154. PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF THE END USERS’ RIGHTS OF PUBLIC ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION SERVICES IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Abstract

Telecommunications are one of the fastest growing information and communication technology (ICT) industries in the world. Republic of Macedonia follows this trend and the growing development of the electronic communications services market has led to the initiation of a need for greater protection of consumers rights and promotion of the quality of services. Due to the lack of information about their rights, users are often subject to manipulation and abuse by providers of electronic communication services. The users of electronic communications services should be protected from the unfair practices of the companies that provide these services. Therefore, the EU has specific policies to protect consumers of telecommunications services, which include the right to free access to services and fair prices, and protection of the privacy of personal data. The EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications is a series of rules that apply in the EU Member States. They encourage competition, improve market functioning and guarantee the basic rights of the user. The main goal is for European consumers to benefit from market liberalization that results in low prices, high quality and innovation in services. The results presented in this paper lead to a conclusion that by specifying the legal regulation in Macedonia and the mutual cooperation with the bodies that take care of the consumers rights in the field of electronic communications will contribute to faster, cost-effective legal procedures that will strengthen the legal safety of consumers.