’ ta’ dawn it-teknoloġiji jista’ jġib miegħu benefiċċji ekonomiċi u soċjali kbar u b’hekk tingħata kontribuzzjoni b’saħħitha għas-suq intern jekk l-użu tagħhom ikun aċċettabbli għaċ-ċittadini. Biex jinkiseb dan, hu meħtieġ li jiġi żgurat li d-drittijiet fundamentali tal-individwi, inkluż id-dritt għall-privatezza u l-ħarsien tad-data, jkunu mħarsa. Meta dan it-tagħmir jiġi kkunnettjat ma’ networks ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi pubblikament disponibbli, jew meta jagħmel użu minn servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi bħala infrastrutura bażika, għandhom japplikaw id-dispożizzjonijiet rilevanti tad-Direttiva 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika), inklużi dawk dwar id-data tas-sigurtà, it-traffiku u l-lokazzjoni u d-data dwar il-kunfidenzjalità.

(58) The competent national authorities should promote the interests of citizens by, inter alia, contributing to ensuring a high level of protection of personal data and privacy. To this end, competent national authorities should have the necessary means to perform their duties, including comprehensive and reliable data about security incidents that have led to the personal data of individuals being compromised. They should monitor measures taken and disseminate best practices among providers of publicly available electronic communications services. Providers should therefore maintain an inventory of personal data breaches to enable further analysis and evaluation by the competent national authorities.

(57) Il-fornitur ta’ servizz ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika disponibbli pubblikament għandu jieħu miżuri tekniċi u organizzattivi adatti biex jiżgura s-sigurtà tas-servizzi tiegħu. Bla ħsara għad-Direttiva 95/46/KE, dawn il-miżuri għandhom jiżguraw li d-data personali tkun tista’ tiġi aċċessata biss minn persunal awtorizzat u għal raġunijiet li jkunu strettament awtorizzati legalment u li jkunu protetti kemm id-data personali maħżuna jew trażmessa u kif ukoll in-network u s-servizzi. Barra minn hekk, għandha tiġi stabbilita politika dwar is-sigurtà fir-rigward tal-ipproċessar tad-data personali sabiex jiġu identifikati dgħufiji fis-sistema, u għandhom jitwettqu regolarment monitoraġġ u azzjoni preventiva, korrettiva u li tnaqqas l-effetti tal-problemi.

(59) Community law imposes duties on data controllers regarding the processing of personal data, including an obligation to implement appropriate technical and organisational protection measures against, for example, loss of data. The data breach notification requirements contained in Directive 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications) provide a structure for notifying the competent authorities and individuals concerned when personal data has nevertheless been compromised. Those notification requirements are limited to security breaches which occur in the electronic communications sector. However, the notification of security breaches reflects the general interest of citizens in being informed of security failures which could result in their personal data being lost or otherwise compromised, as well as of available or advisable precautions that they could take in order to minimise the possible economic loss or social harm that could result from such failures. The interest of users in being notified is clearly not limited to the electronic communications sector, and therefore explicit, mandatory notification requirements applicable to all sectors should be introduced at Community level as a matter of priority. Pending a review to be carried out by the Commission of all relevant Community legislation in this field, the Commission, in consultation with the European Data Protection Supervisor, should take appropriate steps without delay to encourage the application throughout the Community of the principles embodied in the data breach notification rules contained in Directive 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications), regardless of the sector, or the type, of data concerned.

(58) L-awtoritajiet nazzjonali kompetenti għandhom jippromwovu l-interessi taċ-ċittadini billi, inter alia, jikkontribwixxu għall-assigurazzjoni ta’ livell għoli ta’ ħarsien tad-data persunali u l-privatezza. Għal dan il-għan, l-awtoritajiet nazzjonali kompetenti għandu jkollhom il-mezzi meħtieġa biex jesegwixxu dmirijiethom, inkluż data komprensiva u affidabbli dwar inċidenti ta’ sigurtà attwali li jkunu rrendew id-data personali ta’ individwi fi stat kompromettenti. L-awtoritajiet kompetenti nazzjonali għandhom iwettqu monitoraġġ fuq il-miżuri meħuda u jiddisseminaw il-prattika korretta fost il-fornituri tas-servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika disponibbli għall-pubbliku. Il-fornituri għandhom għalhekk iżommu inventarju tal-każijiet ta’ ksur ta’ data personali sabiex jippermettu aktar analiżi u valutazzjoni mill-awtoritajiet nazzjonali kompetenti.

(60) Competent national authorities should monitor measures taken and disseminate best practices among providers of publicly available electronic communications services.

(59) Il-liġi Komunitarja timponi dazji fuq l-kontrolluri tad-data fir-rigward tal-ipproċessar ta’ data personali, inkluż l-obbligu li jimplimentaw miżuri tekniċi u organizzattivi xierqa ta’ protezzjoni kontra pereżempju t-telf ta’ data. Ir-rekwiżiti ta’ notifika ta’ ksur ta’ data li jinsabu fid-Direttiva 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika) jipprovdu struttura ta’ notifika lill-awtoritajiet u lill-individwi kompetenti kkonċernati, meta data personali tkun ġiet madankollu kompromessa. Dawn ir-rekwiżiti ta’ notifika huma limitati għall-ksur tas-sigurtà li jseħħ fis-settur tal-komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi. Madankollu, in-notifika tal-ksur tas-sigurtà tirrifletti l-interess ġenerali taċ-ċittadini li jkunu informati dwar fallimenti tas-sigurtà li jistgħu jirriżultaw fit-telfien tad-data personali tagħhom jew li din tiġi kompromessa bi kwalunkwe mod ieħor, kif ukoll li jkunu infurmati dwar prekawzjonijiet disponibbli jew rakkomandabbli li jistgħu jieħdu biex jimminimizzaw il-possibbilta’ ta’ telf ekonomiku jew ħsara soċjali li jistgħu jirriżultaw minn fallimenti ta’ dan it-tip. L-interess ġenerali tal-utenti li jiġu notifikati huwa b’mod ċar mhux limitat għas-settur tal-komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi u għalhekk rekwiżiti ta’ notifika espliċiti u obbligatorji applikabbli għas-setturi kollha għandhom jiġu introdotti fil-livell Komunitarju bħala kwistjoni ta’ prijorità. Sakemm issir reviżjoni li għandha titwettaq mill-Kummissjoni ta’ kull leġiżlazzjoni rilevanti tal-Komunità f’dan il-qasam, il-Kummissjoni, b’konsultazzjoni mal-Kontrollur Ewropew għall-Protezzjoni tad-Data, għandha tieħu l-passi xierqa mingħajr dewmien sabiex tinkoraġġixxi l-applikazzjoni fil-Komunità kollha tal-prinċipji inkorporati fir-regoli tan-notifika ta’ ksur ta’ data fid-Direttiva 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika), irrispettivament mir-settur jew mit-tip tad-data konċernata.

(61) A personal data breach may, if not addressed in an adequate and timely manner, result in substantial economic loss and social harm, including identity fraud, to the subscriber or individual concerned. Therefore, as soon as the provider of publicly available electronic communications services becomes aware that such a breach has occurred, it should notify the breach to the competent national authority. The subscribers or individuals whose data and privacy could be adversely affected by the breach should be notified without delay in order to allow them to take the necessary precautions. A breach should be considered as adversely affecting the data or privacy of a subscriber or individual where it could result in, for example, identity theft or fraud, physical harm, significant humiliation or damage to reputation in connection with the provision of publicly available communications services in the Community. The notification should include information about measures taken by the provider to address the breach, as well as recommendations for the subscriber or individual concerned.

(60) L-awtoritajiet kompetenti nazzjonali għandhom iwettqu monitoraġġ fuq il-miżuri meħuda u jiddisseminaw il-prattika korretta fost il-fornituri tas-servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika disponibbli pubblikament.

(62) When implementing measures transposing Directive 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications), the authorities and courts of the Member States should not only interpret their national law in a manner consistent with that Directive, but should also ensure that they do not rely on an interpretation of it which would conflict with fundamental rights or general principles of Community law, such as the principle of proportionality.

(61) Ksur ta’ data personali jekk ma jiġix ittrattat b’mod adegwat u fil-waqt, jista’ jirriżulta f’telf ekonomiku u dannu soċjali sostanzjali, inkluż frodi tal-identità, għall-abbonat jew l-individwu kkonċernat. Għalhekk, hekk kif il-fornitur ta’ servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi disponibbli pubblikament isir jaf li jkun seħħ tali ksur, huwa għandu jinnotifika l-ksur lill-awtorità nazzjonali kompetenti. L-abbonati jew l-individwi li d-data tagħhom u l-privatezza tista’ tkun affettwata ħażin minn ksur bħal dan għandhom jiġu nnotifikati mingħajr dewmien biex ikunu jistgħu jieħdu l-prekawzjonijiet meħtieġa. Il-ksur għandu jitqies bħala effett ħażin fuq id-data u l-privatezza tal-abbonat jew tal-individwu meta din tista’ tirriżulta pereżempju. f’serq ta’ identità jew frodi, ħsara fiżika sinifikanti, umiljazzjoni jew ħsara għar-reputazzjoni jew f’konnessjoni mal-forniment ta’ servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet disponibbli pubblikament fil-Komunità. In-notifika għandha tinkludi informazzjoni dwar il-miżuri meħuda mill-fornitur biex jittratta l-ksur, kif ukoll rakkomandazzjonijiet għall-abbonat jew l-individwu kkonċernat.

(63) Provision should be made for the adoption of technical implementing measures concerning the circumstances, format and procedures applicable to information and notification requirements in order to achieve an adequate level of privacy protection and security of personal data transmitted or processed in connection with the use of electronic communications networks in the internal market.

(62) Meta jimplimentaw miżuri li jittrasponu d-Direttiva 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika), l-awtoritajiet u l-qrati tal-Istati Membri għandhom mhux biss jinterpretaw il-liġi nazzjonali tagħhom b’mod konsistenti ma’ dik id-Direttiva, iżda għandhom ukoll jiżguraw li ma jistriħux fuq interpretazzjoni tagħha li tkun f’konflitt ma’ drittijiet fundamentali jew prinċipji ġenerali oħrajn tal-liġi Komunitarja, bħall-prinċipju tal-proporzjonalità.

(64) In setting detailed rules concerning the format and procedures applicable to the notification of personal data breaches, due consideration should be given to the circumstances of the breach, including whether or not personal data had been protected by appropriate technical protection measures, effectively limiting the likelihood of identity fraud or other forms of misuse. Moreover, such rules and procedures should take into account the legitimate interests of law enforcement authorities in cases where early disclosure could unnecessarily hamper the investigation of the circumstances of a breach.

(63) Għandu jkun hemm provvediment għall-adozzjoni ta’ miżuri tekniċi ta’ implimentazzjoni dwar iċ-ċirkostanzi, il-format u l-proċeduri applikabbli għall-informazzjoni u r-rekwiżiti ta’ notifika sabiex jinkiseb livell adegwat ta’ protezzjoni tal-privatezza u sigurtà tad-data personali mibgħuta jew ipproċessata f’konnessjoni mal-użu ta’ networks ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi fis-suq intern.

(65) Software that surreptitiously monitors the actions of the user or subverts the operation of the user’s terminal equipment to the benefit of a third party (spyware) poses a serious threat to the privacy of users, as do viruses. A high and equal level of protection of the private sphere of users needs to be ensured, regardless of whether unwanted spying programmes or viruses are inadvertently downloaded via electronic communications networks or are delivered and installed in software distributed on other external data storage media, such as CDs, CD-ROMs or USB keys. Member States should encourage the provision of information to end-users about available precautions, and should encourage them to take the necessary steps to protect their terminal equipment against viruses and spyware.

(64) Waqt l-iffissar ta’ regoli dettaljati fir-rigward tal-format u l-proċeduri applikabbli fin-notifika ta’ ksur ta’ data personali, għandha tingħata kunsiderazzjoni xierqa liċ-ċirkostanzi tal-ksur, speċjalment dwar jekk id-data personali kenitx imħarsa jew le minn miżuri tekniċi xierqa ta’ protezzjoni, li kienu jillimitaw b’mod effettiv il-probabbiltà li jitwettqu frodi tal-identità jew forom oħra ta’ użu ħażin. Barra dan, dawn ir-regoli u proċeduri għandhom jikkunsidraw l-interessi leġittimi tal-awtoritajiet tal-infurzar tal-liġi f’każi fejn żvelar bikri jista’ jfixkel mingħajr bżonn l-investigazzjoni taċ-ċirkostanzi ta’ ksur partikolari.

(66) Third parties may wish to store information on the equipment of a user, or gain access to information already stored, for a number of purposes, ranging from the legitimate (such as certain types of cookies) to those involving unwarranted intrusion into the private sphere (such as spyware or viruses). It is therefore of paramount importance that users be provided with clear and comprehensive information when engaging in any activity which could result in such storage or gaining of access. The methods of providing information and offering the right to refuse should be as user-friendly as possible. Exceptions to the obligation to provide information and offer the right to refuse should be limited to those situations where the technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user. Where it is technically possible and effective, in accordance with the relevant provisions of Directive 95/46/EC, the user’s consent to processing may be expressed by using the appropriate settings of a browser or other application. The enforcement of these requirements should be made more effective by way of enhanced powers granted to the relevant national authorities.

(65) Is-software li bil-moħbi jissorvelja l-azzjonijiet tal-utent u/jew jimmina l-operazzjoni tat-tagħmir terminali tal-utent għall-benefiċċju ta’ parti terza ("spyware") joħloq theddida serja għall-privatezza tal-utenti, u l-istess il-viruses. Jeħtieġ li jiġi żgurat livell għoli u ugwali ta’ ħarsien tal-isfera privata tal-utenti, irrispettivament jekk il-programmi tal-ispijar jew viruses mhux mixtieqa kinux ġew dawnlowdjati involontarjament permezz ta’ networks ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi jew kinux fornuti u installati moħbija f’software li jkun tqassam fuq midja esterna ta’ ħżin tad-data bħalma huma s-CDs, is-CD-Roms jew l-istikek tal-USB. L-Istati Membri għandhom jinkoraġġixxu l-provvediment ta’ informazzjoni lill-utenti finali dwar il-prekawzjonijiet disponibbli u jħeġġuhom jieħdu l-passi meħtieġa sabiex jipproteġu t-tagħmir terminali tagħhom kontra viruses u spyware.

(67) Safeguards provided for subscribers against intrusion into their privacy by unsolicited communications for direct marketing purposes by means of electronic mail should also be applicable to SMS, MMS and other kinds of similar applications.

(66) Partijiet terzi jistgħu jkunu jixtiequli jaħżnu informazzjoni fuq it-tagħmir tal-utent, jew jiksbu aċċess għall-informazzjoni diġà maħżuna, għal numru ta’ skopijiet, li jvarjaw minn intrużjoni leġittima (bħal ċerti tipi ta’ cookies) għal intrużjoni bla permess fl-isfera privata (bħal spyware jew viruses). Huwa għalhekk ta’ importanza kbira li l-utenti jkunu provduti b’informazzjoni ċara u komprensiva meta jinvolvu ruħhom fi kwalunkwe attività li tista’ tirriżulta f’tali ħażna jew fi ksib ta’ aċċess. Il-metodi ta’ kif tingħata informazzjoni u kif jiġi offrut id-dritt ta’ rifjut għandhom ikunu kemm jista’ jkun faċli għall-utent. Eċċezzjoni għall-obbligu li jipprovdu informazzjoni u li joffru d-dritt ta’ rifjut għandha tkun limitata għal dawk is-sitwazzjonijiet fejn l-ħażna teknika jew l-aċċess ikunu strettament meħtieġa għall-iskop leġittimu li jkun permess l-użu ta’ servizz speċifiku espliċitament mitlub mill-abbonat jew mill-utent. Fejn huwa teknikament possibbli u effettiv, skont id-dispożizzjonijiet rilevanti tad-Direttiva 95/46/KE, il-kunsens tal-utent għall-ipproċessar jista’ jiġi espress bl-użu tal-issettjar adatt ta’ browser jew applikazzjoni oħra. L-infurzar ta’ dawn ir-rekwiżiti għandu jsir aktar effettiv permezz tal-poteri mtejba mogħtija lill-awtoritajiet nazzjonali relevanti.

(68) Electronic communications service providers make substantial investments in order to combat unsolicited commercial communications (spam). They are also in a better position than end-users in that they possess the knowledge and resources necessary to detect and identify spammers. E-mail service providers and other service providers should therefore be able to initiate legal action against spammers, and thus defend the interests of their customers, as part of their own legitimate business interests.

(67) Is-salvagwardji pprovduti għall-abbonati kontra l-intrużjoni fil-privatezza tagħhom minn komunikazzjonijiet mhux mitluba għal finijiet ta’ kummerċjalizzazzjoni diretta permezz tal-posta elettronika, għandhom jkunu applikabbli wkoll għall-SMS, l-MMS u tipi oħra ta’ applikazzjonijiet simili.

(69) The need to ensure an adequate level of protection of privacy and personal data transmitted and processed in connection with the use of electronic communications networks in the Community calls for effective implementation and enforcement powers in order to provide adequate incentives for compliance. Competent national authorities and, where appropriate, other relevant national bodies should have sufficient powers and resources to investigate cases of non-compliance effectively, including powers to obtain any relevant information they might need, to decide on complaints and to impose sanctions in cases of non-compliance.

(68) Il-fornituri tas-servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi jridu jagħmlu investimenti sostanzjali biex issir il-ġlieda kontra komunikazzjonijiet kummerċjali mhux mitluba ("spam"). Huma jinsabu wkoll f’pożizzjoni aħjar mill-utenti finali biex ikollhom l-għarfien u r-riżorsi meħtieġa biex jikxfu u jidentifikaw lil min jispammja. Il-fornituri tal-servizzi ta’ korrispondenza elettronika u fornituri oħra ta’ servizzi għandu għalhekk ikunu jistgħu jibdew azzjoni legali kontra min jispammja u għalhekk jiddefendu l-interessi tal-klijenti tagħhom, kif ukoll l-interessi kummerċjali leġittimi tagħhom stess.

(70) The implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this Directive often require cooperation between the national regulatory authorities of two or more Member States, for example in combating cross-border spam and spyware. In order to ensure smooth and rapid cooperation in such cases, procedures relating for example to the quantity and format of information exchanged between authorities, or deadlines to be complied with, should be defined by the relevant national authorities, subject to examination by the Commission. Such procedures will also allow the resulting obligations of market actors to be harmonised, contributing to the creation of a level playing field in the Community.

(69) Il-ħtieġa biex ikun żgurat livell xieraq ta’ ħarsien tal-privatezza u d-data personali trażmessa u pproċessata f’konnessjoni mal-użu ta’ networks ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi fil-Komunità teżiġi implimentazzjoni effikaċi u setgħat għall-infurzar sabiex ikunu pprovduti inċentivi xierqa għall-konformità. L-awtoritajiet nazzjonali kompetenti u, fejn meħtieġ, korpi nazzjonali oħra konċernati, għandu jkollhom setgħat u riżorsi suffiċjenti biex jinvestigaw każi ta’ nuqqas ta’ konformità b’mod effettiv, inklużi setgħat biex jiksbu kwalunkwe informazzjoni rilevanti li jista’ jkollhom bżonn, biex jiddeċiedu dwar l-ilmenti u biex jimponu sanzjonijiet f’każi ta’ nuqqas ta’ konformità.

(71) Cross-border cooperation and enforcement should be reinforced in line with existing Community cross-border enforcement mechanisms, such as that laid down in Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 (the Regulation on consumer protection cooperation) [16], by way of an amendment to that Regulation.

