Press Release: Digital Agenda: European Commission launches consultation on a single Europe-wide phone number for EU businesses

In a public consultation launched on 6 December 2010, the European Commission is asking businesses, consumers, telecoms operators and public authorities whether they see benefits in a system that would allow businesses to use the same telephone number in all EU Member States. EU-wide phone numbers could reinforce the EU's Single Market, as outlined by the Digital Agenda for Europe. An EU wide phone number could help European businesses to offer cross-border sales more easily and facilitate access to after-sales and customer enquiry services irrespective of the Member State where the customer is situated. The consultation will help the Commission assess market demand for European business phone numbers and, if necessary, formulate initiatives for the introduction of such numbers. The consultation will run until 28 February 2011.