The European Commission (EC) is reportedly keen to ensure US internet giants are subject to the same regulatory rules as network-based incumbents.

“It is necessary to design a fair and future-proof regulatory environment for all services,” writes a draft EC policy document, seen by Reuters, outlining the Commission’s strategy for creating a digital single market.

News of the draft should cheer mobile operators who have pressed on this issue for some time. At the end of last month, Deutsche Telekom chief executive Timotheus Hoettges complained that US internet players get a soft ride in Europe, and called on competition authorities to take a harder approach.

Operators complain about how rivals such as WhatsApp and Skype use their networks without having to make any contribution to underlying infrastructure, so reducing the incentive for investment.

Andrus Ansip, the EC’s vice president for the digital single market, has indicated his forthcoming policy announcement will consider network investment. He said rules should encourage investment in infrastructure. His proposal for a digital single market is due to be published on 6 May.

If VoIP providers were considered by national regulators in the same way as traditional telephony services then they might be obliged to offer emergency services, for instance.

The leaked document on OTT competition also mentions the threat posed to mobile operators by cable operators.

The appearance of the draft document comes as Ansip is locked in negotiations with EU national governments on what should be included in his final proposal. He complained last month about the member states’ watered-down compromise on roaming. Other key issues which he is fighting for include spectrum allocation and net neutrality.