(70) L-implimentazzjoni u l-infurzar tad-dispożizzjonijiet ta’ din id-Direttiva spiss jeħtieġu kooperazzjoni bejn l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali ta’ żewġ Stati Membri jew aktar, pereżempju biex jikkumbattu spam u spyware transkonfinali. Biex f’każijiet bħal dawn tkun żgurata koperazzjoni mingħajr intoppi u minnufih, il-proċeduri dwar pereżempju l-kwantità u l-format tal-informazzjoni skambjata bejn l-awtoritajiet jew l-iskadenzi li jridu jiġu osservati għandhom ikunu ddefiniti mill-awtoritajiet nazzjonali relevanti, wara li jkunu verifikati mill-Kummissjoni. Dawn il-proċeduri jippermettu wkoll li l-obbligi li jirriżultaw għall-atturi tas-suq ikunu armonizzati, li jservi ta’ kontribut għall-ħolqien ta’ kondizzjonijiet ekwivalenti għal kulħadd fil-Komunità.

(72) The measures necessary for the implementation of Directives 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive) and 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications) should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission [17].

(71) Il-koperazzjoni u l-infurzar transkonfinali għandhom jiġu nfurzati b’mod konformi mal-mekkaniżmi Komunitarji ta’ infurzar transkonfinali eżistenti bħal dak stabbilit fir-Regolament (KE) Nru 2006/2004 (ir-Regolament dwar koperazzjoni fil-protezzjoni tal-konsumatur) [16] permezz ta’ emenda għal dak ir-Regolament.

(73) In particular, the Commission should be empowered to adopt implementing measures on effective access to "112" services, as well as to adapt the Annexes to technical progress or changes in market demand. It should also be empowered to adopt implementing measures concerning information and notification requirements and security of processing. Since those measures are of general scope and are designed to amend non-essential elements of Directives 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive) and 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications) by supplementing them with new non-essential elements, they must be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny provided for in Article 5a of Decision 1999/468/EC. Given that the conduct of the regulatory procedure with scrutiny within the normal time limits could, in certain exceptional situations, impede the timely adoption of implementing measures, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission should act speedily in order to ensure the timely adoption of those measures.

(72) Il-miżuri meħtieġa għall-implimentazzjoni tad-Direttivi 2002/22/KE (Direttiva dwar is-Servizz Universali) u 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika) għandhom jiġu adottati skont id-Deċiżjoni tal-Kunsill 1999/468/KE tat- 28 ta’ Ġunju 1999 li tipprovdi l-proċeduri għall-eżerċizzju tas-setgħat tal-implimentazzjoni konferiti lill-Kummissjoni [17].

(74) When adopting implementing measures on security of processing, the Commission should consult all relevant European authorities and organisations (the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA), the European Data Protection Supervisor and the Working Party on the Protection of Individuals with regard to the Processing of Personal Data established by Article 29 of Directive 95/46/EC), as well as all other relevant stakeholders, particularly in order to be informed of the best available technical and economic means of improving the implementation of Directive 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications).

(73) B’mod partikolari, is-setgħa għandha tiġi konferita lill-Kummissjoni biex tadottata miżuri implimentattivi dwar aċċess effettiv tas-servizzi tal-"112", kif ukoll emendi biex tadatta l-Annessi għall-progress tekniku jew il-bidliet fid-domanda. Għandha wkoll tingħata s-setgħa li tadotta miżuri implimentattivi li jikkonċernaw informazzjoni u rekwiżiti ta’ notifika u s-sigurtà tal-ipproċessar. Billi dawn il-miżuri huma ta’ kamp ta’ applikazzjoni ġenerali u huma mfassla biex jemendaw elementi mhux essenzjali tad-Direttivi 2002/22/KE (Direttiva dwar is-Servizz Universali) u 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika) billi jissupplimentawhom b’elementi ġodda mhux essenzjali, iridu jiġu adottati skont il-proċedura regolatorja bi skrutinju prevista fl-Artikolu 5a tad-Deċiżjoni 1999/468/KE. Minħabba li t-twettiq tal-proċedura regolatorja bi skrutinju, bil-limiti ta’ żmien normali, f’ċerti sitwazzjonijiet eċċezzjonali jista’ jimpedixxi l-adozzjoni fil-ħin tal-miżuri ta’ implimentazzjoni, il-Parlament Ewropew, il-Kunsill u l-Kummissjoni għandhom jieħdu azzjoni rapida biex jiżguraw l-adozzjoni fil-ħin ta’ dawn il-miżuri.

(75) Directives 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive) and 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications) should therefore be amended accordingly.

(74) Meta tkun qed taddotta l-miżuri ta’ implimentazzjoni dwar is-sigurtà tal-ipproċessar, il-Kummissjoni għandha tikkonsulta mal-awtoritajiet u l-organizzazzjonijiet Ewropej relevanti (l-Aġenzija Ewropea ta’ Sigurtà tan-Network (ENISA) u tal-Informazzjoni, il-Kontrollur Ewropew għall-Protezzjoni tad-Data u l-Grupp ta’ Ħidma dwar il-Protezzjoni tad-Data Personali stabbilit mill-Artikolu 29 tad-Direttiva 95/46/KE), kif ukoll mal-partijiet interessati relevanti l-oħra kollha, b’mod partikolari biex tkun infurmata dwar l-aqwa meżżi tekniċi u ekonomiċi disponibbli għat-titjib tal-implimentazzjoni tad-Direttiva 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika).

(76) In accordance with point 34 of the Interinstitutional Agreement on better law-making [18], Member States are encouraged to draw up, for themselves and in the interests of the Community, their own tables illustrating, as far as possible, the correlation between Directives 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive) and 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications) and the transposition measures, and to make them public,

(75) Id-Direttivi 2002/22/KE (Direttiva dwar is-Servizz Universali) u 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika) għandhom għalhekk jiġu emendati f’dan is-sens.

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:

(76) Konformement mal-punt 34 tal-Ftehim Interistituzzjonali dwar it-tfassil aħjar tal-liġijiet [18], l-Istati Membri huma mħeġġa biex ifasslu, għalihom infushom u fl-interess tal-Komunità, it-tabelli tagħhom li juru, safejn hu possibbli, il-korrelazzjoni bejn id-Direttivi 2002/22/KE (Direttiva dwar is-Servizz Universali) u 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika) u l-miżuri ta’ traspożizzjoni, u li jagħmluhom pubbliċi,

Article 1

ADOTTAW DIN ID-DIRETTIVA:

Amendments to Directive 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive)

Artikolu 1

Directive 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive) is hereby amended as follows:

Emendament tad-Direttiva 2002/22/KE (Direttiva dwar is-Servizz Universali)

1) Article 1 shall be replaced by the following:

Id-Direttiva 2002/22/KE (Direttiva dwar is-Servizz Universali) hija b’dan emendata kif ġej:

"Article 1

1. L-Artikolu 1 għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

Subject-matter and scope

"Artikolu 1

1. Within the framework of Directive 2002/21/EC (Framework Directive), this Directive concerns the provision of electronic communications networks and services to end-users. The aim is to ensure the availability throughout the Community of good-quality publicly available services through effective competition and choice and to deal with circumstances in which the needs of end-users are not satisfactorily met by the market. The Directive also includes provisions concerning certain aspects of terminal equipment, including provisions intended to facilitate access for disabled end-users.

Suġġett u ambitu

2. This Directive establishes the rights of end-users and the corresponding obligations of undertakings providing publicly available electronic communications networks and services. With regard to ensuring provision of universal service within an environment of open and competitive markets, this Directive defines the minimum set of services of specified quality to which all end-users have access, at an affordable price in the light of specific national conditions, without distorting competition. This Directive also sets out obligations with regard to the provision of certain mandatory services.

1. Fl-ambitu tal-qafas tad-Direttiva 2002/21/KE (id-Direttiva Qafas), din id-Direttiva tikkonċerna l-fornimet ta’ networks u servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika lil utenti finali. L-għan huwa li tiġi żgurata d-disponibilità mal-Komunità kollha ta’ servizzi pubblikament disponibbli ta’ kwalità tajba permezz ta’ kompetizzjoni effettiva u għażla u biex tittratta ċ-ċirkostanzi li fihom il-ħtiġijiet tal-utenti finali ma jkunux sodisfatti b’mod sodisfaċjenti mis-suq. Din id-Direttiva tinkludi wkoll dispożizzjonijiet li jikkonċernaw it-tagħmir terminali fil-postijiet fejn joperaw l-konsumaturi. Din id-Direttiva tinkludi wkoll dispożizzjonijiet dwar ċerti aspetti ta’ tagħmir ta’ terminal, inklużi dispożizzjonijiet maħsuba biex jiġi faċilitat aċċess għal utenti b’diżabbiltà.

3. This Directive neither mandates nor prohibits conditions, imposed by providers of publicly available electronic communications and services, limiting end-users’ access to, and/or use of, services and applications, where allowed under national law and in conformity with Community law, but lays down an obligation to provide information regarding such conditions. National measures regarding end-users’ access to, or use of, services and applications through electronic communications networks shall respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of natural persons, including in relation to privacy and due process, as defined in Article 6 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

2. Din id-Direttiva tistabbilixxi d-drittijiet tal-utenti finali u l-obbligi korrispondenti li jaqgħu fuq l-impriżi li jipprovdu n-networks u s-servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika pubblikament disponibbli. Fir-rigward tal-assigurazzjoni ta’ forniment ta’ servizz universali fl-ambjent ta’ swieq miftuħa u kompetittivi, din id-Direttiva tiddefinixxi s-sett minimu ta’ servizzi ta’ kwalità speċifikata li għaliha l-utenti kollha għandhom aċċess bi prezz li jista’ jintlaħaq fid-dawl tal-kondizzjonijiet speċifiċi nazzjonali, mingħajr distorzjoni tal-kompetizzjoni. Din id-Direttiva tistabbilixxi wkoll obbligi fir-rigward tal-forniment ta’ ċerti servizzi mandatarji.

4. The provisions of this Directive concerning end-users’ rights shall apply without prejudice to Community rules on consumer protection, in particular Directives 93/13/EEC and 97/7/EC, and national rules in conformity with Community law.";

3. Din id-Direttiva la tirrikjedi u lanqas tipprojbixxi kondizzjonijiet imposti mill-fornituri ta’ komunikazzjonijiet u servizzi elettroniċi disponibbli pubblikament, li jillimitaw l-aċċess u/jew l-użu tal-utenti finali fir-rigward ta’ servizzi u applikazzjonijiet, fejn dan ikun permess skont il-liġi nazzjonali u f’konformità mad-dritt Komunitarju, iżda tistabbilixxi l-obbligu li jipprovdu informazzjoni rigward kondizzjonijiet bħal dawn. Il-miżuri nazzjonali li jirrigwardaw l-aċċess ta’ utenti finali jew l-użu ta’ servizzi u applikazzjonijiet permezz ta’ networks ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi għandhom jirrispettaw id-drittijiet u l-libertajiet fundamentali ta’ persuni naturali, anke fejn għandha x’taqsam il-privatezza u l-proċess skont il-liġi, kif definit fl-Artikolu 6 tal-Konvenzjoni Ewropea għall-Protezzjoni tad-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem u l-Libertajiet Fundamentali.

2) Article 2 shall be amended as follows:

4. Id-dispożizzjonijiet ta’ din id-Direttiva dwar id-drittijiet tal-utenti finali għandhom japplikaw mingħajr preġudizzju għar-regoli Komunitarji dwar il-protezzjoni tal-konsumatur, b’mod partikolari d-Direttivi 93/13/KEE u 97/7/KE, u r-regoli nazzjonali f’konformità mal-liġi Komunitarja.";

(a) point (b) shall be deleted;

2. l-Artikolu 2 għandu jiġi emendat kif ġej:

(b) points (c) and (d) shall be replaced by the following:

(a) il-punt (b) għandu jiġi mħassar;

"(c) "publicly available telephone service" means a service made available to the public for originating and receiving, directly or indirectly, national or national and international calls through a number or numbers in a national or international telephone numbering plan;

(b) il-punt (c) u (d) għandhom jiġu sostitwiti b’dan li ġej:

(d) "geographic number" means a number from the national telephone numbering plan where part of its digit structure contains geographic significance used for routing calls to the physical location of the network termination point (NTP);";

"(c) "servizz telefoniku pubblikament disponibbli" tfisser servizz disponibbli għall-pubbliku li joriġina u jirċievi, direttament jew indirettament, sejħiet nazzjonali jew nazzjonali u internazzjonali, permezz ta’ numru jew numri fi pjan ta’ numerazzjoni telefonika nazzjonali jew internazzjonali;

(c) point (e) shall be deleted;

(d) "numru ġeografiku" tfisser numru mill-pjan ta’ numerazzjoni telefoniku nazzjonali fejn parti mill-istruttura tan-numru tiegħu jkun fiha sinifikat ġeografiku wżat biex jittrasferixxi sejħiet għall-post fiżiku tal-punt tat-terminazzjoni tan-network (NTP);";

(d) point (f) shall be replaced by the following:

(c) il-punt (e) għandu jiġi mħassar;

"(f) "non-geographic number" means a number from the national telephone numbering plan that is not a geographic number. It includes, inter alia, mobile, freephone and premium rate numbers.";

(d) il-punt (f) għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

3) Article 4 shall be replaced by the following:

"(f) "numru mhux ġeografiku" tfisser numru minn pjan nazzjonali ta’ numerazzjoni telefonika li ma jkunx numru ġeografiku. Jinkludi, inter alia, numri mobbli, numri bla ħlas u numri b’rati primjum.";

"Article 4

3. L-Artikolu 4 għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

Provision of access at a fixed location and provision of telephone services

"Artikolu 4

1. Member States shall ensure that all reasonable requests for connection at a fixed location to a public communications network are met by at least one undertaking.

Forniment ta’ aċċess f’post fiss u forniment ta’ servizzi telefoniċi

2. The connection provided shall be capable of supporting voice, facsimile and data communications at data rates that are sufficient to permit functional Internet access, taking into account prevailing technologies used by the majority of subscribers and technological feasibility.

1. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li t-talbiet raġonevoli kollha għal konnessjoni f’post fiss ma’ network pubbliku ta’ komunikazzjonijiet għandhom jintlaqgħu mill-inqas minn impriża waħda.

3. Member States shall ensure that all reasonable requests for the provision of a publicly available telephone service over the network connection referred to in paragraph 1 that allows for originating and receiving national and international calls are met by at least one undertaking.";

2. Il-konnessjoni provduta għandha tkun kapaċi ssostni l-komunikazzjonijiet tal-faks vokali u d-data, b’rati tad-data li huma biżżejjed biex jippermettu aċċess funzjonali għall-Internet meta jitqiesu t-teknoloġiji prevalenti użati mill-maġġoranza tal-abbonati u l-fattibbiltà teknoloġika.

4) Article 5(2) shall be replaced by the following:

3. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li t-talbiet raġonevoli kollha għall-forniment ta’ servizz telefoniku disponibbli pubblikament, fuq il-konnessjoni tan-network imsemmija fil-paragrafu 1, li jippermetti li joriġinaw u jirċievu sejħiet nazzjonali u internazzjonali għandhom jiġu sodisfati mill-inqas minn impriża waħda.";

"2. The directories referred to in paragraph 1 shall comprise, subject to the provisions of Article 12 of Directive 2002/58/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2002 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector (Directive on privacy and electronic communications) [], all subscribers of publicly available telephone services.

4. l-Artikolu 5(2) għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

5) the title of Article 6 and Article 6(1) shall be replaced by the following:

"2. Fid-direttorji li jissemmew fil-paragrafu 1 għandhom jidhru, suġġett għad-dispożizzjonijiet tal-Artikolu 12 tad-Direttiva 2002/58/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tat- 12 ta’ Lulju 2002, dwar l-ipproċessar tad-data personali u l-protezzjoni tal-privatezza fis-settur tal-komunikazzjoni elettronika (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika) [], l-abbonati kollha tas-servizzi telefoniċi pubblikament disponibbli.

1. Member States shall ensure that national regulatory authorities may impose obligations on undertakings in order to ensure that public pay telephones or other public voice telephony access points are provided to meet the reasonable needs of end-users in terms of the geographical coverage, the number of telephones or other access points, accessibility to disabled end-users and the quality of services.";

5. it-titolu tal-Artikolu 6 u l-Artikolu 6(1) għandhom jiġu sostitwiti b’dan li ġej:

6) Article 7 shall be replaced by the following:

1. L-Istati Membri għandhom jassiguraw li l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jistgħu jimponu obbligi fuq impriżi sabiex jiġi żgurat li t-telefoni pubbliċi bi ħlas jew punti ta’ aċċess ta’ telefonija pubblika bil-vuċi oħra jiġu provduti biex jissodisfaw il-ħtiġijiet raġonevoli ta’ utenti finali f’termini ta’ kopertura ġeografika, in-numru ta’telefoni jew punti ta’ aċċess oħra, l-aċċessibilità għal utenti finali b’diżabbiltà u l-kwalità tas-servizzi.";

"Article 7

6. l-Artikolu 7 għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

Measures for disabled end-users

"Artikolu 7

1. Unless requirements have been specified under Chapter IV which achieve the equivalent effect, Member States shall take specific measures to ensure that access to, and affordability of, the services identified in Article 4(3) and Article 5 for disabled end-users is equivalent to the level enjoyed by other end-users. Member States may oblige national regulatory authorities to assess the general need and the specific requirements, including the extent and concrete form of such specific measures for disabled end-users.

Miżuri għal utenti finali b’diżabbiltà

2. Member States may take specific measures, in the light of national conditions, to ensure that disabled end-users can also take advantage of the choice of undertakings and service providers available to the majority of end-users.

1. Sakemm ma jkunux ġew speċifikati rekwiżiti taħt il-Kapitolu IV li jiksbu l-effett ekwivalenti, l-Istati Membri għandhom jieħdu miżuri speċifiċi biex jiġi żgurat li l-aċċess għal, u affordabbiltà tas-servizzi identifikati fl-Artikoli 4 (3) u 5 għal utenti finali b’diżabbiltà huwa ekwivalenti għal-livell gawdut minn utenti finali oħrajn. L-Istati Membri jistgħu jobbligaw lill-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali biex jivvalutaw il-ħtieġa ġenerali u r-rekwiżiti speċifiċi, inkluż sa fejn iwasslu tali miżuri għall-utenti finali b’diżabbiltà u l-forma konkreta tagħhom.

3. In taking the measures referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, Member States shall encourage compliance with the relevant standards or specifications published in accordance with Articles 17 and 18 of Directive 2002/21/EC (Framework Directive).";

2. L-Istati Membri għandhom jieħdu miżuri speċifiċi, fid-dawl tal-kondizzjonijiet nazzjonali, biex jiżguraw li utenti finali b’diżabbiltà jkunu jistgħu wkoll jibbenefikaw mill-opportunità disponibbli għall-maġġoranza tal-utenti finali li jagħżlu bejn impriża u oħra jew fornitur tas-servizzi u ieħor.

7) in Article 8, the following paragraph shall be added:

3. Meta l-Istati Membri jkunu qed jieħdu l-miżuri msemmija f’Paragrafi 1 u 2, huma għandhom jinkuraġġixxu konformità mal-istandards jew l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet relevanti ppublikati f’ konformita' mal-Artikoli 17 u 18 tad-Direttiva 2002/21/KE (Direttiva Qafas).";

"3. When an undertaking designated in accordance with paragraph 1 intends to dispose of a substantial part or all of its local access network assets to a separate legal entity under different ownership, it shall inform in advance the national regulatory authority in a timely manner, in order to allow that authority to assess the effect of the intended transaction on the provision of access at a fixed location and of telephone services pursuant to Article 4. The national regulatory authority may impose, amend or withdraw specific obligations in accordance with Article 6(2) of Directive 2002/20/EC (Authorisation Directive).";

7. fl-Artikolu 8, il-paragrafu li ġej għandu jiġi miżjud:

8) Article 9(1) and (2) shall be replaced by the following:

"3. Meta impriża maħtura f’konformità mal-paragrafu 1 jkollha l-intenzjoni li tiddisponi mill-assi kollha tagħha jew parti sostanzjali minnhom tan-network lokali ta’ aċċess disponibbli għal entità legali separata taħt appartenenza differenti, hija għandha tinforma bil-quddiem lill-awtorità regolatorja nazzjonali b’mod f’waqtu sabiex dik l-awtorità tkun tista’ tivvaluta l-effett tat-transazzjoni intiża fuq il-forniment ta’ aċċess għal post fiss u ta’ servizzi telefoniċi skont l-Artikolu 4. L-awtorità regolatorja nazzjonali tista’ timponi, temenda jew tirtira obbligi speċifiċi skont l-Artikolu 6(2) tad-Direttiva 2002/20/KE (Direttiva ta’ Awtorizzazzjoni).";

"1. National regulatory authorities shall monitor the evolution and level of retail tariffs of the services identified in Articles 4 to 7 as falling under the universal service obligations and either provided by designated undertakings or available on the market, if no undertakings are designated in relation to those services, in particular in relation to national consumer prices and income.

