Mobile in Europe: A Turning Point? |
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Inaugural GSM Europe Seminar Promotes Discussion During Period of Change
Brussels,
Belgium : 25th November 2003: Leading
players from the mobile industry, European Commission
and the European Parliament met in Brussels today to
discuss the future prospects for mobile communications
in Europe. Organised by GSM Europe, the European Interest
Group of the GSM Association, the first annual Mobile
in Europe seminar considered the likely implications
of the new European communications regulatory framework
and sought to map out the blueprint for the future of
the mobile industry.
Led by Kaisu Karvala, Chair GSM Europe, speakers included Erkki Liikanen,
Commissioner for DG Enterprise and Information Society, Rob Conway, CEO
of the GSM Association, MEP Erika Mann, leading mobile operator CEOs and
members of the analyst and banking communities.
Following the morning session, which addressed the issue of 'balancing
stakeholders interests', Karvala commented: "The future is bright for mobile
in Europe. We are witnessing heightening innovation and a significant increase
in the number of new services being brought to market." Karvala continued: "But
GSM Europe's members face a serious challenge in handling growing regulation
in a fiercely competitive commercial environment while responding to the
investor community's demands with investment as a scarce resource. "
The afternoon session debated consumer protection in relation to spam,
mobile payments and privacy. "The operator's role is evolving - it is not
simply about connecting customers to services. It is clear that there are
a number of ways in which operators can enhance the consumer experience
to which GSM Europe's members are committed," said Karvala.
Today's seminar follows significant developments in the European mobile
marketplace. Last week the European Commission published its ninth report
on the implementation of the Telecommunications Regulatory Package. The
report identified mobile as one of the main drivers stabilising growth
in electronic communications and expected mobile subscriptions in 2003
to grow at a higher rate than in 2002.
Last week the European Telecommunications Council also met. One of its
conclusions was that the availability of a wide variety of content, services
and applications will increase choice and wider access to Information Society
services. "Our members are committed to partnering with content, service
and application providers to further enhance the range of services they
offer to a wide cross-section of society," commented Karvala.
GSM Europe believes that a socially responsible approach is crucial for
all players and that effective self-regulation removes the need for governmental
intervention. Regulation exists to provide transition from monopolies,
manage scarce resources and guarantee that society's needs are met," said
Karvala. "GSM Europe's members understand and support regulation when it
seeks to achieve this, but would argue that a 'hands-free' approach to
regulation will benefit all concerned - especially society."
Notes for Editors:
About GSM Europe
About the GSM Association
For
further information please contact:
Kiki
Walravens
Communications Manager
GSM Europe
Tel: +32 15 27 59 06
Fax: +32 15 27 03 21
Email: kwalravens@gsm.org
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