(Telecompaper) Outgoing EU digital economy commissioner Neelie Kroes has announced that the European Commission will no longer regulate the retail market for access to fixed telephony and the wholesale market for fixed call origination. In addition, the EC will redefine two broadband markets with a view to "limiting regulatory burdens to what is strictly necessary for competitive broadband access and investment". Specifically, the new rules recognise that offering "virtual access products" can be considered substitutes to physical unbundling when they fulfil certain characteristics. In a statement outlining the changes, which are to take effect immediately, the EC confirmed that the new rules were prompted by proof of increased competition in the sector and declining use of traditional fixed-line services. "There has been a decrease in volume of fixed calls as customers have turned to alternative solutions, such as voice-over-IP (VoIP) and mobile calls, but also to alternative providers, like over-the-top (OTT) players," said the EC. Announcing the new rules, Kroes said they would help cut EU red tape by 30 percent without harming competition. "This cut in telecoms red tape is the result of increased competition in telecoms markets and it takes us a step closer to a real Connected Continent," she said.