8. l-Artikolu 9(1) u (2) għandhom jiġu sostitwiti b’dan li ġej:

2. Member States may, in the light of national conditions, require that designated undertakings provide to consumers tariff options or packages which depart from those provided under normal commercial conditions, in particular to ensure that those on low incomes or with special social needs are not prevented from accessing the network referred to in Article 4(1) or from using the services identified in Article 4(3) and Articles 5, 6 and 7 as falling under the universal service obligations and provided by designated undertakings.";

"1. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għandhom jissorveljaw li l-evoluzzjoni u l-livell tat-tariffi bl-imnut tas-servizzi identifikati fl-Artikoli 4 sa 7 jkunu jaqgħu taħt l-obbligi ta’ servizz universali u li jkunu jew provduti minn impriżi maħtura, jew disponibbli fis-suq jekk l-ebda impriża ma tkun ġiet maħtura fir-rigward ta’ dawn is-servizzi, b’mod partikolari fir-rigward tal-livell nazzjonali tal-prezzijiet u l-introjtu tal-konsumatur.

9) Article 11(4) shall be replaced by the following:

2. L-Istati Membri jistgħu, fid-dawl tal-kondizzjonijiet nazzjonali, jeżiġu li l-impriżi maħtura jipprovdu lill-konsumaturi għażliet jew pakketti ta’ tariffi lill-konsumaturi li jitbiegħdu minn dawk ipprovduti taħt kondizzjonijiet kummerċjali normali, b’mod partikolari biex jiġi żgurat li dawk bi dħul baxx jew bi bżonnijiet soċjali speċjali ma jkunux imċaħħda mill-aċċess għan-network imsemmi fl-Artikolu 4(1), jew milli jużaw is-servizzi identifikati fl-Artikolu 4(3) u l-Artikoli 5, 6 u 7 li jaqgħu taħt l-obbligi ta’ servizz universali u pprovduti minn impriżi maħtura."

"4. National regulatory authorities shall be able to set performance targets for undertakings with universal service obligations. In so doing, national regulatory authorities shall take account of views of interested parties, in particular as referred to in Article 33.";

9. l-Artikolu 11(4) għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

10) the title of Chapter III shall be replaced by the following:

"4. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għandhom ikunu jistgħu jistabbilixxu miri ta’ prestazzjoni għal impriżi b’obbligi ta’ servizz universali. Meta jagħmlu hekk, l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għandhom jieħdu kont tal-opinjonijiet tal-partijiet interessati, partikolarment kif imsemmi fl-Artikolu 33.";

"REGULATORY CONTROLS ON UNDERTAKINGS WITH SIGNIFICANT MARKET POWER IN SPECIFIC RETAIL MARKETS";

10. it-titolu tal-Kapitolu III għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

11) Article 16 shall be deleted;

"KONTROLLI REGOLATORJI FUQ IMPRIŻI B’SETGĦA KBIRA FIS-SUQ FI SWIEQ SPEĊIFIĊI TA’ BEJGĦ BL-IMNUT";

12) Article 17 shall be amended as follows:

11. l-Artikolu 16 għandu jiġi mħassar;

(a) paragraph 1 shall be replaced by the following:

12. l-Artikolu 17 għandu jiġi emendat kif ġej:

"1. Member States shall ensure that national regulatory authorities impose appropriate regulatory obligations on undertakings identified as having significant market power on a given retail market in accordance with Article 14 of Directive 2002/21/EC (Framework Directive) where:

(a) il-paragrafu 1 għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

(a) as a result of a market analysis carried out in accordance with Article 16 of Directive 2002/21/EC (Framework Directive), a national regulatory authority determines that a given retail market identified in accordance with Article 15 of that Directive is not effectively competitive; and

"1. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jimponu obbligi regolatorji xierqa fuq dawk l-impriżi li jkunu ġew identifikati bħala li għandhom setgħa qawwija fis-suq fir-rigward ta’ suq partikolari għall-bejgħ bl-imnut skont l-Artikolu 14 tad-Direttiva 2002/21/KE (id-Direttiva Qafas) fejn:

(b) the national regulatory authority concludes that obligations imposed under Articles 9 to 13 of Directive 2002/19/EC (Access Directive) would not result in the achievement of the objectives set out in Article 8 of Directive 2002/21/EC (Framework Directive).";

(a) bħala riżultat ta’ analiżi tas-suq imwettaq skont l-Artikolu 16 tad-Direttiva 2002/21/KE (id-Direttiva Qafas), awtorità regolatorja nazzjonali tiddetermina li suq partikolari ta’ bejgħ bl-imnut identifikat skont l-Artikolu 15 ta’ dik id-Direttiva ma jkunx effettivament kompetittiv; kif ukoll

(b) paragraph 3 shall be deleted;

(b) l-awtorità regolatorja nazzjonali tikkonkludi li l-obbligi imposti skont l-Artikoli 9 sa 13 tad-Direttiva 2002/19/KE (id-Direttiva tal-Aċċess), ma jkunux ser jirriżultaw fil-kisba tal-għanijiet stabbiliti fl-Artikolu 8 tad-Direttiva 2002/21/KE (id-Direttiva Qafas).";

13) Articles 18 and 19 shall be deleted;

(b) Il-paragrafu 3 għandu jiġi mħassar;

14) Articles 20 to 23 shall be replaced by the following:

13. l-Artikoli 18 u 19 għandhom jiġu mħassra;

"Article 20

14. l-Artikoli 20 sa 23 għandhom jiġu sostitwiti b’dan li ġej:

Contracts

"Artikolu 20

1. Member States shall ensure that, when subscribing to services providing connection to a public communications network and/or publicly available electronic communications services, consumers, and other end-users so requesting, have a right to a contract with an undertaking or undertakings providing such connection and/or services. The contract shall specify in a clear, comprehensive and easily accessible form at least:

Kuntratti

(a) the identity and address of the undertaking;

1. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li, meta jabbonaw għal servizzi li jipprovdu konnessjoni lil network ta’ komunikazzjonijiet pubbliċi u/jew servizzi tal-komunikazzjoni elettronika pubblikament disponibbli, konsumaturi, u utenti oħra aħħarin li hekk jitolbu, għandhom dritt għal kuntratt ma’ impriża jew impriżi li jipprovdu tali konnessjoni u/jew servizzi. Tali kuntratt għandu mill-anqas jispeċifika f’forma ċara, komprensiva u ħafifa u aċċessibbli:

(b) the services provided, including in particular,

(a) l-identità u l-indirizz tal-impriża;

- whether or not access to emergency services and caller location information is being provided, and any limitations on the provision of emergency services under Article 26,

(b) is-servizzi provduti, inkluż b’mod partikolari:

- information on any other conditions limiting access to and/or use of services and applications, where such conditions are permitted under national law in accordance with Community law,

- jekk hux qed jingħata aċċess għal servizzi ta’ emerġenza u jekk hux qed tingħata informazzjoni dwar il-post minn fejn toriġina t-telefonata u/jew kwalunkwe limitazzjonijiet fuq l-għoti ta’ servizzi ta’ emerġenza skont l-Artikolu 26,

- the minimum service quality levels offered, namely the time for the initial connection and, where appropriate, other quality of service parameters, as defined by the national regulatory authorities,

- informazzjoni dwar kwalunkwe kondizzjoni oħra li tillimita l-aċċess għas-servizzi u l-applikazzjonijiet u/jew l-użu tagħhom, fejn dawn il-kondizzjonijiet huma permessi skont il-liġi nazzjonali konformement mal-liġi Komunitarja,

- information on any procedures put in place by the undertaking to measure and shape traffic so as to avoid filling or overfilling a network link, and information on how those procedures could impact on service quality,

- il-livelli ta’ kwalità minimi tas-servizzi offruti, inkluż iż-żmien meħtieġ għall-konnessjoni inizjali u, jekk ikun il-każ, parametri oħra ta’ kwalità tas-servizz, kif definiti mill-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali,

- the types of maintenance service offered and customer support services provided, as well as the means of contacting these services,

- informazzjoni dwar kwalunkwe proċedura mwaqqfa mill-impriża biex tkejjel u timmaniġġja t-traffiku sabiex jiġi evitat li jimtela n-network link sal-kapaċità massima tiegħu jew iżjed mill-kapaċità tiegħu u informazzjoni dwar kif dawk il-proċeduri jista’ jkollhom impatt fuq il-kwalità tas-servizz,

- any restrictions imposed by the provider on the use of terminal equipment supplied;

- it-tipi ta’ servizz ta’ manutenzjoni offruti u s-servizzi ta’ appoġġ għall-klijenti pprovduti, kif ukoll il-metodi ta’ kuntatt ma’ dawn is-servizzi,

(c) where an obligation exists under Article 25, the subscriber's options as to whether or not to include his or her personal data in a directory, and the data concerned;

- kwalunkwe restrizzjonijiet imposti mill-fornitur dwar l-użu ta’ tagħmir terminali pprovdut;

(d) details of prices and tariffs, the means by which up-to-date information on all applicable tariffs and maintenance charges may be obtained, payment methods offered and any differences in costs due to payment method;

(c) meta jeżisti obbligu taħt l-Artikolu 25, l-għażliet tal-abbonat dwar jekk tiġi inkluża jew le d-data personali tiegħu jew tagħha f’direttorju u d-data konċernata;

(e) the duration of the contract and the conditions for renewal and termination of services and of the contract, including:

(d) dettalji tal-prezzijiet u t-tariffi, inkluż il-mezzi li bihom tista’ tinkiseb informazzjoni aġġornata dwar it-tariffi u l-ħlasijiet tal-manutenzjoni kollha applikabbli, metodi ta’ pagament offruti u kwalunkwe differenzi fl-ispejjeż dovuti minħabba l-metodu tal-pagament;

- any minimum usage or duration required to benefit from promotional terms,

(e) it-tul tal-kuntratt u l-kondizzjonijiet għat-tiġdid u t-terminazzjoni tas-servizzi u tal-kuntratt, inkluż:

- any charges related to portability of numbers and other identifiers,

- kwalunkwe użu minimu meħtieġ sabiex wieħed jibbenefika minn kondizzjonijiet promozzjonali,

- any charges due on termination of the contract, including any cost recovery with respect to terminal equipment,

- kwalunke tariffi relatati mal-portabbiltà ta’ numri u identifikaturi oħra,

(f) any compensation and the refund arrangements which apply if contracted service quality levels are not met;

- kwalunke tariffi dovuti mat-terminazzjoni tal-kuntratt, inkluż kwalunkwe rkupru ta’ spiża fir-rigward ta’ tagħmir terminali;

(g) the means of initiating procedures for the settlement of disputes in accordance with Article 34;

(f) kwalunkwe kumpens u l-arranġamenti għal rifużjoni li japplikaw jekk il-livelli tal-kwalità tas-servizzi b’kuntratt ma jintlaħqux;

(h) the type of action that might be taken by the undertaking in reaction to security or integrity incidents or threats and vulnerabilities.

(g) il-mezz ta’ kif jinbdew proċeduri għar-riżoluzzjoni ta’ disputi skont l-Artikolu 34;

Member States may also require that the contract include any information which may be provided by the relevant public authorities for this purpose on the use of electronic communications networks and services to engage in unlawful activities or to disseminate harmful content, and on the means of protection against risks to personal security, privacy and personal data, referred to in Article 21(4) and relevant to the service provided.

(h) it-tip ta’ azzjoni li tista’ tittieħed mill-impriża b’reazzjoni għal inċidenti ta’ sigurtà jew integrità jew theddid u vulnerabbiltajiet.

2. Member States shall ensure that subscribers have a right to withdraw from their contract without penalty upon notice of modification to the contractual conditions proposed by the undertakings providing electronic communications networks and/or services. Subscribers shall be given adequate notice, not shorter than one month, of any such modification, and shall be informed at the same time of their right to withdraw, without penalty, from their contract if they do not accept the new conditions. Member States shall ensure that national regulatory authorities are able to specify the format of such notifications.

L-Istati Membri jistgħu jeħtieġu wkoll li l-kuntratt jinkludi kwalunkwe informazzjoni li tista’ tiġi provduta mill-awtoritajiet pubbliċi rilevanti għal dan l-iskop dwar l-użu ta’ networks u servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi biex jidħlu f’attivitajiet illegali jew biex ixerdu kontenut dannuż, u dwar il-mezzi ta’ protezzjoni kontra riskji għas-sigurtà personali, il-privatezza u data personali, imsemmija fl-Artikolu 21(4) u rilevanti għas-servizz ipprovdut.

Article 21

2. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-abbonati jkollhom id-dritt li jirtiraw il-kuntratti tagħhom mingħajr penali ma’ avviż ta’ modifiki għad-detriment tal-abbonat fil-kondizzjonijiet kuntrattwali proposti mill-impriżi li jipprovdu networks u/jew is-servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika. L-abbonati għandhom jingħataw avviż adegwat, mhux anqas minn xahar, bil-quddiem ta’ modifikazzjonijiet bħal dawk u għandhom ikunu nfurmati fl-istess waqt bid-dritt tagħhom li jirtiraw, mingħajr penalità mill-kuntratti tagħhom, jekk ma jaċċettawx il-kondizzjonijiet il-ġodda. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jkunu jistgħu jispeċifikaw tali notifiki.

Transparency and publication of information

Artikolu 21

1. Member States shall ensure that national regulatory authorities are able to oblige undertakings providing public electronic communications networks and/or publicly available electronic communications services to publish transparent, comparable, adequate and up-to-date information on applicable prices and tariffs, on any charges due on termination of a contract and on standard terms and conditions in respect of access to, and use of, services provided by them to end-users and consumers in accordance with Annex II. Such information shall be published in a clear, comprehensive and easily accessible form. National regulatory authorities may specify additional requirements regarding the form in which such information is to be published.

Trasparenza u pubblikazzjoni tal-informazzjoni

2. National regulatory authorities shall encourage the provision of comparable information to enable end-users and consumers to make an independent evaluation of the cost of alternative usage patterns, for instance by means of interactive guides or similar techniques. Where such facilities are not available on the market free of charge or at a reasonable price, Member States shall ensure that national regulatory authorities are able to make such guides or techniques available themselves or through third party procurement. Third parties shall have a right to use, free of charge, the information published by undertakings providing electronic communications networks and/or publicly available electronic communications services for the purposes of selling or making available such interactive guides or similar techniques.

1. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jkunu jistgħu jobbligaw lill-impriżi li jipprovdu networks pubbliċi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika u/jew servizzi pubbliċi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika disponibbli għall-pubbliku biex jippubblikaw informazzjoni trasparenti, komparabbli, adegwata u aġġornata dwar il-prezzijiet u t-tariffi applikabbli, kwalunkwe ħlasijiet minħabba t-terminazzjoni ta’ kuntratt u informazzjoni dwar termini u kondizzjonijiet standard fir-rigward tal-aċċess u l-użu tas-servizzi tagħhom pprovduti minnhom lill-utenti finali u lill-konsumaturi skont l-Anness II. Din l-informazzjoni għandha tkun ippubblikata f’forma ċara, komprensiva u li tkun faċilment aċċessibbli. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jistgħu jispeċifikaw rekwiżiti addizzjonali rigward il-forma li fiha tali informazzjoni għandha tiġi pubblikata.

3. Member States shall ensure that national regulatory authorities are able to oblige undertakings providing public electronic communications networks and/or publicly available electronic communications services to inter alia:

2. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għandhom jinkoraġġixxu l-forniment ta’ informazzjoni komparabbli biex l-utenti finali u l-konsumaturi jkunu jistgħu jagħmlu evalwazzjoni indipendenti tal-ispiża fuq pakketti ta’ użu alternattivi, per eżempju permezz ta’ linji gwida interattivi jew ta’ teknika simili. Meta dawn il-faċilitajiet ma jkunux disponibbli fis-suq mingħajr ħlas jew bi prezz raġonevoli, l-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jkunu kapaċi jagħmlu tali linji gwida u tali teknika disponibbli huma stess jew billi jinkarigaw partijiet terzi. Il-partijiet terzi għandu jkollhom id-dritt li jużaw mingħajr ħlas l-informazzjoni pubblikata mill-impriżi li jipprovdu networks ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi u/jew servizzi pubbliċi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi disponibbli, għall-finijiet li jbiegħu jew jagħmlu disponibbli tali linji gwida interattivi jew teknika simili.

(a) provide applicable tariff information to subscribers regarding any number or service subject to particular pricing conditions; with respect to individual categories of services, national regulatory authorities may require such information to be provided immediately prior to connecting the call;

3. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jkunu jistgħu jobbligaw lill-impriżi li jipprovdu networks tal-komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi u/jew servizzi tal-komunikazzjoni elettronika disponibbli għall-pubbliku biex inter alia:

(b) inform subscribers of any change to access to emergency services or caller location information in the service to which they have subscribed;

(a) jipprovdu informazzjoni applikabbli dwar it-tariffi lil abbonati rigward kwalunkwe numru jew servizz suġġett għal kondizzjonijiet ta’ prezzar partikolari; fir-rigward ta’ kategoriji individwali ta’ servizzi li awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jistgħu jeħtieġu li tali informazzjoni tiġi provduta immedjatament qabel ma tiġi konnessa s-sejħa;

(c) inform subscribers of any change to conditions limiting access to and/or use of services and applications, where such conditions are permitted under national law in accordance with Community law;

(b) jgħarrfu lill-abbonati dwar kwalunkwe bidla fl-aċċess għal servizzi ta’ emerġenza jew informazzjoni dwar il-post minn fejn toriġina t-telefonata fis-servizz li jkunu abbonaw għalih;

(d) provide information on any procedures put in place by the provider to measure and shape traffic so as to avoid filling or overfilling a network link, and on how those procedures could impact on service quality;

(c) jinformaw lill-abbonati dwar kwalunkwe bidla fil-kondizzjonijiet li jillimitaw l-aċċess għas-servizzi u l-applikazzjonijiet u/jew l-użu tagħhom, fejn dawn il-kondizzjonijiet huma permessi skont il-liġi nazzjonali skont il-liġi Komunitarja;

(e) inform subscribers of their right to determine whether or not to include their personal data in a directory, and of the types of data concerned, in accordance with Article 12 of Directive 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications); and

(d) jipprovdu informazzjoni dwar kwalunkwe proċedura mwaqqfa mill-fornitur biex tkejjel u timmaniġġja t-traffiku sabiex jiġi evitat milli jimtela network link sal-kapaċità massima tiegħu jew iżjed mill-kapaċità tiegħu u dwar kif dawk il-proċeduri jista’ jkollhom impatt fuq il-kwalità tas-servizz;

(f) regularly inform disabled subscribers of details of products and services designed for them.

(e) jinformaw lill-abbonati bid-dritt tagħhom li jiddeterminaw jekk jinkludux jew le data personali tagħhom f’direttorju u t-tipi ta’ data konċernata f’konformità mal-Artikolu 12 tad-Direttiva 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika); kif ukoll

If deemed appropriate, national regulatory authorities may promote self- or co-regulatory measures prior to imposing any obligation.

(f) jinfurmaw regolarment l-abbonati b’diżabbiltà bid-dettalji tal-prodotti u sevizzi maħsuba għalihom.

4. Member States may require that the undertakings referred to in paragraph 3 distribute public interest information free of charge to existing and new subscribers, where appropriate, by the same means as those ordinarily used by them in their communications with subscribers. In such a case, that information shall be provided by the relevant public authorities in a standardised format and shall, inter alia, cover the following topics:

Jekk jitqies xieraq, awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jistgħu jippromwovu miżuri awto-regolatorji jew koregolatorji qabel ma jiġi impost kwalunkwe obbligu.

