BRUSSELS, July 7 (Xinhuanet) -- The European Union(EU)'s executive commission sent on Thursday letter of formal notice to 11 member states for failing to implement properly EU rules on electronic communications, including telecommunications.

    The member countries involved in the infringement proceedings are the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Finland.

    The key issues at stake include the independence of the national telecoms regulator, the requirement of number portability and of comprehensive subscriber directories, designation of "universal service" providers, and the availability of the European emergency number 112.

    "The EU rules opening up national telecommunication markets must be fully and correctly implemented if European consumers and business users are to get the full benefits of competitive electronic communications services such as high-speed Internet connections and affordable mobile communications", EU Commissioner responsible for telecom affairs Viviane Reding said.

    Since 2002 the EU electronic communications rules have stimulated competition, innovation and investment in services such as broadband Internet access. They also protect consumers' interests where competition has not yet developed.

    The commission said that it would use its full powers to ensure correct implementation of these rules and has already opened proceedings against 10 member states.

    Sending letter of formal notice is the first phase of legal action EU takes against a member state violating EU rules. The European Commission would then send a member state a reasoned opinion before bringing it to the European Court of Justice. Enditem