Study on the US telecommunications and audiovisual environment
In the context of the development of an information society in Europe, the European Commission invites proposals for a study on the US telecommunications and audiovisual environment. The aim of the study is to analyse the relevant topics of interest to European policy in advanced networking. The study will: . Examine the policy context of the US telecommunications and audiovisual environment and debated aspects such as interconnection and interoperability, procurement, international property rights (IPRs), standards protection, the regulation on privacy/data protection and the regulatory framework relating to the various players; . Analyse the economic potential of the US telecommunications and audiovisual environment which is leading to new commercial opportunities, competitive advantages and practices in terms of the reorganization of work activities; . Investigate the development of the US telecommunications and audiovisual environment as an "electronic market" and the mass applications which are building on the advanced network infrastructure in the home. The contractor will: - Produce regular reports and updates on US developments; - Identify the relevant topics of common interest to both US and European policy in advanced networking; - Have a strong presence in the USA and a good network of connections with various research institutes; - Have a sound technical and thorough knowledge of US policy on the telecommunications and audiovisual environment initiative. The terms of reference for the study may be requested from: European Commission Directorate-General for Telecommunications, Information Market and Exploitation of Research DG XIII/A Mr. P. Picard (BU9 5/176) 200 rue de la Loi B-1049 Brussels Tel. +32-2-2968342; Fax +32-2-2968393