Current and new technologies need to be deployed in parallel, says Liikanen
Commissioner for Enterprise and Information Society Erkki Liikanen has underlined the need for current and new technologies to co-exist. Speaking during a parliament committee public hearing on 28 January on the recent developments and future scenarios in the information society, Mr Liikanen emphasised the need for creating an inclusive platform to ensure complete coverage throughout Europe. He also spoke in favour of a new legal framework for the information society and improved rural communication systems. In response to Mr Liikanen's comments on increased competition between Member States, Ben Benasaou from the INSEAD business school argued that the third generation (3G) sector would only be fully operational when services were guaranteed at reasonable prices. Neil Anderson, head of the telecom department for Union Network International reiterated this sentiment, but also called for the creation of a European regulatory authority to ensure quality service and the elimination of sustainable price competition. Similarly, Mika Vehviläinen, representing Nokia, called for the creation of a virtual 3G market in Europe, which would have to observe the principles of liberalisation, global competition and anti-monopoly policies. Many speakers at the hearing also raised concerns about that the adverse effects of mobile communications on the public. However, according to Juan Represa from Valladolid University, studies into the effects of mobile phones have not demonstrated any adverse effects on human beings and the real problem lies in the bad press surrounding mobile phones. Participants at the hearing predicted that due to heavy investment in the 3G auction process, consumers would play a decisive role in either making or breaking the market. Dutch MEP W G Van Velzen urged the Commission to take measures to promote the interoperability of new products. Commissioner Liikanen agreed that interoperability was a pre-condition for creating a functioning open market. Commissioner Liikanen also said he wanted a flexible market for frequency allocations, and that he would be putting forward a report on joint actions for the 3G industry.