The realisation of networks and applications - The new Trans-European Telecommunications Networks programme A special feature on the new trans-European telecommunications networks (TEN-TELECOM) programme has recently been published in CORDIS Focus. The text of this feature is reproduced below for the benefit of on-line readers. INTRODUCTION BY MR. NICHOLAS ARGYRIS, (DIRECTOR, EUROP... A special feature on the new trans-European telecommunications networks (TEN-TELECOM) programme has recently been published in CORDIS Focus. The text of this feature is reproduced below for the benefit of on-line readers. INTRODUCTION BY MR. NICHOLAS ARGYRIS, (DIRECTOR, EUROPEAN COMMISSION DG XIII/A) The TEN-TELECOM programme addresses feasibility, validation and deployment activities in respect of telecommunications networks, services and applications, and therefore differs from EU-supported R&D programmes in the telecommunications area. 1998 is a key year in the further development of TEN-TELECOM, since it is the first year of the programme's operation under the new, comprehensive guidelines, set out in the Decision adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on 17 June 1997. TEN-TELECOM aims to support projects which are able to generate sustainable activities with a high social or business impact. By supporting the study phase, as well as pilot implementations and practical demonstrations (and in some cases also the initial steps of deployment), the programme enables several operators to work together to create a business case for launching a new innovative service or product. This will pave the way for obtaining the funding necessary to launch the new service as a viable commercial venture. In this way, TEN-TELECOM bridges the gap between technical development and commercial operation in global telecommunications. The timing is perfect. Liberalization is opening the market to new operators, and the planned enlargement of the European Union opens the way to meeting the demand for improved and expanded telecommunications networks, services and applications across the whole of Europe. As the phenomena of technology and industry convergence, of globalization, and of liberalization transform the telecommunications industry, it is for the private sector to respond by taking up the new challenges and by making the necessary investments. At the same time, in order to promote the transition to the Information Society, the EU and the Member States can and should play a catalytic role in helping to generate the projects necessary for market take-off. TEN-TELECOM has an important role to play in this process. Further sections of this feature can be found in the Text (TXT) field below.
