Commission launches public consultation on open platforms in digital TV and 3G
The European Commission has begun a public consultation process on the remaining barriers to achieving access to services and information through open platforms in digital television (DTV) and third generation (3G) mobile communications. The 'information society for all' vision aims to make electronic services an everyday reality for all citizens, and bring administrations, businesses, citizens, homes and schools into the digital age. The report on which the consultation is based analyses what measures need to be taken in order to facilitate this vision in the areas of DTV and 3G mobile communications, and outlines follow-up actions for Member States and the Commission, which include the public consultation exercise. Erkki Liikanen, Commissioner for Enterprise and the Information Society, said: 'In the future, all digital communications platforms will be able to deliver electronic and information society services. But the precise capabilities of each delivery platform will differ. Therefore open platforms for digital television and 3G mobile will contribute to user choice and interoperability.' The report recognises that organisations within the DTV and 3G markets have undertaken voluntary initiatives in order to achieve interoperability, but the Commission proposes to monitor the results closely and is prepared to intervene if users are deprived of access to information society services due to a lack of interoperability. The document also identifies other factors in the availability of information society services on DTV and 3G platforms. It states that the development of attractive consumer services along with the creation of a secure environment to inspire consumer confidence, and an environment of regulatory clarity for new electronic services, are equally important. Once the public consultation process is complete, a final report is expected to be adopted as a communication addressed to the European Parliament, the Council, and the Committee of the Regions and the Economic and Social Committee. The consultation will run until 15 February 2003, and a public hearing in Brussels is currently scheduled for 4 February.