CEPTs

CEPT, short for the Conference of European Postal and Telecommunications Administrations, is a voluntary association of national regulators and public authorities that coordinate postal and electronic communications policy and technical standards across Europe. It brings together regulatory bodies from its member states to foster cross-border interoperability, avoid duplication, and support the development of a single European market for communications.

The organization was founded in 1959 and operates as a forum rather than a regulatory body. It works through permanent committees and working groups that produce reports, recommendations, and guidance for national authorities. Its central technical arm is the Electronic Communications Committee (ECC), which handles radio spectrum management, telecommunications standards, and other technical issues. Other CEPT bodies address postal services and regulatory coordination. CEPT maintains a secretariat to support its activities.

Outputs and influence: CEPT's outputs aim to harmonize spectrum allocation, facilitate cross-border services, and promote interoperable networks. While CEPT recommendations are not legally binding on its members, they are widely used by national regulators and influence EU policy, harmonization efforts, and cross-border projects. CEPT also engages with international organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and collaborates with the European Commission and other EU institutions.

Membership: CEPT comprises national regulators and public authorities from Europe; the network of member administrations is sometimes collectively referred to as CEPTs. The body emphasizes voluntary cooperation and the implementation of agreed guidance at the national level.