GSMA pushes for a better mobile industry

THE GSM ASSOCIATION has set out its European Mobile Manifesto which aims to help boost economic performance, improve efficiencies, protect consumers and increase the use of green technology across the mobile market in the EU.

The mobile telecoms body is calling on all players within the industry to work closer together and for the European Commission itself to introduce new measures to support the initiative.

"Mobile is a key element in today's society - it is the most ubiquitous, connected and personalised communications tool that we have, and it holds significant potential to improve the lives of European citizens and the economic performance of the region through social inclusion and continued investment in innovation," said Rob Conway, chief executive officer of the GSMA and a member of the Board.

"Europe has contributed considerably to the global success of the mobile industry and it is an area where Europe continues to be a forerunner. Together the leaders of the industry have developed this Manifesto showing where mobile will help to create a more prosperous, green and inclusive Europe for all."

The Manifesto lays out plans to boost Internet connectivity, both in terms of coverage and capacity, as well as push for the development of mobile services for commerce, learning, health and government.

At the same time the GSMA wants to ensure consumers' privacy is properly protected and help improve the environment, both in terms of reducing the impact of the industry and by reducing Europe's carbon footprint through mobile to mobile (M2M) technologies.

"The manifesto gives a very good insight in the key role mobile will play in European society - if we take the right measures now," said Viviane Reding, the EU's Telecoms Commissioner.

The report calls for the harmonised release of spectrum across the EU, better mobile-based public services, enhanced user education and the promotion of user responsibility for online data and security.

According to the GSMA, the mobile sector represents 1.2 per cent of EU GDP, employing over 600,000 people, and mobile now accounts for approximately 61 per cent of EU telecom revenues.

The GSMA's Mobile Manifesto can be downloaded here as a PDF. µ