(a) the most common uses of electronic communications services to engage in unlawful activities or to disseminate harmful content, particularly where it may prejudice respect for the rights and freedoms of others, including infringements of copyright and related rights, and their legal consequences; and

4. L-Istati Membri jistgħu jeħtieġu li impriżi msemmijin fil-paragrafu 3 jiddistribwixxu informazzjoni ta’ interess pubbliku lill-abbonati eżistenti u ġodda fejn ikun il-każ, permezz tal-istess mezzi li normalment jintużaw minnhom għall-komunikazzjonijiet tagħhom mal-abbonati. F’dak il-każ tali informazzjoni għandha tiġi prodotta mill-awtoritajiet pubbliċi rilevanti f’format standardizzat u għandha, inter alia, tkopri s-suġġetti li ġejjin:

(b) the means of protection against risks to personal security, privacy and personal data when using electronic communications services.

(a) l-użu l-aktar komuni ta’ servizzi tal-komunikazzjoni elettronika biex jidħlu f’attivitajiet illegali jew biex ixerdu kontenut dannuż, b’mod partikolari fejn huwa jista’ jippreġudika r-rispett għad-drittijiet u l-libertajiet tal-oħrajn, inkluż ksur ta’ drittijiet tal-awtur u drittijiet relatati, u l-konsegwenzi legali tagħhom; kif ukoll

Article 22

(b) il-mezzi ta’ protezzjoni kontra riskji għas-sigurtà personali, il-privatezza u d-data personali fl-użu ta’ servizzi tal-komunikazzjoni elettronika.

Quality of service

Artikolu 22

1. Member States shall ensure that national regulatory authorities are, after taking account of the views of interested parties, able to require undertakings that provide publicly available electronic communications networks and/or services to publish comparable, adequate and up-to-date information for end-users on the quality of their services and on measures taken to ensure equivalence in access for disabled end-users. That information shall, on request, be supplied to the national regulatory authority in advance of its publication.

Kwalità ta’ servizz

2. National regulatory authorities may specify, inter alia, the quality of service parameters to be measured and the content, form and manner of the information to be published, including possible quality certification mechanisms, in order to ensure that end-users, including disabled end-users, have access to comprehensive, comparable, reliable and user-friendly information. Where appropriate, the parameters, definitions and measurement methods set out in Annex III may be used.

1. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali, wara li jkunu ħadu kont tal-fehmiet tal-partijiet interessati, ikunu jistgħu jobbigaw lill-impriżi li jipprovdu networks u/jew servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika pubblikament disponibbli biex jippubblikaw informazzjoni komparabbli, xierqa u aġġornata għall-utenti finali dwar il-kwalità tas-servizzi tagħhom u dwar miżuri meħudin biex ikun żgurat aċċess indaqs għall-utenti finali b’diżabbiltà. Dik l-informazzjoni għandha wkoll, meta tintalab, tingħata lill-awtorità regolatorja nazzjonali qabel ma tiġi pubblikata.

3. In order to prevent the degradation of service and the hindering or slowing down of traffic over networks, Member States shall ensure that national regulatory authorities are able to set minimum quality of service requirements on an undertaking or undertakings providing public communications networks.

2. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jistgħu jispeċikaw, inter alia, il-parametri tal-kwalità tas-servizz li għandhom jiġu mkejla, u l-kontenut, forma u mod tal-informazzjoni li għandha tiġi publikata, inklużi mekkaniżmi possibbli ta’ ċertifikazzjoni ta’ kwalità, sabiex jiġi żgurat li l-utenti finali, inklużi l-utenti finali b’diżabilità, ikollhom aċċess għal informazzjoni komprensiva, komparabbli, affidabbli u faċli li tiftiehem. Fejn ikun il-każ, il-parametri, id-definizzjonijiet u l-metodu tal-kejl mogħtija fl-Anness III jistgħu jintużaw.

National regulatory authorities shall provide the Commission, in good time before setting any such requirements, with a summary of the grounds for action, the envisaged requirements and the proposed course of action. This information shall also be made available to the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC). The Commission may, having examined such information, make comments or recommendations thereupon, in particular to ensure that the envisaged requirements do not adversely affect the functioning of the internal market. National regulatory authorities shall take the utmost account of the Commission’s comments or recommendations when deciding on the requirements.

3. Sabiex tiġi evitata d-degradazzjoni tas-servizz u t-tfixkil jew r-rallentar tat-traffiku fuq in-networks, l-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jkunu jistgħu jistabbilixxu kwalità minima ta’ rekwiżiti tas-servizzi dwar impriża jew impriżi li jipprovdu networks ta’ komunikazzjonijiet pubbliċi.

Article 23

L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazjonali għandhom jipprovdu lill-Kummissjoni, fi żmien bikri biżżejjed qabel ma jistipulaw dawn ir-rekwiżiti, b’sommarju tar-raġunijiet għall-azzjoni, ir-rekwiżiti mistennija u l-pjan ta’ azzjoni propost. Din l-informazzjoni għandha tkun disponibbli wkoll għall-Korp ta’ Regolaturi Ewropej għall-Komunikazzjoni Elettronika (BEREC). Wara li tkun eżaminat din l-informazzjoni, il-Kummissjoni tista’ tirrimarka jew tagħmel xi rakkomandazzjoni dwarha, b’mod partikulari sabiex tiżgura li r-rekwiżiti previsti ma jolqtux ħażin it-tħaddim tas-suq intern. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għandhom iqisu bis-sħiħ il-kummenti jew ir-rakkomandazzjonijiet tal-Kummissjoni meta jkunu qed jiddeċiedu dwar ir-rekwiżiti.

Availability of services

Artikolu 23

Member States shall take all necessary measures to ensure the fullest possible availability of publicly available telephone services provided over public communications networks in the event of catastrophic network breakdown or in cases of force majeure. Member States shall ensure that undertakings providing publicly available telephone services take all necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted access to emergency services.";

Disponibbiltà tas-servizzi

15) the following Article shall be inserted:

L-Istati Membri għandhom jieħdu l-miżuri kollha meħtieġa biex jiżguraw id-disponibbiltà kollha possibbli tas-servizzi telefoniċi pubblikament disponibbli pprovduti fuq networks ta’ komunikazzjonijiet pubbliċi fl-eventwalità ta’ ħsara katastrofika fin-network jew f’każi ta’ force majeure. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-impriżi li jipprovdu servizzi telefoniċi pubblikament disponibbli jieħdu l-miżuri neċessarji kollha biex jiżguraw aċċess mingħajr interruzzjoni għas-servizzi ta’ emerġenza.";

"Article 23a

15. l-Artikolu li ġej għandu jiġi inserit:

Ensuring equivalence in access and choice for disabled end-users

"Artikolu 23a

1. Member States shall enable relevant national authorities to specify, where appropriate, requirements to be met by undertakings providing publicly available electronic communication services to ensure that disabled end-users:

L-iżgurar ta’ aċċess u għażla ndaqs għall-utenti finali b’diżabbiltà

(a) have access to electronic communications services equivalent to that enjoyed by the majority of end-users; and

1. L-Istati Membri għandhom jippermettu lill-awtoritajiet nazzjonali rilevanti biex jispeċifikaw, fejn ikun il-każ, ir-rekwiżiti li għandhom jiġu sodisfatti mill-impriżi li jipprovdu servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni disponibbli pubblikament biex ikun żgurat li utenti finali b’diżabbiltà:

(b) benefit from the choice of undertakings and services available to the majority of end-users.

(a) ikunu jistgħu jkollhom aċċess għal servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi li jkun daqs dak li minnu jgawdu l-maġġoranza tal-utenti finali; kif ukoll

2. In order to be able to adopt and implement specific arrangements for disabled end-users, Member States shall encourage the availability of terminal equipment offering the necessary services and functions.";

(b) jibbenefikaw mill-għażla tal-impriżi u s-servizzi disponibbli għall-maġġoranza tal-utenti finali.

16) Article 25 shall be amended as follows:

2. Sabiex ikunu jistgħu jadottaw u jimplimentaw arranġamenti speċifiċi għal utenti finali b'diżabbiltà, l-Istati Membri għandhom iħeġġu d-disponibbiltà ta’ tagħmir terminali li joffri s-servizzi u l-funzjonijiet meħtieġa.";

(a) the title shall be replaced by the following:

16. l-Artikolu 25 għandu jiġi emendat kif ġej:

"Telephone directory enquiry services";

(a) it-titolu għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

(b) paragraph 1 shall be replaced by the following:

"Servizzi ta’ konsultazzjoni tad-direttorju tat-telefon";

"1. Member States shall ensure that subscribers to publicly available telephone services have the right to have an entry in the publicly available directory referred to in Article 5(1)(a) and to have their information made available to providers of directory enquiry services and/or directories in accordance with paragraph 2.";

(b) il-paragrafu 1 għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

(c) paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 shall be replaced by the following:

"1. L-Istati Membri għandhom jassiguraw li l-abbonati ta’ servizzi pubblikament disponibbli tat-telefon ikollhom id-dritt li jkunu mniżżla fid-direttorju pubblikament disponibbli msemmi fl-Artikolu 5(1)(a) u li jkollhom l-informazzjoni tagħhom titqiegħed għad-dispożizzjoni ta’ fornituri ta’ servizzi u/jew direttorji ta’ konsultazzjoni tad-direttorju f’konformità mal-paragrafu 2.";

"3. Member States shall ensure that all end-users provided with a publicly available telephone service can access directory enquiry services. National regulatory authorities shall be able to impose obligations and conditions on undertakings that control access of end-users for the provision of directory enquiry services in accordance with the provisions of Article 5 of Directive 2002/19/EC (Access Directive). Such obligations and conditions shall be objective, equitable, non-discriminatory and transparent.

(c) il-paragrafi 3, 4 u 5 għandhom jiġu sostitwiti b’dan li ġej:

4. Member States shall not maintain any regulatory restrictions which prevent end-users in one Member State from accessing directly the directory enquiry service in another Member State by voice call or SMS, and shall take measures to ensure such access in accordance with Article 28.

"3. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-utenti finali kollha provduti b’servizz telefoniku pubblikament disponibbli jista’ jkollhom aċċess għas-servizzi ta’ konsultazzjoni tad-direttorju. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għandhom ikunu jistgħu jimponu obbligi u kondizzjonijiet fuq l-impriżi li jikkontrollaw l-aċċess għall-utenti finali għall-forniment ta’ servizzi ta’ konsultazzjoni tad-direttorju skont id-dispożizzjonijiet tal-Artikolu 5 tad-Direttiva 2002/19/KE (Direttiva dwar l-Access). Tali obbligi u kondizzjonijiet għandhom ikunu oġġettivi, ekwitabbli, non-diskrimatorji u trasparenti.

5. Paragraphs 1 to 4 shall apply subject to the requirements of Community legislation on the protection of personal data and privacy and, in particular, Article 12 of Directive 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications).";

4. L-Istati Membri m’għandhomx iżommu xi restrizzjonijiet regolatorji li jipprevjenu lill-utenti finali fi Stat Membru wieħed milli jaċċessaw direttament is-servizz ta’ konsultazzjoni tad-direttorju fi Stat Membru ieħor, permezz ta’ sejħiet bil-vuċi jew SMS, u għandhom jieħdu miżuri biex jiżguraw tali aċċess f’konformità mal-Artikolu 28.

17) Articles 26 and 27 shall be replaced by the following:

5. Il-paragrafi 1 sa 4 għandhom japplikaw suġġett għar-rekwiżiti tal-leġislazzjoni Komunitarja dwar il-ħarsien tad-data personali u l-privatezza u, b’mod partikolari, l-Artikolu 12 tad-Direttiva 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika).";

"Article 26

17. l-Artikoli 26 u 27 għandhom jiġu sostitwiti b’dan li ġej:

Emergency services and the single European emergency call number

"Article 26

1. Member States shall ensure that all end-users of the service referred to in paragraph 2, including users of public pay telephones, are able to call the emergency services free of charge and without having to use any means of payment, by using the single European emergency call number "112" and any national emergency call number specified by Member States.

Servizzi ta’ emerġenza u n-numru uniku Ewropew għal sejħiet ta’ emerġenza

2. Member States, in consultation with national regulatory authorities, emergency services and providers, shall ensure that undertakings providing end-users with an electronic communications service for originating national calls to a number or numbers in a national telephone numbering plan provide access to emergency services.

1. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li, l-utenti finali kollha tas-servizzi msemmija fil-paragrafu 2, inklużi l-utenti ta’ telefons pubbliċi bi ħlas, ikunu jistgħu jċemplu lis-servizzi ta’ emerġenza mingħajr ħlas, billi jużaw in-numru uniku Ewropew ta’ sejħiet ta’ emerġenza, in-numru "112" u numri nazzjonali ta’ sejħiet ta’ emerġenza speċifikati mill-Istati Membri.

3. Member States shall ensure that calls to the single European emergency call number "112" are appropriately answered and handled in the manner best suited to the national organisation of emergency systems. Such calls shall be answered and handled at least as expeditiously and effectively as calls to the national emergency number or numbers, where these continue to be in use.

2. L-Istati Membri, f’konsultazzjoni mal-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali, servizzi ta’ emerġenza u fornituri, għandhom jiżguraw li l-impriżi li jipprovdu lill-utenti finali b’servizz ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika għal sejħiet ta’ oriġini nazzjonali lil numru jew numri fi pjan ta’ numerazzjoni telefonika nazzjonali, jipprovdu aċċess għal servizzi ta’ emerġenza.

4. Member States shall ensure that access for disabled end-users to emergency services is equivalent to that enjoyed by other end-users. Measures taken to ensure that disabled end-users are able to access emergency services whilst travelling in other Member States shall be based to the greatest extent possible on European standards or specifications published in accordance with the provisions of Article 17 of Directive 2002/21/EC (Framework Directive), and they shall not prevent Member States from adopting additional requirements in order to pursue the objectives set out in this Article.

3. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li s-sejħiet fuq in-numru uniku Ewropew ta’ emerġenza "112" għandhom jitwieġbu b’mod xieraq u ttrattati bil-mod l-aktar adattat għall-organizzazzjoni nazzjonali tas-sistemi ta’ emerġenza. Dawn is-sejħiet għandhom jitwieġbu u jiġu ttrattati malajr u effiċjentement almenu daqs li kieku kienu sejħiet fuq in-numru jew numri nazzjonali ta’ emerġenza, fejn dawn ikunu għadhom jintużaw.

5. Member States shall ensure that undertakings concerned make caller location information available free of charge to the authority handling emergency calls as soon as the call reaches that authority. This shall apply to all calls to the single European emergency call number "112". Member States may extend this obligation to cover calls to national emergency numbers. Competent regulatory authorities shall lay down criteria for the accuracy and reliability of the caller location information provided.

4. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-aċċess għall-utenti finali b’diżabbiltà għal servizzi ta’ emerġenza jkun daqs dak li minnu jgawdu utenti finali oħrajn. Miżuri meħuda biex jiġi żgurat li l-utenti finali b’diżabbiltà jkun jista’ jkollhom aċċess għal servizzi ta’ emerġenza huma u jivvjaġġaw fi Stati Membri oħra, għandhom ikunu bbażati kemm jista’ jkun possibbli fuq standards jew speċifikazzjonijiet Ewropej ippubblikati skont id-dispożizzjonijiet tal-Artikolu 17 tad-Direttiva 2002/21/KE (Direttiva Qafas), u m’għandhomx jipprevjenu lill-Istati Membri milli jadottaw rekwiżiti addizzjonali biex isegwu l-għanijet stabbiliti f’dan l-Artikolu.

6. Member States shall ensure that citizens are adequately informed about the existence and use of the single European emergency call number "112", in particular through initiatives specifically targeting persons travelling between Member States.

5. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-impriżi konċernati jagħmlu l-informazzjoni dwar il-post minn fejn issir is-sejħa disponibbli mingħajr ħlas lill-awtorità li titratta sejħiet ta’ emerġenza malli s-sejħa tidħol għand l-awtorità. Dan għandu japplika għas-sejħiet kollha għan-numru uniku Ewropew ta’ sejħiet ta’ emerġenza "112". L-Istati Membri jistgħu jestendu dawn l-obbligi biex ikopru sejħiet għal numri nazzjonali ta’ emerġenza. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji kompetenti għandhom jistabbilixxu kriterji għall-preċiżjoni u l-affidabilità tal-informazzjoni pprovduta dwar il-post tal-oriġini tas-sejħa.

7. In order to ensure effective access to "112" services in the Member States, the Commission, having consulted BEREC, may adopt technical implementing measures. However, these technical implementing measures shall be adopted without prejudice to, and shall have no impact on, the organisation of emergency services, which remains of the exclusive competence of Member States.

6. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li ċ-ċittadini jkunu informati adegwatament dwar l-eżistenza u l-użu tan-numru uniku Ewropew għas-sejħiet ta’ emerġenza "112", b’mod partikolari permezz ta’ inizjattivi li jimmiraw speċifikament lil persuni li jivvjaġġaw bejn l-Istati Membri.

Those measures, designed to amend non-essential elements of this Directive by supplementing it, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 37(2).

7. Sabiex ikun żgurat l-aċċess effettiv għas-servizzi ta’ "112" fl-Istati Membri, il-Kummissjoni, wara konsultazzjoni mal-BEREC, tista’ tadotta miżuri implimentattivi tekniċi. Madankollu, dawn il-miżuri implimentattivi tekniċi għandhom jiġu adottati bla ħsara għall-organizzazzjoni tas-servizzi ta’ emerġenza, li għandhom jibqgħu fil-kompetenza esklussiva tal-Istati Membri, u m’għandu jkollhom l-ebda impatt fuqhom.

Article 27

Dawk il-miżuri, imfassla biex jemendaw l-elementi mhux essenzjali ta’ din id-Direttiva billi jissupplimentawha, għandhom jiġu adottati skont il-proċedura regolatorja bi skrutinju msemmija fl-Artikolu 37(2).

European telephone access codes

Artikolu 27

1. Member States shall ensure that the "00" code is the standard international access code. Special arrangements for making calls between locations adjacent to one another across borders between Member States may be established or continued. End-users in the locations concerned shall be fully informed of such arrangements.

Prefiss telefoniku Ewropej ta’ aċċess

2. A legal entity, established within the Community and designated by the Commission, shall have sole responsibility for the management, including number assignment, and promotion of the European Telephony Numbering Space (ETNS). The Commission shall adopt the necessary implementing rules.

1. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-prefiss "00" hu l-prefiss standard ta’ aċċess għan-network telefoniku internazzjonali. Jistgħu jintgħamlu jew jitkomplew arranġamenti speċjali biex isiru sejħiet bejn lokalitajiet transkonfinali qrib xulxin bejn Stati Membri. L-utenti finali fil-lokalitajiet konċernati għandhom jingħataw informazzjoni sħiħa dwar arranġamenti bħal dawn.

3. Member States shall ensure that all undertakings that provide publicly available telephone services allowing international calls handle all calls to and from the ETNS at rates similar to those applied for calls to and from other Member States.";

2. Entità legali, stabbilita fil-Komunità u maħtura mill-Kummissjoni, għandu jkollha r-responsabilità unika għall-ġestjoni, inkluża l-assenjazzjoni tan-numri, u l-promozzjoni tal-Ispazju Ewropew ta’ Numerazzjoni Telefonika (ETNS). Il-Kummissjoni għandha tadotta r-regoli meħtieġa għall-implimentazzjoni.

18) the following Article shall be inserted:

3. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-impriżi kollha li jipprovdu servizzi telefoniċi disponibbli għall-pubbliku jiġġestjonaw is-sejħiet kollha lejn l-ETNS u li joriġinaw mill-ETNS, b’rati li jkunu jixbhu ‘l dawk applikati għas-sejħiet lejn u minn Stati Membri oħra.";

"Article 27a

18. l-Artikolu li ġej għandu jiġi inserit:

Harmonised numbers for harmonised services of social value, including the missing children hotline number

"Artikolu 27a

1. Member States shall promote the specific numbers in the numbering range beginning with "116" identified by Commission Decision 2007/116/EC of 15 February 2007 on reserving the national numbering range beginning with "116" for harmonised numbers for harmonised services of social value []. They shall encourage the provision within their territory of the services for which such numbers are reserved.

