Draft BEREC Report on comparison tools and accreditation

Article 103[2] of the EECC provides that regulatory authorities shall ensure that end-users have access free of charge to at least one independent comparison tool. The tool must enable end-users to compare and evaluate different IASs (Internet Access Services) and publicly available NB-ICSs (Number Based Interpersonal Communications Services), and, where applicable, publicly available NI-ICSs (Number-Independent Interpersonal Communications Services), with regard to prices and tariffs of services and the quality-of-service performance.

These independent comparison tools must also meet other requirements, as set by Article 103[3] of the EECC. The fulfilment of these requirements is a necessary condition to obtain the certification by the national regulatory authority.

In this context, the aim of the report is to offer insights on the independent comparison tools which enable consumers (and other end users, if so required by Member States) to compare and evaluate IAS and publicly available NB-ICS as set out in Article 103[2] of EECC and, where applicable, publicly available NI-ICS.