Communications tariffs are falling, the number of operators skyrocketing, services diversifying, quality of service improving, and major global players emerging. Add to this that greater competition is soon to come when the rest of the Member States unbundle their local loops. It has fully liberalised telecoms services and infrastructures in 1998. But there are still major obstacles in Europe. Communications prices remain too high.
Capital markets lack dynamism.
Venture capital markets remain under-developed compared to the USA in spite of recent positive signs. Too often, old players set the rules of the game. Too often, old behaviours and old reflexes prevail. This impedes the flourishing of new ideas. So the transition towards the information society has started in Europe.