The European Electronic Communications Code (EECC - article 103.2) includes provisions to ensure that end users have access to at least one independent comparison tool for prices, tariffs, and quality of service performance. The tool should be free of charge and should cover internet access services and number-based interpersonal communications services (and, where applicable, number-independent interpersonal communications services).

Comparison tools may be certified by regulators upon request if the tools respect certain criteria, such as being operationally independent, ensuring equal treatment of providers in search results, and providing accurate and up-to-date information.

Cullen International’s research shows that, while these provisions of the EECC have been transposed at national level, independent comparison tools are often not yet available.

Regulators in five of the 13 studied countries developed their own comparison tools.

BEREC will release a report on comparison tools and accreditation schemes in March 2023.

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