GSMA And CEOs Of Mobile Operators Set Out Key Success Factors For An Effective EU Telecoms Single Market

Europe was long viewed as a pioneer in mobile, but is now lagging behind other regions in the deployment of mobile broadband, particularly in 4G. Despite having the world's highest unique subscriber penetration rate at 80 per cent, Europe is the only region to see revenues decline – from €162 billion in 2010 to €142 billion in 2013(1). However the mobile industry can play a key role in the European recovery, supported by more comprehensive policy reform to deliver a true single telecoms market that encourages investment in mobile broadband connectivity, enables innovation and helps build consumer confidence in mobile services.

Europe was long viewed as a pioneer in mobile, but is now lagging behind other regions in the deployment of mobile broadband, particularly in 4G. Despite having the world's highest unique subscriber penetration rate at 80 per cent, Europe is the only region to see revenues decline – from €162 billion in 2010 to €142 billion in 2013(1). However the mobile industry can play a key role in the European recovery, supported by more comprehensive policy reform to deliver a true single telecoms market that encourages investment in mobile broadband connectivity, enables innovation and helps build consumer confidence in mobile services.

Below is the text of the letter:

Europe's telecoms network operators are facing decreasing revenues and reduced market values compared with operators in the U.S. and Asia, and with players across the ecosystem. This is impairing our ability to invest in the communications infrastructure needed to put Europe back on the path to growth and jobs, and to restore its global competitiveness.

We share the European Commission's view that a competitive telecommunications single market can help meet this challenge and underpin growth, employment and citizen welfare across the European Union.

We believe the following elements are critical to its success:

Notes to Editors

(1)Source: GSMA Intelligence: www.gsmaintelligence.com

About the GSMA
The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide. Spanning more than 220 countries, the GSMA unites nearly 800 of the world's mobile operators with 250 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and Internet companies, as well as organisations in industry sectors such as financial services, healthcare, media, transport and utilities. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress and Mobile Asia Expo.

For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA.