The programme promotes the launch of trans-European and global telecommunications applications and services. TEN-Telecom was launched in June 1997 by a European Parliament and Council Decision, and will run until the end of 2001. TEN-Telecom supports deployment. Although not part of the research Framework Programme, TEN-Telecom is a key tool for the exploitation of successful research activities from technical development to the market. The scene is set for the emergence of the Information Society in the 21st century.
Liberalization is well underway.
New players are investing in new network infrastructures, contributing to an ever increasing availability of bandwidth. Competition results in lower prices, allowing new telecommunication services to become a market reality. Internet has emerged as the interactive platform for information exchange for both business and the home. GSM has revolutionized the telecommunication sector by integrating mobile users into the existing fixed-site communications networks. The cooperative research activities exhibited at this conference will help Europe in implementing new telecommunications applications and services.