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News
Issue #2002 - 20 (May 2002)
(Updated May
29, 2002)
TECHNOLOGY
Mobile Operators Finish High-Level
Talks with European Commission
Last week the European
Commission and eighteen European mobile operators, members of GSM
Europe, the regional group of the GSM Association, conducted a round
table discussion to consider the future of 3G wireless
communications in Europe, which, according to the GSM Association,
ended on an optimistic note.
Discussions focused on issues such as infrastructure sharing,
spectrum management, license conditions, network roll out,
m-commerce, new services and applications, and also on ways in which
the Commission can help support the industry to launch future 3G
networks and services.
According to the GSM Association, the meeting addressed key
elements of the EU’s eEurope Action Plan which recognizes that 3G
communications is essential in eEurope, in order to create a real
and workable broadband information society with innovative services
available to anyone.
Commissioner Erkki Liikanen, responsible for Enterprise and
Information Society, described the "recent adoption of a
lighter new regulatory regime" as "a significant step
forward" in the realization of a workable broadband information
society in Europe. The new package, Liikanen said, "reduces red
tape" and "could pave the way for a more level playing
field for telecoms in Europe."
Speaking on behalf of the European operators, Rob Conway, GSM
Association CEO, said even "against the backdrop of investor
pressure and regulatory constraints, the operator community has
continued to rise to commercial challenges, developing networks and
innovative services."
But he went on to say, "it is vital that telecoms policy and
the new regulatory framework recognize and address these challenges,
encouraging and promoting investment and competition.
To ensure that their concerns are addressed, GSM Europe proposed
key recommendations to the EC, including the following:
- The Commission and regulators should recognize the adverse
impact of inappropriate regulation on the development and
deployment of new and innovative services, including 3G.
- The Commission should consult with Member States and industry
to support the development of 3G services, with respect to
environment, health and planning issues.
- The Commission should ensure that mobile operators can offer
innovative m-commerce services for subscribers without being
hindered by inappropriate financial regulation.
For more information: http://www.gsmworld.com
MobileInfo.com’s Comments & Advisory: We see
European Commission being more proactive than FCC in meeting the needs
of the industry. North America wants only the dynamics of the market
to drive innovation and technology advancement. Market forces do not
understand in the short run need for standardization.
Note: This news release may contain
forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in
developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology
architectures. All trademarks used in this summary are
the property of their respective owners.
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