Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Mobile Broadband Services
Date: 2004-06-30
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: communications policy, communications systems, mobile phone, research and development

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 30.6.2004 
COM(2004) 447 final 

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION 
TO THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, 
THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE 
AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 

Mobile Broadband Services 

EN 

   EN 

 
 
 
  
1. 

INTRODUCTION 

The  growth  in  mobile  communications  has  had  a  profound  economic  and  social 
impact  in  Europe  and  beyond.  The  mobile  phone  is  now  pervasive  and  is  used  in 
virtually every sphere of human activity, private, business and governmental. While 
penetration  levels  are  likely  to  continue  to  increase,  the  most  significant  future 
development  will  be  the  growth  of  mobile  broadband  services,  as  the  potential 
provided  by  third  generation  mobile  (3G)  and  its  enhancements,  as  well  by  other 
wireless  technologies,  including  RLAN,  satellite  and  others,  is  realised.  The 
dissemination of  these  technologies represents a paradigm shift that will enable the 
emergence of new data services, combining the benefits of broadband with mobility. 
While  these  services  could  have  a  major  social  impact  and  will  change  the  way 
public services are provided, they will also produce significant economic effects by 
potentially transforming the way business is done.  

Electronic  communication  services have effectively been the largest contributors to 
EU labour productivity over recent years1. Within the sector there are two significant 
trends.  First,  with  broadband  growth  at  more  than  80%  last  year,  Europe  is  well 
placed  to  reap  even  greater  productivity  dividends2.  Second,  the  relative  weight  of 
mobile revenues is increasing and has overtaken that of fixed telephony. User-centric 
mobile broadband services can therefore be exploited to deliver significant social and 
productivity  gains  for  the  whole  economy.  Anywhere,  anytime  availability  will  be 
essential  requirements  in  an  environment  where  mobility  of  people,  goods  and 
services  is  growing.  The  ability  to  update  customer  records  wherever  sales/support 
work  occurs  and  to  link  the  mobile  workforce  with  the  enterprise  and  its  data 
resources  as  well  as  the  ability  to  exchange  large  amounts  of  data  will  impact  on 
working  processes  and  organisational  change, 
improving  firms’  efficiency. 
Companies  will  invest  in  changing  business  and  working  practices  as  long  as 
managers are forced to innovate in the face of strong competition.  

Europe’s  success  in  mobile  communications  was  built  upon  a  solid  regulatory  and 
policy foundation. A single, open digital standard for second generation (2G) mobile 
(GSM),  pre-competitive  R&D,  a  competitive  market,  a  strategic  approach  to 
spectrum  management  and  certification  of  equipment  to  stabilise  the  technology 
were critical factors.  

The  importance  for  Europe  to  maintain  its  lead  in  key  technology  areas  such  as 
mobile  communications  was  underlined  by  the  Lisbon  European  Summit  in  2000. 
Successive European Councils, in particular that held in Seville in June 2002, have 
called on the Member States to lift barriers to the roll-out of mobile services. Most 
recently, the Presidency Conclusions of the 2004 Spring European Summit recalled 
that “the Union must develop timely responses to new challenges: in the vital area of 
electronic  communications,  for  example,  new  EU  mobile  and  broadband  strategies 
must keep the Union at the cutting edge.” While a number of the issues raised have 
been addressed, some remain to be resolved not least by market players but also by 
the authorities of the Member States and the European institutions. 

1 
2 

COM(2004) 61 final. 
COM(2004) 369 final. 

EN 

2 

   EN 

 
                                                 
This  Communication  examines  the  broader  policy  and  regulatory  environment  for 
mobile  broadband  services.  Its  primary  aim  is  to  outline  how  the  remaining 
challenges  can  be  addressed,  as  a  contribution  to  continued  long  term  success.  In 
preparing  this  Communication,  the  Commission  consulted  widely  with  industry 
players through the Mobile Communications and Technology Platform and through a 
workshop on the mobile sector held in June 2004.  

This  Communication  is  without  prejudice  to  forthcoming  decisions  on  the  next 
Financial  Perspectives  (2007/2013)  and  decisions  related  to  the  7th  Framework 
Programme for R&D. 

2. 

DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SECTOR 

After  a  few  years  of  slower  growth  the  mobile  sector  is  now  showing  signs  of 
recovery.  Over  the  past  year,  European  3G  mobile  operators  have  launched 
commercial  services  in  ten  Member  States,  and  more  networks  are  expected  in  the 
next  six  months.  Looking  forward,  the  convergence  of  telecommunications, 
broadcasting  and  internet  will  result  in  the  proliferation  of  high  speed  multimedia 
services  delivered  over  mobile  networks.  2.5G/3G  and  R-LANs  will  co-exist  and 
provide complementary services.  

Users can avail themselves of high-speed wireless access when near a hot-spot, and 
receive 3G services over a wider area. Mobile “enterprise solutions” will effectively 
drive the take-up of 3G data services. Continued technological innovation will also 
affect  other  platforms  (e.g.  broadcasting  and  wireless  access)  which,  in  turn,  may 
affect the development of 3G by giving a broader technology base from which new 
innovative services could develop to the benefit of all. The convergence of fixed and 
mobile services, for example, through unified fixed/mobile offerings, will also bring 
additional opportunities for innovation. 

3. 

FORWARD-LOOKING POLICY ISSUES 

The  world  landscape  for  mobile  and  wireless  communications  is  changing.  Several 
developing  countries  are  investing  heavily  in  R&D  in  order  to  improve  their 
industrial capabilities at very competitive cost. However, to ensure success in 3G and 
to go beyond and prepare the future, determined and concerted action at EU level is 
needed on all fronts, from R&D to policy, regulation and spectrum management. In 
this  section  the  broader  policy  and  regulatory  environment  for  mobile  broadband 
services is examined.  

3.1. 

Research and development  

The research environment has changed dramatically since 1998, when ETSI adopted 
the UMTS standard for 3G. Global competitiveness is based on innovative capability 
as well as cost-efficiency. In order to maintain and improve competitiveness, Europe 
must  focus  on  innovation  as  the  primary  driver  of  competitive  advantage.  This  can 
only be achieved if a comprehensive programme of integrated activities, based on the 
approach  that  has  been  successful  to  date,  is  launched  in  the  very  near  future. 
Because of the complexity of future systems and the desirability of achieving global 

EN 

3 

   EN 

 
standards, early cooperation between major players is essential in the pre-competitive 
research phase.  

The complexity and magnitude of the technological challenges ahead require a major 
cooperative  R&D  effort  involving  a  critical  mass  of  resources,  strengthening 
excellence,  exercising  a  catalytic  effect  on  national  initiatives  and  improving  the 
coordination  of  the  activities  of  the  Member  States  in  the  sector.  This  can  only  be 
conducted at European level. An increased effort at EU level would above all have a 
powerful and specific leverage effect on private investment in research and respond 
to  the  competitive  challenges  presented  by  similar  large-scale  R&D  initiatives  in 
other regions of the world.  

Research in the mobile and wireless communications sector must necessarily address 
the  entire  value  chain,  from  technology  development  (radio  access,  networking, 
service  platform,  system  architecture,  end-to-end  re-configurability,  etc.)  up  to  the 
into 
development  of  services  and  applications  as  well  as  content, 
consideration  the  fact  that  the  associated  (radio,  network  and  services)  cycles  of 
innovation,  although  interrelated  and  inter-dependent,  are  subject  to  different  time 
constraints.  Global  standards  and  platforms  for  the  development  of  innovative  and 
high-speed  mobile  broadband  services  will  be  essential  for  creating  a  “de  facto” 
global  market  and  for  enhancing  competition.  Such  standards  and  platforms  will 
need adoption on a large scale - European and then on a world-wide basis - in order 
to avoid fragmentation of the market.  

taking 

In  the  context  of  the  preparation  of  the  7th  Framework  Programme,  the  current 
Mobile  Communications  and  Technology  Platform  initiative,  launched  by  the 
Commission3,  is  likely  to  evolve  into  a  formal  technology  platform  as  described  in 
the  Communications  “A  European  Initiative  for  Growth”4  and  “Building  our 
Common Future”5.  

The key objectives of this technology platform would be: 

•  The drawing up of a strategic research agenda; 

•  The achievement of the necessary critical mass for research and innovation; 

•  The mobilisation of substantial public and private funding. 

Conclusion  

The  preparation  of  the  Seventh  Framework  Programme  provides  an 
opportunity to launch a technology platform in the area of mobile and wireless 
communications.  

3 
4 

5 

COM(2004) 61 final. 
Communication from the Commission on a European Initiative for Growth: investing in networks and 
knowledge for growth and jobs, COM(2003) 690 final. 
Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the  Council  and  the  European  Parliament  on  Building  our 
Common  Future:  policy  challenges  and  budgetary  means  of  the  enlarged  Union  2007-2013, 
COM(2004) 101 final. 

EN 

4 

   EN 

 
                                                 
3.2. 

Interoperability  

Interoperability  is  critical  for  the  deployment  of  mobile  broadband  services.  It  is  a 
multi-faceted issue and is necessary at various levels: device to network (radio access 
and core network); device to device; network to network; and between content and/or 
applications. 

Without  appropriate  interoperability  between  different  infrastructure  and  terminal 
solutions, the 3G market could remain fragmented. Different services and terminals 
should  be  available  for  different  types  of  user.  The  significance  of  interoperability 
will be manifested in the ability of a network and a terminal to support reliably the 
functions  required  for  a  given  service  and/or  content.  Interoperability  of  services, 
content  and  terminals  is  therefore  critical  for  achieving  the  goal  of  mass  market 
adoption.  

In  a  converging  environment,  new  challenges  to  achieving  interoperability  emerge. 
Converging  technology  means  that  new  systems  and  services  are  developed  with 
inputs from multiple industries, including telecommunications, broadcasting, internet 
service  provision,  computer  and  software  industries  and  media  and  publishing 
the  meaning  of  and  reliance  upon  standardisation  and 
industries,  where 
interoperability differ.  

In  this  context,  a  number  of  fora  are  involved  in  service  specification  and 
standardisation with the aim of providing service interoperability. There is, however, 
a  strong  consensus  that,  while  there  is  much  ongoing  work  on  interoperability,  the 
increased  complexity  brought  about  by  a  converging  environment  presents  a  new 
challenge that needs to be addressed. There is a need to accelerate the dialogue and to 
improve coordination among all stakeholders. 

The  cooperation  between  3GPP6  and  the  GCF7  is  a  good  basis  on  which  to  build. 
GCF  is  also  working  on  MMS  in  the  context  of  the  overall  OMA8  agenda,  and 
discussions are continuing about expanding this agenda to other OMA standards.  

Without interoperability, which is an industry responsibility, markets may fail. This 
could  frustrate  the  policy  objectives  of  encouraging  innovation  and  promoting 
competition  and  service  diversity.  In  that  event,  regulatory  intervention  may  be 
required9. 

Conclusion 

The Commission encourages industry to take steps towards interoperability for 
mobile broadband services as a matter of urgency. 

6 
7 
8 
9 

EN 

3rd Generation Partnership Project. 
Global Certification Forum. 
Open Mobile Alliance. 
Directive  91/250/EEC  contains  specific  provisions 
in  certain 
circumstances. In addition, the Directive is without prejudice to the application of competition rules, if a 
dominant  supplier  refuses  to  make  information  available  which  is  necessary  for  interoperability  as 
required by the Directive. 

that  allow  for 

interoperablity 

5 

   EN 

 
                                                 
3.3. 

Content: technical challenges 

Increasing content applications over mobile, both in terms of type and quality, will 
prove  essential  to  stimulate  the  demand  for  mobile  communications  and  the 
development of new services. Possible road-blocks on the path to advanced mobile 
services  which  may  hinder  their  fast  uptake  need  therefore  to  be  identified  and 
removed  where  appropriate.  In  that  context  a  sector  inquiry  into  the  sale  of  sports 
rights for use over 3G networks was recently launched by the Commission to ensure 
that  the  development  of  such  crucial  services  is  not  blocked  under  the  pressure  of 
more  mature  media  markets.  The  Commission  also  intends  to  conduct  a  study  on 
technical  and  other  potential  obstacles  that  may  hinder  the  fast  take-up  of  mobile 
services in Europe, and on consumer aspects. 

The  creation  of  a  secure  environment  for  content  is  crucial  for  the  development  of 
richer services. Interoperable Digital Rights Management (DRM) technologies which 
prevent  unauthorised  use  of  protected  content  and  ensure  the  enforcement  of  the 
rights involved, and adequate payment for protected digital content to rightsholders, 
could  provide  a  significant  opportunity  for  the  new  mobile  content  market.  These 
could support the emergence of new business models together with the effectiveness 
of  the  enforcement  of  intellectual  property  rights.  At  the  same  time  the  rights  of 
consumers  especially  with  respect  to  data  protection  and  security  must  also  be 
respected.  