Numri armonizzati għal servizzi armonizzati ta’ valur soċjali, inkluż in-numru hotline għat-tfal nieqsa

2. Member States shall ensure that disabled end-users are able to access services provided under the "116" numbering range to the greatest extent possible. Measures taken to facilitate disabled end-users' access to such services whilst travelling in other Member States shall be based on compliance with relevant standards or specifications published in accordance with Article 17 of Directive 2002/21/EC (Framework Directive).

1. L-Istati Membri għandhom jippromwovu n-numri speċifiċi fil-firxa ta’ numri li jibdew b’ "116" identifikati mid-Deċiżjoni tal-Kummissjoni 2007/116/KE tal- 15 ta’ Frar 2007 dwar ir-riżervar tal-firxa ta’ numri nazzjonali li jibdew b’ "116" għal numri armonizzati għal servizzi armonizzati ta’ valur soċjali []. Huma għandhom iħeġġu l-forniment fit-territorju tagħhom tas-servizzi li għalihom huma rriżervati tali numri.

3. Member States shall ensure that citizens are adequately informed of the existence and use of services provided under the "116" numbering range, in particular through initiatives specifically targeting persons travelling between Member States.

2. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-utenti finali b’diżabbiltà jkun jista’ jkollhom l-akbar aċċess possibbli għal servizzi pprovduti taħt il-firxa ta’ numri "116". Miżuri meħuda biex jiffaċilitaw li l-utenti finali b’diżabbiltà jkollhom aċċess għal servizzi waqt li jivvjaġġaw fi Stati Membri oħra għandhom ikunu konformi mal-istandards jew l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet rilevanti pubblikati skont id-dispożizzjonijiet tal-Artikolu 17 tad-Direttiva 2002/21/KE (Direttiva Qafas).

4. Member States shall, in addition to measures of general applicability to all numbers in the "116" numbering range taken pursuant to paragraphs 1, 2, and 3, make every effort to ensure that citizens have access to a service operating a hotline to report cases of missing children. The hotline shall be available on the number "116000".

3. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li ċ-ċittadini jkunu informati adegwatament dwar l-eżistenza u l-użu ta’ servizzi previsti taħt il-firxa ta’ numri "116", b’mod partikolari permezz ta’ inizjattivi speċifkament immirati għal persuni li jivvjaġġaw bejn l-Istati Membri.

5. In order to ensure the effective implementation of the "116" numbering range, in particular the missing children hotline number "116000", in the Member States, including access for disabled end-users when travelling in other Member States, the Commission, having consulted BEREC, may adopt technical implementing measures. However, these technical implementing measures shall be adopted without prejudice to, and shall have no impact on, the organisation of these services, which remains of the exclusive competence of Member States.

4. L-Istati Membri għandhom, barra minn miżuri ta’ applikabbiltà ġenerali lin-numri kollha fil-firxa ta’ numri "116" meħuda f’konformità mal-paragrafi 1, 2, u 3, jagħmlu kull sforz biex jiżguraw li ċ-ċittadini jkollhom aċċess għal servizz li jopera hotline biex jirrapporta każijiet ta’ tfal nieqsa. Il-hotline għandu jkun disoponibbli fuq in-numru 116000.

Those measures, designed to amend non-essential elements of this Directive by supplementing it, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 37(2).

5. Sabiex tiżgura l-implimentazzjoni effettiva tal-firxa ta’ numri li jibdew bil-"116", b’mod partikolari tal-linja diretta għar-rappurtar ta’ tfal nieqsa "116000", fl-Istati Membri, inkluż l-aċċess għall-utenti finali b’diżabbiltà meta dawn ikunu qed jivvjaġġaw fi Stati Membri oħra, il-Kummissjoni, wara li tikkonsulta lill-BEREC, tista’ tadotta miżuri implimentattivi tekniċi. Madankollu, dawn il-miżuri implimentattivi tekniċi għandhom jiġu adottati bla ħsara għall-organizzazzjoni ta’ dawn is-servizzi, li għandhom jibqgħu fil-kompetenza esklussiva tal-Istati Membri, u m’għandu jkollhom l-ebda impatt fuqhom.

19) Article 28 shall be replaced by the following:

Dawk il-miżuri, imfassla biex jemendaw l-elementi mhux essenzjali ta’ din id-Direttiva billi jissupplimentawha, għandhom jiġu adottati skont il-proċedura regolatorja bi skrutinju msemmija fl-Artikolu 37(2).

"Article 28

19. L-Artikolu 28 għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

Access to numbers and services

"Artikolu 28

1. Member States shall ensure that, where technically and economically feasible, and except where a called subscriber has chosen for commercial reasons to limit access by calling parties located in specific geographical areas, relevant national authorities take all necessary steps to ensure that end-users are able to:

Aċċess għal numri u servizzi

(a) access and use services using non-geographic numbers within the Community; and

1. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li, fejn teknikament u ekonomikament fattibbli, u bl-eċċezzjoni ta’ meta abbonat imsejjaħ, għal raġunijiet kummerċjali, għażel li jillimita aċċess billi jsejjaħ partijiet li jinsabu f’żoni ġeografiċi speċifiċi, awtoritajiet nazzjonali rilevanti jieħdu l-passi kollha meħtieġa biex jiżguraw li l-utenti finali jkunu jistgħu:

(b) access all numbers provided in the Community, regardless of the technology and devices used by the operator, including those in the national numbering plans of Member States, those from the ETNS and Universal International Freephone Numbers (UIFN).

(a) jkollhom aċċess u jużaw servizzi bl-użu ta’ numri non-ġeografiċi fil-Komunità; kif ukoll

2. Member States shall ensure that the relevant authorities are able to require undertakings providing public communications networks and/or publicly available electronic communications services to block, on a case-by-case basis, access to numbers or services where this is justified by reasons of fraud or misuse and to require that in such cases providers of electronic communications services withhold relevant interconnection or other service revenues.";

(b) ikollhom aċċess għan-numri kollha provduti fil-Komunità, irrispettivament mit-teknoloġija u t-tagħmir użat mill-operatur, inklużi dawk fil-pjani ta’ numerazzjoni tal-Istati Membri, dawk mill-ETNS u n-Numri għal Sejħiet bla Ħlas Internazzjonali Universali (UIFN).

20) Article 29 shall be amended as follows:

2. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-awtoritajiet rilevanti jkunu jistgħu jeħtieġu lil-impriżi li jipprovdu networks ta’ komunikazzjonijiet pubbliċi u/jew servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika disponibbli pubblikament biex jimblukkaw fuq bażi każ b'każ, l-aċċess għal numri jew servizzi meta dan ikun ġustifikat għal raġunijiet ta’ frodi jew użu ħażin, u li jeħtieġu li f’tali każijiet fornituri ta’ servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika jżommu interkonnessjoni rilevanti jew dħul ieħor minn sevizzi.";

(a) paragraph 1 shall be replaced by the following:

20. l-Artikolu 29 għandu jiġi emendat kif ġej:

"1. Without prejudice to Article 10(2), Member States shall ensure that national regulatory authorities are able to require all undertakings that provide publicly available telephone services and/or access to public communications networks to make available all or part of the additional facilities listed in Part B of Annex I, subject to technical feasibility and economic viability, as well as all or part of the additional facilities listed in Part A of Annex I.";

(a) il-paragrafu 1 għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

(b) paragraph 3 shall be deleted;

"1. Bla ħsara għall-Artikolu 10(2), l-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jkunu jistgħu jobbligaw lill-impriżi kollha li jipprovdu servizzi telefoniċi disponibbli għall-pubbliku u/jew aċċess għal networks pubbliċi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet, biex jagħmlu disponibbli lill-utenti finali l-faċilitajiet ulterjuri kollha, jew parti minnhom, elenkati fil-Parti B tal-Anness I, bla ħsara għall-fattibbiltà u l-vijabbiltà ekonomika, kif ukoll il-faċilitajiet ulterjuri kollha mniżżla fil-Parti A tal-Anness I, jew parti minnhom.";

21) Article 30 shall be replaced by the following:

(b) Il-paragrafu 3 għandu jitħassar;

"Article 30

21. L-Artikolu 30 għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

Facilitating change of provider

"Artikolu 30

1. Member States shall ensure that all subscribers with numbers from the national telephone numbering plan who so request can retain their number(s) independently of the undertaking providing the service in accordance with the provisions of Part C of Annex I.

Iffaċilitar ta’ bdil minn fornitur għal ieħor

2. National regulatory authorities shall ensure that pricing between operators and/or service providers related to the provision of number portability is cost-oriented, and that direct charges to subscribers, if any, do not act as a disincentive for subscribers against changing service provider.

1. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-abbonati kollha b’numri mill-pjan nazzjonali ta’ numerazzjoni telefonika jistgħu jżommu, jekk jitolbu dan, in-numru/i tagħhom indipendentement mill-impriża li tipprovdi s-servizz skont id-dispożizzjonijiet tal-Parti C tal-Anness I.

3. National regulatory authorities shall not impose retail tariffs for the porting of numbers in a manner that would distort competition, such as by setting specific or common retail tariffs.

2. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għandhom jiżguraw li l-prezz bejn l-operaturi u/jew il-fornituri tas-servizz relatat mal-forniment tal-portabbiltà tan-numru ikun orjentat lejn l-ispejjeż u li l-ħlasijiet diretti għall-abbonati, jekk ikun hemm, ma’ jkunx ta’ diżinċentiv għall-abbonati għall-bdil minn fornitur għall-ieħor.

4. Porting of numbers and their subsequent activation shall be carried out within the shortest possible time. In any case, subscribers who have concluded an agreement to port a number to a new undertaking shall have that number activated within one working day.

3. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali m’għandhomx jimponu tariffi bl-imnut għall-portabilità tan-numri b’mod li jgħawġu il-kompetizzjoni, bħal per eżempju billi jiffissaw tariffi bl-imnut speċifiċi jew komuni.

Without prejudice to the first subparagraph, competent national authorities may establish the global process of porting of numbers, taking into account national provisions on contracts, technical feasibility and the need to maintain continuity of service to the subscriber. In any event, loss of service during the process of porting shall not exceed one working day. Competent national authorities shall also take into account, where necessary, measures ensuring that subscribers are protected throughout the switching process and are not switched to another provider against their will.

4. Il-portabbiltà tan-numri u l-attivazzjoni sussegwenti tagħhom għandhom jiġu implimentati fl-iqsar żmien possibbli. Fi kwalunkwe każ, l-abbonati li jkunu kkonkludew ftehim dwar il-portabilità ta’ numru għal impriża ġdida għandu jkollhom dak in-numru attivat fi żmien ġurnata tax-xogħol.

Member States shall ensure that appropriate sanctions on undertakings are provided for, including an obligation to compensate subscribers in case of delay in porting or abuse of porting by them or on their behalf.

Bla ħsara għall-ewwel subparagrafu, l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jistgħu jistabbilixxu l-proċess globali tal-portabbiltà tan-numri, b’kont meħud tad-dispożizzjonijiet nazzjonali dwar il-kuntratti, il-fattibbiltà teknika u l-ħtieġa li tinżamm il-kontinwità tas-servizz lill-abbonat. Fi kwalunkwe każ, il-waqfien tas-ervizz waqt il-proċess tal-porting m’għandux jeċċedi ġurnata xogħol. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji kompetenti għandhom iqisu wkoll, fejn ikun meħtieġ, miżuri biex jiżguraw li l-abbonati jkunu protetti matul il-proċess kollu ta’ kommutazzjoni u li ma jinbidlilhomx il-fornitur kontra r-rieda tagħhom.

5. Member States shall ensure that contracts concluded between consumers and undertakings providing electronic communications services do not mandate an initial commitment period that exceeds 24 months. Member States shall also ensure that undertakings offer users the possibility to subscribe to a contract with a maximum duration of 12 months.

L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li jkunu previsti sanzjonijiet xierqa fuq l-impriżi, inkluż l-obbligu li jagħtu kumpens lill-abbonati fil-każ ta’ dewmien fil-portabilità jew abbuż waqt li ssir il-portabilità minnhom jew f’isimhom.

6. Without prejudice to any minimum contractual period, Member States shall ensure that conditions and procedures for contract termination do not act as a disincentive against changing service provider.";

5. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li kuntratti konklużi bejn il-konsumaturi u l-impriżi li jipprovdu servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika ma jagħtux mandat għal perijodu iniżjali ta’ impenn li jeċċedi 24 xahar. L-Istati Membri jridu wkoll jiżguraw li l-impriżi joffru lill-utenti l-possibilità li jabbonaw b’kuntratt bi żmien massimu ta’ 12-il xahar.

22) Article 31(1) shall be replaced by the following:

6. Bla ħsara għal kwalunkwe perijodu kuntrattwali minimu, l-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-kondizzjonijiet u l-proċeduri għat-terminazzjoni ta’ kuntratt ma jkunux ta’ diżinċentiv għall-bdil ta’ fornituri ta’ servizzi.";

"1. Member States may impose reasonable "must carry" obligations, for the transmission of specified radio and television broadcast channels and complementary services, particularly accessibility services to enable appropriate access for disabled end-users, on undertakings under their jurisdiction providing electronic communications networks used for the distribution of radio or television broadcast channels to the public where a significant number of end-users of such networks use them as their principal means to receive radio and television broadcast channels. Such obligations shall only be imposed where they are necessary to meet general interest objectives as clearly defined by each Member State and shall be proportionate and transparent.

22. l-Artikolu 31(1) għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

The obligations referred to in the first subparagraph shall be reviewed by the Member States at the latest within one year of 25 May 2011, except where Member States have carried out such a review within the previous two years.

"1. L-Istati Membri jistgħu jimponu obbligi raġonevoli ta’ trażmissjoni (must carry), għat-trażmissjoni ta’ servizzi speċifiċi ta’ radju u kanali ta’ trasmissjoni televiżiva u servizzi komplimentari, b’mod partikolari servizzi ta’ aċessibbiltà biex jippermettu aċċess xieraq għal utenti b'diżabbiltà, fuq impriżi taħt il-ġurisdizzjoni tagħhom li jipprovdu networks ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi wżati għad-distribuzzjoni ta’ servizzi tar-radju jew ta’ kanali ta’ trasmissjoni televiżiva lill-pubbliku fejn numru sinifikanti ta’ utenti finali ta’ tali networks jużawhom bħala l-mezzi prinċipali tagħhom biex jirċievu servizzi bir-radju u kanali ta’ trażmissjoni televiżiva. Tali obbligi għandhom jiġu imposti biss meta jkunu meħtieġa biex jilħqu l-għanijiet ta’ interess ġenerali kif definiti b’mod ċar minn kull Stat Membru u għandhom ikunu proporzjonati u trasparenti.

Member States shall review "must carry" obligations on a regular basis.";

L-obbligi msemmija fl-ewwel subparagrafu għandhom jiġu eżaminati mill-Istati Membri mhux aktar tard minn sena wara mill- 25 ta’ Mejju 2011., ħlief meta l-Istat Membru jkun implimenta dan l-eżaminar fis-sentejn preċedenti.

23) Article 33 shall be amended as follows:

L-Istati Membri għandhom jeżaminaw obbligi ta’ trażmissjoni "must carry" fuq bazi regolari.";

(a) paragraph 1 shall be replaced by the following:

23. l-Artikolu 33 għandu jiġi emendat kif ġej:

"1. Member States shall ensure as far as appropriate that national regulatory authorities take account of the views of end-users, consumers (including, in particular, disabled consumers), manufacturers and undertakings that provide electronic communications networks and/or services on issues related to all end-user and consumer rights concerning publicly available electronic communications services, in particular where they have a significant impact on the market.

(a) il-paragrafu 1 għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

In particular, Member States shall ensure that national regulatory authorities establish a consultation mechanism ensuring that in their decisions on issues related to end-user and consumer rights concerning publicly available electronic communications services, due consideration is given to consumer interests in electronic communications.";

"1. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw sa fejn xieraq li l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jieħdu kont tal-opinjonijiet tal-utenti finali, l-konsumaturi (inklużi, b’mod partikolari, konsumaturi b’diżabbiltà), manifatturi u impriżi li jfornu networks u/jew servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika dwar kwistjonijiet li jirrelataw mad-drittijiet kollha tal-utenti finali u konsumaturi li jikkonċernaw servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi pubblikament disponibbli, b’mod partikolari fejn ikun hemm impatt sinifikanti fuq is-suq.

(b) the following paragraph shall be added:

B’mod partikolari, l-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jistabbilixxu mekkaniżmu ta’ konsultazzjoni li jiżgura li fid-deċiżjonijiet tagħhom dwar kwistjonijiet relatati mad-drittijet tal-utent aħħari u tal-konsumatur li jikkonċernaw servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi disponibbli pubblikament, tingħata konsiderazzjoni dovuta lill-interessi tal-konsumatur f’komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi.";

"3. Without prejudice to national rules in conformity with Community law promoting cultural and media policy objectives, such as cultural and linguistic diversity and media pluralism, national regulatory authorities and other relevant authorities may promote cooperation between undertakings providing electronic communications networks and/or services and sectors interested in the promotion of lawful content in electronic communication networks and services. That cooperation may also include coordination of the public interest information to be provided pursuant to Article 21(4) and the second subparagraph of Article 20(1).";

(b) il-paragrafu li ġej għandu jiġi miżjud:

24) Article 34(1) shall be replaced by the following:

"3. Bla ħsara għar-regoli nazzjonali f’konformità mal-liġi Komunitarja li tippromwovi objettivi kulturali u ta’ politika dwar il-media, bħad-diversità kulturali u lingwistika u l-pluraliżmu tal-midja, awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali u awtoritajiet rilevanti oħra jistgħu jippromwovu kooperazzjoni bejn impriżi li jipprovdu networks u/jew servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika u s-setturi interessati fil-promozzjoni ta’ kontenut legali f’networks u servizzi tal-komunikazzjoni elettronika. Dik il-kooperazzjoni tista’ tinkludi wkoll koordinazzjoni tal-informazzjoni ta’ interess pubbliku li għandha ssir disponibbli skont l-Artikolu 21(4) u t-tieni subparagrafu tal-Artikolu 20(1).";

"1. Member States shall ensure that transparent, non-discriminatory, simple and inexpensive out-of-court procedures are available for dealing with unresolved disputes between consumers and undertakings providing electronic communications networks and/or services arising under this Directive and relating to the contractual conditions and/or performance of contracts concerning the supply of those networks and/or services. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that such procedures enable disputes to be settled fairly and promptly and may, where warranted, adopt a system of reimbursement and/or compensation. Such procedures shall enable disputes to be settled impartially and shall not deprive the consumer of the legal protection afforded by national law. Member States may extend these obligations to cover disputes involving other end-users.";

24. l-Artikolu 34(1) għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

25) Article 35 shall be replaced by the following:

"1. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li proċeduri barra l-qorti mhux diskriminatorji, sempliċi, trasparenti u li ma jkunux għaljin ikunu disponibbli għall-ittrattar ta’ disputi bejn il-konsumaturi u l-impriżi li jipprovdu networks u/jew servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika li jirriżultaw taħt din id-Direttiva, li dwarhom ma tkunx intlaħqet soluzzjoni, li jkun dwar il-kondizzjonijiet kuntrattwali u/jew il-prestazzjoni ta’ kuntratti li jikkonċernaw il-forniment ta’ dawn in-networks u servizzi. L-Istati Membri għandhom jadottaw miżuri biex jiżguraw li dawn il-proċeduri jippermettu li d-disputi jiġu solvuti b’mod ġust u rapidu u jistgħu, fejn ġustifikat, jadottaw sistema ta’ rimborż u/jew kumpens. Proċeduri bħal dawn għandhom jagħmluha possibbli li t-tilwimiet jiġu solvuti b’mod imparzjali u m’għandhomx iċaħħdu lill-konsumatur mill-protezzjoni legali mogħtija mil-liġi nazzjonali. L-Istati Membri jistgħu jestendu dawn l-obbligi biex ikopru kwistjonijiet li jinvolvu utenti finali oħra.";

"Article 35

25. L-Artikolu 35 għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

Adaptation of annexes

"Artikolu 35

Measures designed to amend non-essential elements of this Directive and necessary to adapt Annexes I, II, III, and VI to technological developments or changes in market demand shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 37(2).";

Adattament tal-annessi

26) Article 36(2) shall be replaced by the following:

Il-miżuri mfassla biex jemendaw elementi mhux essenzjali ta’ din id-Direttiva u meħtieġa biex jiġu adattati l-Annessi I, II, III, u VI għall-iżviluppi teknoloġiċi u għall-bidliet fid-domanda tas-suq għandhom jiġu adottati mill-Kummissjoni skont il-proċedura regolatorji bi skrutinju msemmija fl-Artikolu 37(2).";

"2. National regulatory authorities shall notify to the Commission the universal service obligations imposed upon undertakings designated as having universal service obligations. Any changes affecting these obligations or of the undertakings affected under the provisions of this Directive shall be notified to the Commission without delay.";

26. l-Artikolu 36(2) għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

27) Article 37 shall be replaced by the following:

"2. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għandhom jinnotifikaw lill-Kummissjoni bl-obbligi ta’ servizz universali imposti fuq l-impriżi maħtura bħala impriżi li jkollhom obbligi ta’ servizz universali. Kwalunkwe tibdil li jaffettwa dawn l-obbligi imposti fuq l-impriżi jew tal-impriżi effettwati taħt id-dispożizzjonijiet ta’ din id-Direttiva, għandu jiġi nnotifikat lill-Kummissjoni mingħajr dewmien.";

"Article 37

27. L-Artikolu 37 għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

Committee procedure

"Artikolu 37

1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Communications Committee set up under Article 22 of Directive 2002/21/EC (Framework Directive).

