Program :: John Beale /Plenary Session II
Telecommunications Policy as an Integration Instrument

Licensing and Monitoring: Efficient and
Equitable Frequency Management

Abstract

South Eastern Europe Conference on Policy and Co-operation in Telecommunications
Summary of Speech to be given by John Beale

The Union has today set itself a new strategic goal for the next decade: to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion.

A competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy demands an inexpensive world class communications infrastructure.

Telecommunications is important because the sector contributes some 2% to the GDP but this is rising at about 10% per year. Services drive the rest of the economy and increase social and economic cohesion.

Thus a government telecommunications policy is needed which encourages investments in a competitive environment. The EU approach has been to establish a fair and transparent regulatory environment which is enforced by independent National Regulatory Authorities but where the Courts have the final say.

The EU has developed a regulatory environment which resulted in the opening of markets in January 1998. Investments have increased substantially and consumers can make choices between operators and services. The EU has recently revised the regulatory framework and this will come into force in July 2003.

Government institutions need to be adequately staffed with qualified officials capable of developing policy in the national interest, and ensuring that the right laws are submitted to Parliament. Regulatory Authorities need to be adequately staffed to enforce the legislation in a fair and transparent fashion.

Investments in telecommunications services in South Eastern Europe are needed both to extend the service towards universality and also to modernise existing services for improved quality. The necessary measures needed to attract such investments are part of the eSEE Agenda and are a first step towards realising the kind of Information Society in South East Europe which will contribute to the prosperity of the region.