The  High  Level  Group  on  Digital  Rights  Management,  convened  by  the 
Commission,  aims  at  addressing  the  issues  concerning  interoperability  of  DRM 
systems as well as other user and consumer requirements.  

While  the  collection  of  levies  by  collecting  societies  to  compensate  for  the  private 
use  reproduction  of  protected  content  remains  to  be  considered  within  the  national 
regulatory  framework,  the  likely  detrimental  effect  such  levies  could  have  on  the 
development  of  content  for  mobile  services,  if  extended  to  mobile  equipment  and 
handsets,  needs  to  be  further  considered.  The  availability  of  DRM  systems  and 
services  for  the  distribution  of  content  over  mobile  communications  needs  to  be 
taken  into  consideration  for  the  determination  of  the  level  of  fair  compensation 
applying  in  the  case  of  private  use  in  the  light  of  the  provisions  of  the  Copyright 
Directive10. The report on the application of the Directive, to be issued in due course, 
can provide the basis for the Commission to evaluate the situation in each Member 
State. 

The  traditional  system  of  territorial  licences  granted  by  national  rightholders  is 
regarded by the mobile industry as inadequate to meet the needs of the Information 
Society in an enlarged EU. Efforts to promote Community-wide licensing of mobile 
content, including through a one-stop-shop approach, should be further considered in 
the  context  of  the  current  consultation  process  regarding  the  management  of 
copyright and related rights in the Internal Market11. 

10 

11 

Directive 2001/29/EC of 22 May 2001 on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related 
rights in the information society. OJ L 167, 22.6.2001, p. 10. 
Communication  from  the  Commission  on  the  Management  of  Copyright  and  Related  Rights  in  the 
Internal Market, COM(2004) 261 final. 

EN 

6 

   EN 

 
                                                 
Depending  on  their  characteristics,  mobile  broadcasting  services  could  either  be 
considered  as  Information  Society  Services12  or  as  broadcasting  services13.  In  a 
multi-platform  environment,  many  service  providers  will 
increasingly  use 
broadcasting  techniques  to  distribute  their  services  to  their  subscribers  and 
customers. This does not render their services television broadcasting services within 
the meaning of the Television Without Frontiers Directive14. 

Conclusion  

To  address  potential  roadblocks  to  advanced  mobile  services  the  Commission 
intends,  in  addition  to  the  current  sector  inquiry,  to  conduct  a  study  on 
technical  and  other  potential  obstacles  that  may  hinder  the  fast  take-up  of 
mobile services in Europe, and on consumer aspects. 

The  Commission  will  continue  to  monitor  the  implementation  of  Directive 
2001/29  and  report  in  due  course  on  its  implementation.  The  Commission  will 
also consider how best to further promote Community wide licensing, including 
through  a  one-stop-shop  approach,  in  the  context  of  the  follow  up  to  the 
Communication  on  the  management  of  copyright  and  related  rights  in  the 
Internal Market adopted on 16 April 200415. 

3.4. 

Spectrum 

With  the  introduction  of  the  new  regulatory  framework,  a  shift  in  spectrum  policy 
has taken place with the aim of providing at EU level greater flexibility in spectrum 
usage where needed, based on a consensual and co-ordinated EU approach. Looking 
forward,  several  spectrum  policy  issues  will  be  addressed.  The  Radio  Spectrum 
Policy Group (RSPG) is currently reviewing approaches to spectrum management .In 
particular  the  following  issues  relevant  to  broadband  mobile  services  are  under 
consideration: 

•  In line with the objective of fostering the coordinated introduction of innovative 
means to manage radio spectrum across Member States, the need for Community 
action on trading of spectrum rights will be assessed, based on an opinion by the 
RSPG16 and on an independent study conducted for the Commission17. 

•  The RSPG will set policy priorities for the preparation of the 2007 World Radio 
Conference (WRC-07). It is likely that one priority will relate to 3G and systems 
beyond.  

12 
13 

14 

15 
16 
17 

If they fall under the definition laid down in Directive 2000/31/EC (e-Commerce Directive), Article 2. 
If  they  fall  under  the  definition  laid  down  in  Directive  97/36/EC  (Television  Without  Frontiers), 
Article 1. 
COM(2003) 410: Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the 
European  Economic  and  Social  Committee  and  the  Committee  of  the  Regions  on  Barriers  to 
widespread access to new services and applications of the information society through open platforms 
in digital television and third generation mobile communications. 
COM(2004) 261 final. 
Document RSPG03-13 on http://rspg.groups.eu.int/documents/meeting_documents/index_en.htm. 
Analysys, http://www.analysys.com/default_acl.asp?mode=article&iLeftArticle=1361. 

EN 

7 

   EN 

 
                                                 
•  A new request for an opinion will be issued by the Commission to the RSPG on a 
co-ordinated  approach  dealing  with  spectrum  resources  for  wireless  platforms. 
This  will  promote  a  forward-looking  strategic  vision  for  the  spectrum.  The 
viability  of  such  a  strategic  concept  will  have  to  be  tested  on  current  access 
platforms such as GSM, 3G, R-LAN, satellite communications etc. 

•  Besides  specific  issues,  the  RSPG  will  continue  assessing  the  possible  benefits 
and  difficulties  associated  with  different  spectrum  management  models,  namely 
traditional centralised administrative decisions, market-oriented solutions and free 
or “unlicensed” use of spectrum and reduction of spectrum with exclusive usage 
rights.  The  Community  should  ensure  the  introduction  of  new  policies  for 
spectrum management in a manner that ensures the creation of a single market for 
goods and services. 

Conclusion  

Spectrum policy issues should continue to be addressed to ensure a co-ordinated 
European  approach  to  making  sufficient  spectrum  resources  available  and 
allowing for flexible usage whilst ensuring an internal market for products and 
services. 

3.5. 

Trusted and secure environment  

The  emergence  of  mobile  broadband  services  will  include  corporate  and  consumer 
applications  involving  personal  and  sensitive  data.  For  these  transactions  a  trusted 
and  secure  identification  and  authentication  process  is  needed.  A  common 
interoperable  authentication  framework  is  needed  to  ensure  general  purpose 
authentication  across  Europe.  Mobile  communication-based  authentication  is  well 
placed  to  serve  as  a  basis,  as  it  is  already  assisted  by  the  universal  availability  of 
GSM networks and terminals across Europe.  

Appropriate  measures  concerning  illegal  and  harmful  content  and  the  protection  of 
minors must also be provided.  

Conclusion 

The  industry,  in  the  appropriate  fora,  should  agree  on  common  interoperable 
authentication mechanisms that will ensure general purpose authentication uses 
across Europe.  

3.6.  M-payments 

A  proportionate  and  clear  regulatory  environment  for  e-money  is  crucial  to  the 
growth of mobile broadband services. When mobile phone pre-paid cards are used as 
a  means  of  payment  to  purchase  products  and  services,  other  than  communication 
services, this activity may constitute the issuance of e-money, and mobile operators 
may  thereby  become  e-money  institutions,  under  the  e-Money  Directive18.  This  in 

18 

Directive 2000/46/EC. 

EN 

8 

   EN 

 
                                                 
turn raises the question of how to apply the rules concerning e-money institutions to 
mobile operators.  

the  consultation  will 

There is at present considerable uncertainty regarding the application of EC rules on 
e-money  and  money  laundering  to  mobile  payment  services.  The  Commission 
services have launched a public consultation to clarify the application of the directive 
to mobile operators. For those mobile payment services that fall within the scope of 
the  directive, 
the  Directive 
proportionately.  Redeemability  rules  must  be  applied  in  a  way  that  reflects  the 
inherent  risks  to  consumers.  Furthermore,  regulation  of  these  services  needs  to  be 
applied in a proportionate way in order to ensure the continuing viability of mobile 
content  services  and  the  maintenance  of  incentives  to  create  new  mobile  content 
services  in  future.  Some  mobile  operators  report  that  they  have  already  delayed 
service deployment for reasons of regulatory uncertainty. 

identify  how 

to  apply 

A  forthcoming  proposal  for  a  New  Legal  Framework  for  Payments  in  the  EU 
provides  for  a  single  EU  payment  area.  This  instrument  would  extend  to  post-paid 
services billed to a subscriber’s account provided by third parties. Such services must 
also  be  regulated  proportionately.  The  forthcoming  proposal  for  a  third  money 
laundering directive, as is the case for the existing two directives, will also apply to 
mobile  operators.  However,  applying  a  proportionate  and  risk-sensitive  approach, 
Member  States  will  be  given  the  possibility  of  derogating  from  the  directive  in 
respect of products and transactions which represent a low risk of money laundering. 
In this regard, the intention is to allow Member States to derogate from the directive 
as regards e-money19 issued or used in small amounts.  