Il-proċedura tal-Kumitat

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5a(1) to (4) and Article 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.";

1. Il-Kummissjoni għandha tkun assistia mill-Kumitat tal-Komunikazzjoni stabbilit taħt Artikolu 22 tad-Direttiva 2002/21/KE (id-Direttiva Qafas).

28) Annexes I, II, III shall be replaced by the text appearing in Annex I to this Directive, and Annex VI shall be replaced by the text appearing in Annex II to this Directive;

2. Meta ssir referenza għal dan il-paragrafu, għandhom japplikaw l-Artikolu 5a(1) sa (4), u l-Artikolu 7 tad-Deċiżjoni 1999/468/KE, wara li jkunu ġew ikkunsidrati d-dispożizzjonijiet tal-Artikolu 8 tagħha.";

29) Annex VII shall be deleted.

28. L-Annessi I, II, III għandhom jiġu sostitwiti bit-test li jidher fl-Anness I ta’ din id-Direttiva u l-Anness VI għandu jkun sostitwit bit-test li jidher fl-Anness II għal din id-Direttiva;

Article 2

29. Anness VII għandu jiġi mħassar.

Amendments to Directive 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications)

Artikolu 2

Directive 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications) is hereby amended as follows:

Emendament tad-Direttiva 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika)

1) Article 1(1) shall be replaced by the following:

Id-Direttiva 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika) hija b’dan emendata kif ġej:

"1. This Directive provides for the harmonisation of the national provisions required to ensure an equivalent level of protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, and in particular the right to privacy and confidentiality, with respect to the processing of personal data in the electronic communication sector and to ensure the free movement of such data and of electronic communication equipment and services in the Community.";

1. l-Artikolu 1(1) għandhu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

2) Article 2 shall be amended as follows:

"1. Din id-Direttiva tipprevedi l-armonizzazzjoni tad-dispożizzjonijiet tal-Istati Membri meħtieġa biex jiġi żgurat livell ekwivalenti ta’ protezzjoni ta’ drittijiet u libertajiet fundamentali, partikolarment id-dritt għall-privatezza u l-kunfidenzjalità, fir-rigward tal-ipproċessar tad-data personali fis-settur tal-komunikazzjoni elettronika u sabiex jiġi żgurat il-moviment liberu ta’ tali data u tat-tagħmir u s-servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika fil-Komunità.";

(a) point (c) shall be replaced by the following:

2. l-Artikolu 2 għandu jiġi emendat kif ġej:

"(c) "location data" means any data processed in an electronic communications network or by an electronic communications service, indicating the geographic position of the terminal equipment of a user of a publicly available electronic communications service;";

(a) il-punt (c) għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

(b) point (e) shall be deleted;

"(c) "data dwar is-sit" tfisser data pproċessata f’network ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika jew minn servizz ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika, li tindika il-pożizzjoni ġeografika tat-tagħmir terminali ta’ utent ta’ servizz ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika disponibbli pubblikament;";

(c) the following point shall be added:

(b) il-punt (e) għandu jiġi mħassar;

"(h) "personal data breach" means a breach of security leading to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal data transmitted, stored or otherwise processed in connection with the provision of a publicly available electronic communications service in the Community.";

(c) il-punt li ġej għandu jiżdied:

3) Article 3 shall be replaced by the following:

"(h) "ksur ta’ data personali" tfisser ksur tas-sigurtà li jwassal għall-qerda, it-telf, l-alterazzjoni, l-iżvelar mhux awtorizzat b’mod aċċidentali jew illegali ta', jew l-aċċess għal, data personali mibgħuta, maħżuna jew ipproċessata b’mod ieħor f’konnessjoni mal-provvediment ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika disponibbli pubblikament fil-Komunità.";

"Article 3

3. L-Artikolu 3 għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

Services concerned

"Artikolu 3

This Directive shall apply to the processing of personal data in connection with the provision of publicly available electronic communications services in public communications networks in the Community, including public communications networks supporting data collection and identification devices.";

Servizzi konċernati

4) Article 4 shall be amended as follows:

Din id-Direttiva għandha tapplika għall-ipproċessar ta’ data personali f’konnessjoni mal-forniment ta’ servizzi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi pubblikament disponibbli f’networks ta’ komunikazzjonijiet pubbliċi fil-Komunità, inklużi n-networks ta’ komunikazzjonijiet pubbliċi li jsostnu l-ġbir tad-data u l-apparat ta’ identifikazzjoni.";

(a) the title shall be replaced by the following:

4. l-Artikolu 4 għandu jiġi emendat kif ġej:

"Security of processing";

(a) it-titolu għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

(b) the following paragraph shall be inserted:

"Sigurtà ta’ pproċessar";

"1a. Without prejudice to Directive 95/46/EC, the measures referred to in paragraph 1 shall at least:

(b) il-paragrafu li ġej għandu jiġi miżjud:

- ensure that personal data can be accessed only by authorised personnel for legally authorised purposes,

"1a. Mingħajr ħsara għad-Direttiva 95/46/KE, il-miżuri msemmija f’Paragrafu 1 għandhom għall-inqas:

- protect personal data stored or transmitted against accidental or unlawful destruction, accidental loss or alteration, and unauthorised or unlawful storage, processing, access or disclosure, and,

- jassiguraw li d-data personali tkun tista’ tiġi aċċessata biss minn persunal awtorizzat u għal raġunijiet awtorizzati legalment;

- ensure the implementation of a security policy with respect to the processing of personal data,

- jipproteġu d-data personali maħżuna jew trażmessa mill-qerda aċċidentali jew illegali, it-telf jew tibdil aċċidentali, u l-ħżin, l-ipproċessar, l-aċċess jew l-iżvelar mhux awtorizzati jew illegali; kif ukoll

Relevant national authorities shall be able to audit the measures taken by providers of publicly available electronic communication services and to issue recommendations about best practices concerning the level of security which those measures should achieve.";

- jassiguraw l-implimentazzjoni ta’ politika ta’ sigurtà fir-rigward tal-ipproċessar tad-data personali.

(c) the following paragraphs shall be added:

L-awtoritajiet nazzjonali relevanti għandhom ikunu jistgħu jivverifikaw il-miżuri li jkunu ttieħdu mill-fornituri ta’ servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika aċċessibbli għall-pubbliku u joħorġu rakkomandazzjonijiet dwar l-aħjar prattika fir-rigward tal-livell ta’ sigurtà li għandhom jiksbu dawn il-miżuri.";

"3. In the case of a personal data breach, the provider of publicly available electronic communications services shall, without undue delay, notify the personal data breach to the competent national authority.

(c) il-paragrafi li ġejjin għandhom jiġu miżjuda:

When the personal data breach is likely to adversely affect the personal data or privacy of a subscriber or individual, the provider shall also notify the subscriber or individual of the breach without undue delay.

"3. Fil-każ ta’ ksur ta’ data personali l-fornitur ta’ servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika pubblikament disponibbli konċernat jew is-servizzi tas-soċjetà tal-informazzjoni kkonċernati għandhom, mingħajr dewmien żejjed, jinnotifkaw il-ksur tad-data personali lill-awtorità nazzjonali kompetenti.

Notification of a personal data breach to a subscriber or individual concerned shall not be required if the provider has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the competent authority that it has implemented appropriate technological protection measures, and that those measures were applied to the data concerned by the security breach. Such technological protection measures shall render the data unintelligible to any person who is not authorised to access it.

Meta l-ksur tad-data personali jista’ jaffettwa ħażin l-abbonat jew id-data personali jew il-privatezza tal-individwu, il-fornitur għandu wkoll jinnotifika l-abbonat ikkonċernat jew lill-individwu b’tali ksur mingħajr dewmien żejjed.

Without prejudice to the provider's obligation to notify subscribers and individuals concerned, if the provider has not already notified the subscriber or individual of the personal data breach, the competent national authority, having considered the likely adverse effects of the breach, may require it to do so.

Ma għandhiex tkun meħtieġa notifika ta’ ksur ta’ data personali lilll-abbonat jew lill-individwu ikkonċernat jekk il-fornitur ikun wera lill-awtorità kompetenti li jkun implimenta l-miżuri ta’ protezzjoni teknoloġiċi adatti, u li dawk il-miżuri ġew applikati għad-data kkonċernata mill-ksur tas-sigurtà. Tali miżuri ta’ protezzjoni teknoloġiċi għandhom irendu d-data indeċifrabbli għal kull persuna li ma tkunx awtorizzata li jkollha aċċess għaliha.

The notification to the subscriber or individual shall at least describe the nature of the personal data breach and the contact points where more information can be obtained, and shall recommend measures to mitigate the possible adverse effects of the personal data breach. The notification to the competent national authority shall, in addition, describe the consequences of, and the measures proposed or taken by the provider to address, the personal data breach.

Mingħajr ħsara għall-obbligu tal-fornitur li jinnotifika lill-abbonati jew lill-individwi ikkonċernati, jekk fornitur ma jkunx diġa nnotifika lill-abbonat jew individwu dwar ksur ta’ data personali, l-awtorità nazzjonali kompetenti, wara li tkun ikkunsdrat l-effeti negattivi li jista’ jkollu l-ksur, tista’ tirrikjedi lill-fornitur biex jagħmel dan.

4. Subject to any technical implementing measures adopted under paragraph 5, the competent national authorities may adopt guidelines and, where necessary, issue instructions concerning the circumstances in which providers are required to notify personal data breaches, the format of such notification and the manner in which the notification is to be made. They shall also be able to audit whether providers have complied with their notification obligations under this paragraph, and shall impose appropriate sanctions in the event of a failure to do so.

In-notifika lill-abbonat jew individwu għandha mill-inqas tiddeskrivi n-natura tal-ksur tad-data personali u l-punti ta’ kuntatt fejn tista’ tinkiseb aktar informazzjoni, u għandha tirrakkomanda miżuri biex itaffu l-effetti negattivi possibbli tal-ksur tad-data personali. In-notifika lill-awtorità nazzjonali kompetenti għandha, barra minn dan, tiddeskrivi l-konsegwenzi ta’ u l-miżuri proposti jew meħuda mill-fornitur biex jiġi ttrattat il-ksur tad-data personali.

Providers shall maintain an inventory of personal data breaches comprising the facts surrounding the breach, its effects and the remedial action taken which shall be sufficient to enable the competent national authorities to verify compliance with the provisions of paragraph 3. The inventory shall only include the information necessary for this purpose.

4. Suġġett għal kwalunkwe miżuri tekniċi ta’ implimentazzjoni adottati skont il-paragrafu 5, l-awtoritajiet nazzjonali kompetenti jistgħu jadottaw linji gwida u, fejn meħtieġ, joħorġu struzzjonijiet dwar iċ-ċirkostanzi li fihom il-fornituri huma meħtieġa li jinnotifikaw ksur tad-data personali, il-format ta’ tali notifika u l-proċeduri tan-notifika. Huma għandhom jissorveljaw ukoll jekk il-fornituri jkunux issodisfaw l-obbligi tagħhom tan-notifika skont dan il-paragrafu, u fil-każ li dan ma jkunx sar, għandhom jimponu sanzjonijiet adegwati.

5. In order to ensure consistency in implementation of the measures referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4, the Commission may, following consultation with the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA), the Working Party on the Protection of Individuals with regard to the Processing of Personal Data established by Article 29 of Directive 95/46/EC and the European Data Protection Supervisor, adopt technical implementing measures concerning the circumstances, format and procedures applicable to the information and notification requirements referred to in this Article. When adopting such measures, the Commission shall involve all relevant stakeholders particularly in order to be informed of the best available technical and economic means of implementation of this Article.

Il-fornituri għandhom iżommu inventarju tal-każijiet ta’ ksur ta’ data personali, li jkun jinkludi l-fatti ta’ dawn il-każijiet ta’ ksur, l-effetti tagħhom u l-azzjoni li ttieħdet biex jingħata rimedju, li għandu jkun biżżejjed sabiex l-awtoritajiet nazzjonali kompetenti jkunu jistgħu jivverifikaw il-konformità mad-dispożizzjonijiet tal-paragrafu 3. L-inventarju għandu jinkludi biss l-informazzjoni meħtieġa għal dan l-iskop.

Those measures, designed to amend non-essential elements of this Directive by supplementing it, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 14a(2).";

5. Sabiex tiġi żgurata konsistenza fl-implimentazzjoni tal-miżuri msemmija fil-paragrafi 2, 3 u 4, il-Kummissjoni tista’, wara konsultazzjoni mal-Aġenzija Ewropea dwar is-Sigurtà tan-Networks u l-Informazzjoni (ENISA), il-Grupp ta’ Ħidma dwar il-Protezzjoni ta’ Individwi rigward l-Ipproċessar ta’ Data Personali mwaqqaf mill-Artikolu 29 tad-Direttiva 95/46/KE u l-Kontrollur Ewropew għall-Protezzjoni tad-Data, tadotta miżuri ta’ implimentazzjoni tekniċi li jikkonċernaw, iċ-ċirkostanzi, il-format u l-proċeduri applikabbli għar-rekwiżiti ta’ informazzjoni u notifika msemmija f’dan l-Artikolu. Il-Kummissjoni għandha tinvolvi lill-partijiet interessati kollha, partikolarment sabiex tkun infurmata dwar l-aħjar mezzi tekniċi u ekonomiċi disponibbli għall-implementazzjoni ta’ dan l-Artikolu.

5) Article 5(3) shall be replaced by the following:

Dawk il-miżuri mfassla biex jemendaw l-elementi mhux essenzjali ta’ din id-Direttiva billi jissupplimentawha, għandhom jiġu adottati skont il-proċedura regolatorja bi skrutinju msemmija fl-Artikolu 14a(2).";

"3. Member States shall ensure that the storing of information, or the gaining of access to information already stored, in the terminal equipment of a subscriber or user is only allowed on condition that the subscriber or user concerned has given his or her consent, having been provided with clear and comprehensive information, in accordance with Directive 95/46/EC, inter alia, about the purposes of the processing. This shall not prevent any technical storage or access for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network, or as strictly necessary in order for the provider of an information society service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user to provide the service.";

5. l-Artikolu 5(3) għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

6) Article 6(3) shall be replaced by the following:

"3. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-ħżin tal-informazzjoni, jew il-ksib tal-aċċess għall-informazzjoni diġà maħżuna, fit-tagħmir terminali ta’ abbonat jew utent huma permessi biss bil-kondizzjoni li l-abbonat jew l-utent ikkonċernati ikunu taw il-kunsens tagħhom, wara li jkunu ġew provduti b’informazzjoni ċara u komprensiva skont id-Direttiva 95/46/KE, dwar inter alia l-għanijiet tal-ipproċessar mill-kontrollur tad-data. Dan ma jimpedixxi l-ebda ħżin jew aċċess tekniku għall-għan esklużiv ta’ implimentazzjoni tat-trażmissjoni ta’ komunikazzjoni fuq network ta’ komunikazzjonijiet elettroniċi, jew kif strettament meħtieġ sabiex il-fornitur ta’ servizz tal-informazzjoni tas-soċjetà espliċitament mitlub mill-abbonat jew l-utent biex jipprovdi s-servizz.";

"3. For the purpose of marketing electronic communications services or for the provision of value added services, the provider of a publicly available electronic communications service may process the data referred to in paragraph 1 to the extent and for the duration necessary for such services or marketing, if the subscriber or user to whom the data relate has given his or her prior consent. Users or subscribers shall be given the possibility to withdraw their consent for the processing of traffic data at any time.";

6. L-Artikolu 6(3) għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

7) Article 13 shall be replaced by the following:

"3. Għall-iskopijiet ta’ kummerċjalizzazzjoni ta’ servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika jew għall-provvista ta’ servizzi bil-valur miżjud, il-fornitur ta’ servizz ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika disponibbli pubblikament jista’ jipproċessa d-data msemmija fil-paragrafu 1 sa fejn u għaż-żmien meħtieġ għal dawn is-servizzi jew kummerċjalizzazzjoni, jekk l-abbonat jew l-utent li għalih tirrelata d-data jkun ta l-kunsens tiegħu/tagħha minn qabel. L-utenti jew abbonati għandhom jingħataw il-possibilità li jirtiraw il-kunsens tagħhom għall-ipproċessar tad-data dwar it-traffiku f’kull ħin.";

"Article 13

7. L-Artikolu 13 għandu jiġi sostitwit b’dan li ġej:

Unsolicited communications

"Artikolu 13

1. The use of automated calling and communication systems without human intervention (automatic calling machines), facsimile machines (fax) or electronic mail for the purposes of direct marketing may be allowed only in respect of subscribers or users who have given their prior consent.

Komunikazzjoni mhux mitluba

2. Notwithstanding paragraph 1, where a natural or legal person obtains from its customers their electronic contact details for electronic mail, in the context of the sale of a product or a service, in accordance with Directive 95/46/EC, the same natural or legal person may use these electronic contact details for direct marketing of its own similar products or services provided that customers clearly and distinctly are given the opportunity to object, free of charge and in an easy manner, to such use of electronic contact details at the time of their collection and on the occasion of each message in case the customer has not initially refused such use.

1. L-użu ta’ sistemi ta’ sejħiet awtomatizzati u ta’ komunikazzjoni, mingħajr l-intervent uman (magni ta’ sejħiet awtomatiċi), magni tal-facsimile (fax) jew posta elettronika għal finijiet ta’ kummerċjalizzazzjoni diretta jista’ jkun permess biss fir-rigward ta’ abbonati jew utenti li jkunu taw il-kunsens tagħhom minn qabel.

3. Member States shall take appropriate measures to ensure that unsolicited communications for the purposes of direct marketing, in cases other than those referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, are not allowed either without the consent of the subscribers or users concerned or in respect of subscribers or users who do not wish to receive these communications, the choice between these options to be determined by national legislation, taking into account that both options must be free of charge for the subscriber or user.

