Europe : 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.”