In the short term, the mobile industry needs an appropriate interim solution under the 
e-Money  Directive  that  provides  legal  certainty.  The  Commission  will  consider 
adopting guidance for national regulators, possibly in a set of criteria for applying the 
directive,  that  may  emerge  from  the  ongoing  consultation.  Such  criteria  should 
reflect the financial stability, money laundering and consumer protection risks posed 
by mobile operators’ activities in the financial services area. In the longer term, the 
e-Money  Directive  may  have  to  be  amended  or  repealed,  to  take  account  of  the 
difference  in  the  way  the  mobile  payment  services  operate.  This  can  be  done  in  a 
technologically neutral way, taking into account the outcome of the consultation. 

Conclusion 

A  proportionate  and  technologically  neutral  legal  environment  should  include 
the following suggested aspects: 

•  Payments  made  directly  to  mobile  operators  for  services  provided  by 
such  mobile  operators  do  not  fall  within  the  scope  of  provision  of 
payment services. 

•  Only  the  e-money  element  of  the  prepaid  mobile  float  should  be 

regulated under the e-Money Directive. 

19 

As defined in Directive 2000/45/EC. 

EN 

9 

   EN 

 
                                                 
•  Regulators should aim to apply only the minimum regulation needed to 
ensure  appropriate  coverage  of  financial  stability  risks  and  consumer 
protection.  

•  Redeemability rules  must be applied  in  a  way  that  reflects  the  inherent 

risks to consumers.  

•  Money laundering rules will be adapted to take account of products and 
transactions,  including  e-money20,  issued  or  used  in  small  amounts, 
which represent a low risk of money laundering.  

3.7. 

Barriers to roll-out of networks  

In its Communication “Connecting Europe at High Speed”21, the Commission points 
out that one of the policy challenges for the deployment of 3G networks and services 
lies in the regulatory barriers to the establishment of new base stations and masts in 
some  of  the  Member  States.  Third  generation  mobile  communications  will  in 
particular  require  a  greater  number  of  base  stations  than  previous  GSM  networks 
owing to the higher frequency bands. 

The  Seville  European  Council  of  21  and  22  June  2002  called  upon  all  relevant 
administrations  to  act  to  overcome  difficulties  encountered  in  the  physical 
deployment  of  3G  networks.  In  some  parts  of  the  Community,  the  timeframe  to 
obtain local authorisations to install base stations is unpredictable due to procedural 
delays, stringent planning requirements and contention on alleged health effects. As 
to the latter, the Commission takes the view that the health and safety of citizens is 
adequately  protected,  provided  that  exposure  of  the  public  remains  below  the  EU 
limits.22 

Conclusion 

Member States must address the problems caused by fragmented local policies 
on siting base stations and should ensure, that those are based on the generally 
accepted assessment of the health risks. Difficulties encountered in the physical 
deployment  of  networks  must  be overcome by harmonising the conditions  and 
speeding  up  the  procedures  applicable  to  the  acquisition  and  establishment  of 
base station sites. In addition, they should foster greater public awareness of the 
risks associated with mobile technologies and the legislation in force that protect 
the public against such risks. 

3.8. 

International co-operation 

As  mobile  communications  have  strong  global  characteristics,  both  on  the  services 
and the equipment  side,  international co-operation and dialogue which includes  the 
mobile sector is essential. An important mechanism in this context is cooperation on 
research and development. Given the likely future importance of mobile broadband 

20 
21 
22 

As defined in Directive 2000/46/EC. 
COM(2004) 61 final. 
Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC. 

EN 

10 

   EN 

 
                                                 
services, in particular, the benefits of open and global standards should continue to 
be recommended at international level in order to achieve global interoperability and 
roaming, as well as wider economies of scale. Moreover, the importance of clear and 
predictable  regulatory  frameworks  for  advanced  mobile  services  should  be 
emphasised internationally.  

4. 

CONCLUSION 

The  evolution  to  mobile  broadband  services  can  be  exploited  to  deliver  significant 
productivity, efficiency and social gains. However, new challenges are emerging as 
other regions of the world push forward. This Communication has identified ways in 
which these challenges can be met by relevant stakeholders.  

The  Commission  will  continue  to  work  with  all  stakeholders,  including  Member 
States,  in  appropriate  fora  to  progress  the  key  policy  issues  identified  in  this 
Communication. 

EN 

11 

   EN