2. Minkejja l-paragrafu 1, fejn persuna naturali jew legali tikseb mill-klijenti tagħha d-dettalji ta’ kuntatt elettroniċi għall-posta elettronika, fil-kuntest ta’ bejgħ ta’ prodott jew servizz, skont id-Direttiva 95/46/KE, l-istess persuna naturali jew legali tista’ tuża dawn id-dettalji ta’ kuntatt elettroniċi għall-kummerċjalizzazzjoni diretta tal-prodotti jew servizzi simili tagħha stess, dment li l-klijenti jingħataw b’mod ċar u distint l-opportunità li joġġezzjonaw, mingħajr ħlas u b’mod faċli, għal tali użu ta’ dettalji ta’ kuntatt elettroniku fil-ħin tal-ġbir tagħhom u fl-okkażjoni ta’ kull messaġġ fil-każ fejn il-klijent ma jkunx irrifjuta inizjalment tali użu.

4. In any event, the practice of sending electronic mail for the purposes of direct marketing which disguise or conceal the identity of the sender on whose behalf the communication is made, which contravene Article 6 of Directive 2000/31/EC, which do not have a valid address to which the recipient may send a request that such communications cease or which encourage recipients to visit websites that contravene that Article shall be prohibited.

3. L-Istati Membri għandhom miżuri xierqa biex jiżguraw illi, il-komunikazzjonijiet mhux mitluba għall-iskopijiet ta’ kummerċjalizzazzjoni diretta, minbarra f’każijiet imsemmija fil-paragrafi 1 u 2, ma jkunux permessi mingħajr il-kunsens tal-abbonati jew l-utenti konċernati jew fir-rigward ta’ abbonati jew utenti li ma jixtiqux jirċievu dawn il-komunikazzjonijiet, bl-għażla bejn dawn it-tnejn tiġi determinata mil-leġislazzjoni nazzjonali, b’kont meħud li ż-żewġ għażliet għandhom ikunu mingħajr ħlas għall-abbonat jew l-utent.

5. Paragraphs 1 and 3 shall apply to subscribers who are natural persons. Member States shall also ensure, in the framework of Community law and applicable national legislation, that the legitimate interests of subscribers other than natural persons with regard to unsolicited communications are sufficiently protected.

4. F’kull każ, il-prattika li tintbagħat posta elettronika għall-iskopijiet ta’ kummerċjalizzazzjoni diretta li tiddissimula jew taħbi l-identità tal-mittent li f’ismu tkun saret il-komunikazzjoni, bi ksur tal-Artikolu 6 tad-Direttiva 2000/31/KE, mingħajr indirizz validu li r-riċevent jista’ jibgħatlu talba biex ma jirċevix tali komunikazzjonijiet, jew li tinkoraġġixxi lir-riċeventi jżuru websajts li jmorru kontra dak l-Artikolu, għandha tiġi pprojbita.

6. Without prejudice to any administrative remedy for which provision may be made, inter alia, under Article 15a(2), Member States shall ensure that any natural or legal person adversely affected by infringements of national provisions adopted pursuant to this Article and therefore having a legitimate interest in the cessation or prohibition of such infringements, including an electronic communications service provider protecting its legitimate business interests, may bring legal proceedings in respect of such infringements. Member States may also lay down specific rules on penalties applicable to providers of electronic communications services which by their negligence contribute to infringements of national provisions adopted pursuant to this Article.";

5. Il-paragrafi 1 u 3 għandhom jgħoddu għal abbonati li huma persuni naturali. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw ukoll, fil-qafas tal-liġi Komunitarja u l-leġislazzjoni nazzjonali applikabbli, li l-interessi leġittimi ta’ abbonati minbarra persuni naturali rigward komunikazzjonijiet mhux mitluba huma protetti b’mod suffiċjenti.

8) the following Article shall be inserted:

6. Bla ħsara għal kwalunkwe rimedju amministrattiv li għalih tista’ ssir dispożizzjoni, inter alia skont l-Artikolu 15a(2), l-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li kull persuna fiżika jew legali affettwata ħażin minn ksur ta’ dispożizzjonijiet nazzjonali adottati skont dan l-Artikolu u li għaldaqstant għandha interess leġittimu fil-waqfien jew il-projbizzjoni ta’ tali ksur, inkluż fornitur ta’ servizz ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika li jħares l-interessi kummerċjali leġittimi tiegħu, jista’ jieħu azzjoni legali kontra tali ksur. L-Istati Membri jistgħu wkoll jistabbilixxu regoli speċifiċi dwar pieni applikabbli għall-fornituri ta’ servizzi ta’ komunikazzjoni elettronika li bin-negliġenza tagħhom jikkontribwixxu għal ksur tad-dispożizzjonijiet nazzjonali adottati konformement ma’ dan l-Artikolu.";

"Article 14a

8. l-Artikolu li ġej għandu jiġi miżjud:

Committee procedure

"Artikolu 14a

1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Communications Committee established by Article 22 of Directive 2002/21/EC (Framework Directive).

Proċeduta tal-Kumitat

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5a(1) to (4) and Article 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.

1. Il-Kummissjoni għandha tkun assistia mill-Kumitat tal-Komunikazzjoni stabbilit mill-Artikolu 22 tad-Direttiva 2002/21/KE (id-Direttiva Qafas).

3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5a(1), (2), (4) and (6) and Article 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.";

2. Meta ssir referenza għal dan il-paragrafu, għandhom japplikaw l-Artikolu 5a(1) sa (4), u l-Artikolu 7 tad-Deċiżjoni 1999/468/KE, wara li jkunu ġew ikkunsidrati d-dispożizzjonijiet tal-Artikolu 8 tagħha.

9) in Article 15, the following paragraph shall be inserted:

3. Meta ssir referenza għal dan il-paragrafu, għandhom japplikaw l-Artikolu 5a (1), (2), (4) u (6) u l-Artikolu 7 tad-Deċiżjoni 1999/468/KE, wara li jkunu ġew ikkunsidrati d-dispożizzjonijiet tal-Artikolu 8 tagħha.";

"1b. Providers shall establish internal procedures for responding to requests for access to users' personal data based on national provisions adopted pursuant to paragraph 1. They shall provide the competent national authority, on demand, with information about those procedures, the number of requests received, the legal justification invoked and their response.";

9. fl-Artikolu 15, il-paragrafu li ġej għandu jiġi miżjud:

10) the following Article shall be inserted:

"1b. Il-fornituri għandhom jistabbilixxu proċeduri interni biex iwieġbu talbiet għal aċċess għad-data personali tal-utenti fuq il-bażi tad-dispożizzjonijiet nazzjonali adotatti skont il-paragrafu 1. Għandhom jipprovdu lill-awtorità nazzjonali kompetenti, meta din titlobha, b’informazzjoni dwar dawn il-proċeduri, in-numru ta’ talbiet li jkunu waslu għandhom, il-ġustifikazzjoni legali invokata u r-risposti tagħhom.";

"Article 15a

10. l-Artikolu li ġej għandu jiddaħħal:

Implementation and enforcement

"Artikolu 15a

1. Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties, including criminal sanctions where appropriate, applicable to infringements of the national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive and may be applied to cover the period of any breach, even where the breach has subsequently been rectified. The Member States shall notify those provisions to the Commission by 25 May 2011, and shall notify it without delay of any subsequent amendment affecting them.

Implimentazzjoni u infurzar

2. Without prejudice to any judicial remedy which might be available, Member States shall ensure that the competent national authority and, where relevant, other national bodies have the power to order the cessation of the infringements referred to in paragraph 1.

1. L-Istati Membri għandhom jistabbilixxu r-regoli tal-penali, inklużi sanzjonijiet kriminali fejn xieraq, applikabbli għall-ksur tad-dispożizzjonijiet nazzjonali adottati skont din id-Direttiva u għandhom jieħdu l-miżuri kollha meħtieġa biex jiżguraw li dawn ir-regoli jkunu implimentati. Il-penali previsti għandhom ikunu effikaċi, proporzjonati u diswassivi u jistgħu jkunu applikati biex ikopru l-perijodu ta’ kwalunkwe ksur, anke fejn sussegwentement il-ksur ikun ġie rettiffikat. L-Istati Membri għandhom jinnotifikaw dawn id-dispożizzjonijiet lill-Kummissjoni sal- 25 ta’ Mejju 2011 u għandhom jinnotifikawha mingħajr dewmien dwar kwalunkwe emenda sussegwenti li teffettwahom.

3. Member States shall ensure that the competent national authority and, where relevant, other national bodies have the necessary investigative powers and resources, including the power to obtain any relevant information they might need to monitor and enforce national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive.

2. Mingħajr ħsara għal kwalunkwe soluzzjoni ġudizzjarja li tista’ tkun disponibbli, l-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-awtorità nazzjonali kompetenti u, fejn rilevanti, korpi nazzjonali oħra jkollhom is-setgħa li jordnaw il-waqfien tal-ksur imsemmi fil-paragrafu 1.

4. The relevant national regulatory authorities may adopt measures to ensure effective cross-border cooperation in the enforcement of the national laws adopted pursuant to this Directive and to create harmonised conditions for the provision of services involving cross-border data flows.

3. L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-awtoritajiet nazzjonali kompetenti u, fejn rilevanti, korpi nazzjonali oħra jkollhom is-setgħat u r-riżorsi investigattivi kollha meħtieġa, inkluż is-setgħa li jiksbu kwalunkwe informazzjoni rilvanti li jistgħu jkunu jeħtieġu biex jissorveljaw u jinfurzaw id-dispożizzjonijiet adottati skont din id-Direttiva.

The national regulatory authorities shall provide the Commission, in good time before adopting any such measures, with a summary of the grounds for action, the envisaged measures and the proposed course of action. The Commission may, having examined such information and consulted ENISA and the Working Party on the Protection of Individuals with regard to the Processing of Personal Data established by Article 29 of Directive 95/46/EC, make comments or recommendations thereupon, in particular to ensure that the envisaged measures do not adversely affect the functioning of the internal market. National regulatory authorities shall take the utmost account of the Commission's comments or recommendations when deciding on the measures.".

4. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali relevanti jistgħu jadottaw miżuri sabiex jiżguraw koperazzjoni effikaċi transkonfinali fl-infurzar tal-liġijiet nazzjonali adottati skont din id-Direttiva u toħloq kondizzjonijiet armonizzati għall-forniment ta’ servizzi li jinvolvu flussi transkonfinali tad-data.

Article 3

L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazjonali għandhom jipprovdu lill-Kummissjoni, fi żmien bikri biżżejjed qabel ma jadottaw dawn ir-rekwiżiti, b’sommarju tar-raġunijiet għall-azzjoni, il-miżuri mistennija u l-pjan ta’ azzjoni propost. Il-Kummissjoni tista', wara li tkun eżaminat din l-informazzjoni u wara li tkun ikkonsultat lill-Aġenzija Ewropea għas-Sigurtà tan-Network u tal-Informazzjoni (ENISA) u lill-Grupp ta’ Ħidma dwar il-Protezzjoni ta’ Individwi rigward l-Ipproċessar ta’ Data Personali mwaqqaf mill-Artikolu 29 tad-Direttiva 95/46/KE, tagħmel kummenti u rakkomandazzjonijiet, b’mod partikolari biex tiżgura li l-miżuri previsti ma jaffettwawx ħażin it-tħaddim tas-suq intern. L-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali għandhom jieħdu kont sħiħ tal-kummenti jew ir-rakkomandazzjonijiet tal-Kummissjoni meta jkunu qed jiddeċiedu dwar il-miżuri.".

Amendment to Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004

Artikolu 3

In the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 (the Regulation on consumer protection cooperation), the following point shall be added:

Emendament tar-Regolament (KE) Nru 2006/2004

"17. Directive 2002/58/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2002 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector (Directive on privacy and electronic communications): Article 13 (OJ L 201, 31.7.2002, p. 37).".

Fl-Anness għar-Regolament (KE) Nru 2006/2004 (ir-Regolament dwar il-koperazzjoni fil-protezzjoni tal-konsumaturi), għandu jiġi miżjud il-punt li ġej:

Article 4

"17. Id-Direttiva 2002/58/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tat- 12 ta’ Lulju 2002 dwar l-ipproċessar tad-data personali u l-protezzjoni tal-privatezza fis-settur tal-komunikazzjoni elettronika (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika): Artikolu 13 (ĠU L 201, 31.7.2002, p. 37).".

Transposition

Artikolu 4

1. Member States shall adopt and publish by 25 May 2011 the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive. They shall forthwith communicate to the Commission the text of those measures.

Transpożizzjoni

When Member States adopt those measures, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or be accompanied by such a reference on the occasion of their official publication. The methods of making such reference shall be laid down by the Member States.

1. L-Istati Membri għandhom jadottaw u jippubblikaw sal- 25 ta’ Mejju 2011 il-liġijiet, ir-regolamenti u d-dispożizzjonijiet amministrattivi meħtieġa biex tintlaħaq konformità ma’ din id-Direttiva. Huma għandhom jikkomunikaw minnufih lill-Kummissjoni t-test ta’ dawk il-miżuri.

2. Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main provisions of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive.

Meta l-Istati Membri jadottaw dawk il-miżuri, dawn għandhom jinkludu referenza għal din id-Direttiva jew għandhom ikunu akkumpanjati minn din ir-referenza fl-okkażjoni tal-pubblikazzjoni uffiċjali tagħhom. Il-metodi ta’ kif għandhom isiru tali referenzi għandhom jiġu stabbiliti mill-Istati Membri.

Article 5

2. L-Istati Membri għandhom jikkomunikaw lill-Kummissjoni t-test tad-dispożizzjonijiet ewlenin tal-liġijiet nazzjonali adottati minnhom fil-qasam kopert minn din id-Direttiva.

Entry into force

Artikolu 5

This Directive shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Dħul fis-seħħ

Article 6

Din id-Direttiva għandha tidħol fis-seħħ fil-jum wara dak tal-pubblikazzjoni tagħha f’Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea.

Addressees

Artikolu 6

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.

Indirizzati

Din id-Direttiva hi indirizzata lill-Istati Membri.

Done at Strasbourg, 25 November 2009.

For the European Parliament

Magħmul fi Strasburgu, il- 25 ta’ Novembru 2009.

The President

Għall-Parlament Ewropew

J. Buzek

Il-President

For the Council

J. Buzek

The President

Għall-Kunsill

Å. Torstensson

Il-President

[1] OJ C 224, 30.8.2008, p. 50.

Å. Torstensson

[2] OJ C 257, 9.10.2008, p. 51.

[1] ĠU C 224, 30.8.2008, p. 50.

[3] OJ C 181, 18.7.2008, p. 1.

[2] ĠU C 257, 9.10.2008, p. 51.

[4] Opinion of the European Parliament of 24 September 2008 (not yet published in the Official Journal), Council Common Position of 16 February 2009 (OJ C 103 E, 5.5.2009, p. 40), Position of the European Parliament of 6 May 2009 and Council Decision of 26 October 2009.

[3] ĠU C 181, 18.7.2008, p. 1.

[5] OJ L 108, 24.4.2002, p. 7.

[4] Opinjoni tal-Parlament Ewropew tal- 24 ta’ Settembru 2008 (għadha mhijiex ippubblikata fil-Ġurnal Uffiċjali), Pożizzjoni Komuni tal-Kunsill tas- 16 ta’ Frar 2009 (ĠU C 103 E, 5.5.2009, p. 40.), Pożizzjoni tal-Parlament Ewropew tas- 6 ta’ Mejju 2009 u Deċiżjoni tal-Kunsill tas- 26 ta’ Ottubru 2009.

[6] OJ L 108, 24.4.2002, p. 21.

[5] ĠU L 108, 24.4.2002, p. 7.

[7] OJ L 108, 24.4.2002, p. 33.

[6] ĠU L 108, 24.4.2002, p. 21.

[8] OJ L 108, 24.4.2002, p. 51.

[7] ĠU L 108, 24.4.2002, p. 33.

[9] OJ L 201, 31.7.2002, p. 37.

[8] ĠU L 108, 24.4.2002, p. 51.

[10] OJ L 91, 7.4.1999, p. 10.

[9] ĠU L 201, 31.7.2002, p. 37.

[11] OJ L 178, 17.7.2000, p. 1.

[10] ĠU L 91, 7.4.1999, p. 10.

[12] OJ L 249, 17.9.2002, p. 21.

[11] ĠU L 178, 17.7.2000, p. 1.

[13] OJ L 49, 17.2.2007, p. 30.

[12] ĠU L 249, 17.9.2002, p. 21.

[14] OJ L 36, 7.2.1987, p. 31.

[13] ĠU L 49, 17.2.2007, p. 30.

[15] OJ L 281, 23.11.1995, p. 31.

[14] ĠU L 36, 7.2.1987, p. 31.

[16] OJ L 364, 9.12.2004, p. 1.

[15] ĠU L 281, 23.11.1995, p. 31.

[17] OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

[16] ĠU L 364, 9.12.2004, p. 1.

[18] OJ C 321, 31.12.2003, p. 1.

[17] ĠU L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

[] OJ L 201, 31.7.2002, p. 37.";

[18] ĠU C 321, 31.12.2003, p. 1.

[] OJ L 49, 17.2.2007, p. 30.";

[] ĠU L 201, 31.7.2002, p. 37.";

--------------------------------------------------

[] ĠU L 49, 17.2.2007, p. 30.";

ANNEX I

--------------------------------------------------

"

ANNESS I

ANNEX I

"

DESCRIPTION OF FACILITIES AND SERVICES REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 10 (CONTROL OF EXPENDITURE), ARTICLE 29 (ADDITIONAL FACILITIES) AND ARTICLE 30 (FACILITATING CHANGE OF PROVIDER)

ANNESS I

Part A: Facilities and services referred to in Article 10

DESKRIZZJONI TA’ FAĊILITAJIET U SERVIZZI MSEMMIJA FL-ARTIKOLU 10 (KONTROLL TAL-INFIQ), FL-ARTIKOLU 29 (FAĊILITAJIET ULTERJURI) U FL-ARTIKOLU 30 (FAĊILITAZZJONI TAL-BIDLA FIL-FORNITUR)

(a) Itemised billing

Taqsima A Il-faċilitajiet u s-servizzi msemmija fl-Artikolu 10

Member States are to ensure that national regulatory authorities, subject to the requirements of relevant legislation on the protection of personal data and privacy, may lay down the basic level of itemised bills which are to be provided by undertakings to subscribers free of charge in order that they can:

(a) Kontijiet dettaljati

(i) allow verification and control of the charges incurred in using the public communications network at a fixed location and/or related publicly available telephone services; and

L-Istati Mambri jridu jiżguraw li l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali, suġġetti għar-rekwiżiti tal-leġiżlazzjoni rilevanti dwar il-ħarsien tad-data personali u l-privatezza, ikunu jistgħu jistabbilixxu l-livell bażiku ta’ kontijiet dettaljati li jridu jinħarġu minn impriżi lill-abbonati mingħajr ħlas sabiex dawn ikunu jistgħu:

(ii) adequately monitor their usage and expenditure and thereby exercise a reasonable degree of control over their bills.

(i) jivverifikaw u jiċċekkjaw il-ħlasijiet għall-użu ta’ network pubbliku ta’ komunikazzjonijiet f’post fiss u/jew li jkunu relatati ma’ servizzi telefoniċi pubblikament disponibbli; u kif ukoll

Where appropriate, additional levels of detail may be offered to subscribers at reasonable tariffs or at no charge.

(ii) jissorveljaw b’mod xieraq l-użu u l-ispejjeż li jagħmlu u b’hekk jeżerċitaw livell raġonevoli ta’ kontroll fuq il-kontijiet tagħhom.

Calls which are free of charge to the calling subscriber, including calls to helplines, are not to be identified in the calling subscriber's itemised bill.

Meta jkun xieraq, jistgħu jiġu offruti lill-abbonati livelli ulterjuri ta’ dettall għal ħlas ta’ tariffi raġonevoli jew mingħajr ebda ħlas.

(b) Selective barring for outgoing calls or premium SMS or MMS, or, where technically feasible, other kinds of similar applications, free of charge

Is-sejħiet li jkunu mingħajr ħlas mill-abbonat li jagħmel is-sejħa, inklużi s-sejħiet lil linji ta’ għajnuna, ma jridux ikunu identifikati fil-kont dettaljat tal-abbonat li jagħmel is-sejħa.

i.e. the facility whereby the subscriber can, on request to the designated undertaking that provides telephone services, bar outgoing calls or premium SMS or MMS or other kinds of similar applications of defined types or to defined types of numbers free of charge.

(b) Imblukkar selettiv ta’ sejħiet ‘il barra (outgoing calls), jew SMS primjum jew MMS, jew, fejn huwa teknikament fattibbli, tipi oħra ta’ applikazzjonijiet simili, mingħajr ħlas

(c) Pre-payment systems

jiġifieri, il-faċilità li permezz tagħha l-abbonat jista’, wara li jitlob lill-impriża maħtura biex tipprovdi servizzi telefoniċi, jimblokka, mingħajr ma jħallas, sejħiet ‘il barra jew SMS primjum jew MMS jew tipi oħra ta’ applikazzjonijiet simili, ta’ tipi definiti jew lejn tipi definiti ta’ numri.

Member States are to ensure that national regulatory authorities may require designated undertakings to provide means for consumers to pay for access to the public communications network and use of publicly available telephone services on pre-paid terms.

(c) Sistemi ta’ ħlas minn qabel

(d) Phased payment of connection fees

L-Istati Membri jridu jiżguraw li l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jkunu jistgħu jitolbu lill-impriżi maħtura biex jipprovdu mezzi kif il-konsumaturi jħallsu għall-aċċess għal network ta’ komunikazzjonijiet pubbliċi u għall-użu ta’ servizzi telefoniċi pubblikament disponibbli fuq bażi ta’ termini ta’ ħlas minn qabel.

Member States are to ensure that national regulatory authorities may require designated undertakings to allow consumers to pay for connection to the public communications network on the basis of payments phased over time.

(d) Pagament bin-nifs tal-ħlasijiet għall-konnessjoni

(e) Non-payment of bills

L-Istati Membri jridu jiżguraw li l-awtoritajiet regolatorji nazzjonali jkunu jistgħu jitolbu lill-impriżi maħtura biex jippermettu li l-konsumaturi jkunu jistgħu jħallsu għall-konnessjoni ma’ network pubbliku ta’ komunikazzjonijiet fuq bażi ta’ pagamenti bin-nifs għal tul ta’ żmien.

Member States are to authorise specified measures, which are to be proportionate, non-discriminatory and published, to cover non-payment of telephone bills issued by undertakings. These measures are to ensure that due warning of any consequent service interruption or disconnection is given to the subscriber beforehand. Except in cases of fraud, persistent late payment or non-payment, these measures are to ensure, as far as is technically feasible that any service interruption is confined to the service concerned. Disconnection for non-payment of bills should take place only after due warning is given to the subscriber. Member States may allow a period of limited service prior to complete disconnection, during which only calls that do not incur a charge to the subscriber (e.g. "112" calls) are permitted.

(e) Kontijiet li ma jitħallsux

(f) Tariff advice

L-Istati Membri għandhom jawtorizzaw miżuri speċifiċi, li għandhom ikunu proporzjonati, mhux diskriminatorji u ppubblikati, biex ikopru l-kontijiet li ma jitħallsux maħruġa minn impriżi maħtura f’konformità mal-Artikolu 8. Dawn il-miżuri għandhom jiżguraw li jingħata avviż debitu ta’ kwalunkwe interuzzjoni konsegwenti tas-servizz jew tingħata skonnessjoni lill-abbonat minn qabel. Ħlief fil-każijiet ta’ frodi, ħlas persistenti tard jew nuqqas ta’ ħlas, dawn il-miżuri għandhom jiżguraw, sa fejn hu teknikament fattibbli li kwalunkwe interruzzjoni tas-servizz tiġi konfinata għas-servizz ikkonċernat. L-iskonnessjoni għan-nuqqas ta’ ħlas tal-kontijiet għandha sseħħ biss wara li tingħata t-twissija debita lill-abbonat. L-Istati Membri jistgħu jippermettu żmien limitat ta’ servizz qabel l-iskonnessjoni kompleta, li matulu sejħiet biss li ma jinvolvux ħlas mill-abbonat (per eżempju sejħiet "112") jiġu permessi.

i.e. the facility whereby subscribers may request the undertaking to provide information regarding alternative lower-cost tariffs, if available.

(f) Informazzjoni dwar it-tariffi

(g) Cost control

jiġifieri, il-faċilità li permezz tagħha l-abbonati jistgħu jitolbu lill-intrapriża biex tagħti informazzjoni dwar tariffi alternattivi rħas, jekk disponibbli.

i.e. the facility whereby undertakings offer other means, if determined to be appropriate by national regulatory authorities, to control the costs of publicly available telephone services, including free-of-charge alerts to consumers in case of abnormal or excessive consumption patterns.

(g) Kontroll tal-ispiża

Part B: Facilities referred to in Article 29

jiġifieri, il-faċilità li permezz tagħha l-intrapriża toffri mezzi oħra, jekk jiġi determinat li dawn huma xierqa mill-awtoritajiet regolatori nazzjonali, li jikkontrollaw l-ispejjeż ta’ servizzi ta’ telefonija disponibili għall-pubbliku, inklużi "alerts"’ għall-konsumaturi mingħajr ħlas f’każijiet ta’ tendenzi ta’ konsum mhux normali jew eċċessiv.

(a) Tone dialling or DTMF (dual-tone multi-frequency operation)

Taqsima B Faċilitajiet imsemmija fl-Artikolu 29

i.e. the public communications network and/or publicly available telephone services supports the use of DTMF tones as defined in ETSI ETR 207 for end-to-end signalling throughout the network both within a Member State and between Member States.

(a) Iddijaljar bit-ton jew DTMF (operazzjoni b’ton doppju multi-frekwenza)

(b) Calling-line identification

jiġifieri n-network pubbliku ta’ komunikazzjoni u/jew servizzi tat-telefon pubblikament disponibbli li jappoġġaw l-użu ta’ toni DTMF kif definit fl-ETSI ETR 207 għall-issinjalar minn tarf sa tarf man-network kollu kemm fi Stat Membru partikolari kif ukoll bejn Stat Membru u ieħor.

i.e. the calling party’s number is presented to the called party prior to the call being established.

(b) Identifikazzjoni tal-linja ta’ mnejn dieħla t-telefonata

This facility should be provided in accordance with relevant legislation on protection of personal data and privacy, in particular Directive 2002/58/EC (Directive on privacy and electronic communications).

jiġifieri n-numru tal-parti li tagħmel is-sejħa jiġi ppreżentat lill-persuna msejħa qabel ma s-sejħa tiġi stabbilita.

To the extent technically feasible, operators should provide data and signals to facilitate the offering of calling-line identity and tone dialling across Member State boundaries.

Din il-faċilità għandha tiġi pprovduta skont il-leġiżlazzjoni rilevanti dwar il-ħarsien tad-data personali u l-privatezza, b’mod partikolari d-Direttiva 2002/58/KE (Direttiva dwar il-privatezza u l-komunikazzjoni elettronika).

Part C: Implementation of the number portability provisions referred to in Article 30

Sal-limitu teknikament possibbli, l-operaturi għandhom ifornu data u sinjali li jiffaċilitaw l-offerta tal-identità tal-linja li tagħmel is-sejħa u ton ta’ ddajaljar minn naħa għall-oħra tal-konfini tal-Istati Membri.

The requirement that all subscribers with numbers from the national numbering plan, who so request can retain their number(s) independently of the undertaking providing the service shall apply:

Taqsima C L-implimentazzjoni tad-dispożizzjonijiet dwar il-portabbiltà tan-numri msemmija fl-Artikolu 30

(a) in the case of geographic numbers, at a specific location; and

Ir-rekwiżit li l-abbonati kollha b’numri mill-pjan nazzjonali ta’ numerifikazzjoni telefonika, li jitolbu dan, jistgħu jżommu n-numru/i tagħhom indipendentement mill-impriża li tipprovdi s-servizz għandu japplika:

(b) in the case of non-geographic numbers, at any location.

(a) fil-każ ta’ numri ġeografiċi, f’post speċifiku; kif ukoll

This Part does not apply to the porting of numbers between networks providing services at a fixed location and mobile networks.

(b) fil-każ ta’ numri mhux ġeografiċi, fi kwalunkwe post.

ANNEX II

Din il-Parti ma japplikax għall-portabbiltà ta’ numri bejn networks li jipprovdu servizzi f’post iffissat u networks mobbli.

INFORMATION TO BE PUBLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 21

ANNESS II

(TRANSPARENCY AND PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION)

INFORMAZZJONI LI TRID TIĠI PPUBBLIKATA SKONT L-ARTIKOLU 21

The national regulatory authority has a responsibility to ensure that the information in this Annex is published, in accordance with Article 21. It is for the national regulatory authority to decide which information is to be published by the undertakings providing public communications networks and/or publicly available telephone services and which information is to be published by the national regulatory authority itself, so as to ensure that consumers are able to make informed choices.

(TRASPARENZA U PUBBLIKAZZJONI TA’ INFORMAZZJONI)

1. Name(s) and address(es) of undertaking(s)

L-awtorità regolatorja nazzjonali għandha r-responsabbiltà li tiżgura li l-informazzjoni f’dan l-Anness tiġi ppubblikata skont l-Artikolu 21. Hi r-responsabbiltà tal-awtorità regolatorja nazzjonali li tiddeċiedi liema informazzjoni għandha tiġi ppubblikata mill-impriżi li jipprovdu networks pubbliċi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet u/jew servizzi telefonċi pubblikament disponibbli u liema informazzjoni għandha tkun ippubblikata mill-awtorità regolatorja nazzjonali nnifisha, sabiex jiġi żgurat li l-konsumaturi jkunu jistgħu jagħmlu għażliet infurmati.

i.e. names and head office addresses of undertakings providing public communications networks and/or publicly available telephone services.

1. Isem/ismijiet u indirizz(i) tal-impriża/i

2. Description of services offered

Ismijiet u l-indirizzi tal-uffiċċju prinċipali tal-impriżi li jipprovdu networks pubbliċi ta’ komunikazzjonijiet u/jew servizzi telefonċi pubblikament disponibbli.

2.1. Scope of services offered

2. Deskrizzjoni tas-servizzi offruti

2.2. Standard tariffs indicating the services provided and the content of each tariff element (e.g. charges for access, all types of usage charges, maintenance charges), and including details of standard discounts applied and special and targeted tariff schemes and any additional charges, as well as costs with respect to terminal equipment.

2.1. Ambitu tas-servizzi offruti

2.3. Compensation/refund policy, including specific details of any compensation/refund schemes offered.

2.2. Tariffi standard li jindikaw li servizzi provduti u l-kontenut ta’ kull element tat-tariffa (pereżempju ħlasijiet għal aċċess, it-tipi kollha ta’ miżati għall-użu, miżati għall-manutenzjoni), kif ukoll inklużi dettalji dwar roħs standard applikat u skemi speċjali u skemi ta’ tariffi mmirati u kwalunkwe ħlasijiet addizzjonali, kif ukoll spejjeż fir-rigward ta’ tagħmir terminali.

2.4. Types of maintenance service offered.

2.3. Politika ta’ kumpens/refużjoni, inklużi dettalji speċifiċi dwar kwalunkwe skemi ta’ kumpens/refużjoni li jkunu qed jiġu offruti.

2.5. Standard contract conditions, including any minimum contractual period, termination of the contract and procedures and direct charges related to the portability of numbers and other identifiers, if relevant.

2.4. Tipi ta’ servizz ta’ manutenzjoni li jkun qed jiġi offrut.

3. Dispute settlement mechanisms, including those developed by the undertaking.

2.5. Kondizzjonijiet ta’ kuntratt standard, inklużi kwalunkwe perjodu kuntrattwali minimu, terminazzjoni ta’ kuntratt u, proċeduri u ħlasijiet diretti relatati mal-portabbiltà tan-numri u identifikaturi oħrajn, jekk dan ikun rilevanti.

4. Information about rights as regards universal service, including, where appropriate, the facilities and services mentioned in Annex I.

3. Mekkaniżmi ta’ riżoluzzjoni ta’ disputi inklużi dawk żviluppati mill-impriża.

ANNEX III

4. Informazzjoni dwar drittijiet fir-rigward ta’ servizz universali, inklużi, meta jkun xieraq, il-faċilitajiet u s-servizzi msemmija fl-Anness I.

QUALITY OF SERVICE PARAMETERS

ANNESS III

Quality-of-Service Parameters, Definitions and Measurement Methods referred to in Articles 11 and 22

PARAMETRI TAL-KWALITÀ TAS-SERVIZZ

For undertakings providing access to a public communications network

Parametri tal-kwalità tas-servizz, tifsiriet u metodi ta’ kejl imsemmija fl-artikoli 11 u 22

PARAMETER (Note 1) | DEFINITION | MEASUREMENT METHOD |

Għal impriżi li jipprovdu aċċess għal network pubbliku ta’ komunikazzjonijiet

Supply time for initial connection | ETSI EG 202 057 | ETSI EG 202 057 |

PARAMETRU (Nota 1) | DEFINIZZJONI | METODU TA’ KEJL |

Fault rate per access line | ETSI EG 202 057 | ETSI EG 202 057 |

Żmien għall-forniment għall-konnessjoni inizjali | ETSI EG 202 057 | ETSI EG 202 057 |

Fault repair time | ETSI EG 202 057 | ETSI EG 202 057 |

Rata ta’ ħsara għal kull linja ta’ aċċess | ETSI EG 202 057 | ETSI EG 202 057 |

For undertakings providing a publicly available telephone service

Ħin tat-tiswija tal-ħsara | ETSI EG 202 057 | ETSI EG 202 057 |

Version number of ETSI EG 202 057-1 is 1.3.1 (July 2008)

Għal intrapriżi li jipprovdu servizz ta’ telefonija disponibbli għal pubbliku

Call set up time (Note 2) | ETSI EG 202 057 | ETSI EG 202 057 |

Numru tal-verżjoni tal-ETSI EG 202 057-1 huwa 1.3.1. (Lulju 2008).

Response times for directory enquiry services | ETSI EG 202 057 | ETSI EG 202 057 |

Call set up time (Nota 2) | ETSI EG 202 057 | ETSI EG 202 057 |

Proportion of coin and card operated public pay-telephones in working order | ETSI EG 202 057 | ETSI EG 202 057 |

Ħin biex tingħata risposta b’servizzi ta’ konsultazzjojni tad-direttorju | ETSI EG 202 057 | ETSI EG 202 057 |

Bill correctness complaints | ETSI EG 202 057 | ETSI EG 202 057 |

Proporzjon tat-telefons pubbliċi li joperaw bi ħlas bil-muniti jew bil-kard li jkunu jaħdmu | ETSI EG 202 057 | ETSI EG 202 057 |

Unsuccessful call ratio (Note 2) | ETSI EG 202 057 | ETSI EG 202 057 |

Ilmenti dwar żbalji fil-kontijiet | ETSI EG 202 057 | ETSI EG 202 057 |

Note 1

Proporzjon ta’ sejħiet li ma jirnexxux (Nota 2) | ETSI EG 202 057 | ETSI EG 202 057 |

Parameters should allow for performance to be analysed at a regional level (i.e. no less than level 2 in the Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) established by Eurostat).

Nota 1

Note 2

Il-parametri għandhom iħallu lok għall-analiżi tal-prestazzjoni fuq livell reġjonali (jiġifieri mhux inqas mil-livell 2 fin-Nomenklatura tal-Unitajiet Territorjali għall-Istatistika (NUTS) stabbilita mill-Eurostat.

Member States may decide not to require up-to-date information concerning the performance for these two parameters to be kept if evidence is available to show that performance in these two areas is satisfactory.

Nota 2

"

L-Istati Membri jistgħu jiddeċiedu li ma jitolbux li tinżamm informazzjoni aġġornata dwar il-prestazzjoni għal dawn iż-żewġ parametri, jekk ikun hemm provi disponibbli li juru li l-prestazzjoni f’dawn iż-żewġ oqsma tkun sodisfaċenti.

--------------------------------------------------

"

ANNEX II

--------------------------------------------------

"ANNEX VI

ANNESS II

INTEROPERABILITY OF DIGITAL CONSUMER EQUIPMENT REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 24

"ANNESS VI

1. Common scrambling algorithm and free-to-air reception

INTEROPERABBILTÀ TAT-TAGĦMIR DIĠITALI TAL-KONSUMATUR IMSEMMI FL-ARTIKOLU 24

All consumer equipment intended for the reception of conventional digital television signals (i.e. broadcasting via terrestrial, cable or satellite transmission which is primarily intended for fixed reception, such as DVB-T, DVB-C or DVB-S), for sale or rent or otherwise made available in the Community, capable of descrambling digital television signals, is to possess the capability to:

1. L-iscrambling algorithm komuni u reċiviment ħieles fl-arja

- allow the descrambling of such signals according to a common European scrambling algorithm as administered by a recognised European standards organisation, currently ETSI,

It-tagħmir kollu tal-konsumatur maħsub għar-riċeviment ta’ sinjali diġitali tat-televiżjoni konvenzjonali (jiġifieri xandir permezz ta’ trasmissjoni terrestri, bil-cable jew bis-satellita li huwa intiż primarjament għar-riċeviment fiss, bħall-DVB-T, DVB-C or DVB-S), għall-bejgħ jew kera jew xort’oħra magħmula disponibbli fil-Komunità, kapaċi li jħollu s-sinjali diġitali tat-televiżjon, għandu jkollu l-kapaċità li:

- display signals that have been transmitted in the clear provided that, in the event that such equipment is rented, the renter is in compliance with the relevant rental agreement.

- jippermetti li jinħallu dawk is-sinjali skont scrambling alogarith komuni Ewropew kif amministrat mill-organizzazzjoni rikonoxxuta Ewropea tal-istandards, attwalment l-ETSI;

2. Interoperability for analogue and digital television sets

- juri sinjali li jkunu ġew trasmessi sakemm, fil-każ li dak it-tagħmir jiġi mikri, il-kerrej ikun f’konformità mal-ftehim rilevanti tal-kiri.

Any analogue television set with an integral screen of visible diagonal greater than 42 cm which is put on the market for sale or rent in the Community is to be fitted with at least one open interface socket, as standardised by a recognised European standards organisation, e.g. as given in the Cenelec EN 50 049-1:1997 standard, permitting simple connection of peripherals, especially additional decoders and digital receivers.

2. Interoperabilità għal settijiet tat-televiżjoni analogi u diġitali

Any digital television set with an integral screen of visible diagonal greater than 30 cm which is put on the market for sale or rent in the Community is to be fitted with at least one open interface socket (either standardised by, or conforming to a standard adopted by, a recognised European standards organisation, or conforming to an industry-wide specification) e.g. the DVB common interface connector, permitting simple connection of peripherals, and able to pass all the elements of a digital television signal, including information relating to interactive and conditionally accessed services."

Kwalunkwe sett analogu tat-televiżjoni bi skrin integrali bi djagunal viżibbli ta’ aktar minn 42 cm li jitqiegħed fis-suq għall-bejgħ jew kera fil-komunità għandu jkun iffittjat b’tal-anqas konnessjoni waħda miftuħa, kif standardised minn organizzazzjoni rikonoxxuta Ewropea tal-istandards, per eżempju kif mogħtija fis-CENELEC EN 50 049-1:1997 standard, li tkun tippermetti konnessjoni sempliċi għall-periferali, speċjalment apparat għad-dikodifikar jew riċevituri diġitali.

--------------------------------------------------

Kwalunkwe sett diġitali tat-televiżjoni bi skrijn integrali viżibbli ta’ djagunal akbar minn 30 ċm li jitqiegħed għall-bejgħ jew kera fil-Komunità għandu jkun iffittjat b’talanqas konnessjoni waħda miftuħa (jew standardizzata, jew li tikkonforma ma’ standard adottat, minn organizzazzjoni ta’ standards Ewropej rikonoxxuta, jew li tikkonforma ma’ speċifikazzjoni tal-industrija kollha) per eżempju konnettur komuni ta’ konnessjoni DVB, li jippermetti konnessjoni sempliċi għall-periferali, u li jkun jista’ jgħaddi l-elementi kollha ta’ sinjal diġitali televiżiv, inkluża nformazzjoni li tirrelata ma’ servizzi nterattivi u kondizzjonalment aċċessati."

--------------------------------------------------