The GSMA has published a "European Mobile Manifesto" which sets out how the mobile industry will help achieve key European Union objectives to boost economic performance, improve efficiencies, protect consumers and increase the use of green technology. The Mobile Manifesto has four goals:
- Increase Internet connectivity and drive productivity through widespread mobile broadband access - on the move and at home, in cities and in rural areas
- Engage consumers and improve efficiency by enabling the "mobilization" of commercial and public services particularly eCommerce, eLearning, eHealth and eGovernment
- Build a greener mobile planet by reducing Europe's carbon footprint through M2M technologies
- Empower users and maintain consumer trust by providing mobile privacy tools
The Manifesto focuses exclusively on the role mobile can play in achieving the ICT policy objectives of the European Commission and iterates the support that the mobile industry is seeking to facilitate this Manifesto. Specifically the industry is asking the EU for more spectrum to develop a harmonised roadmap for release; for roll-out support to remove barriers to eco-efficient coverage expansion; to be pro-mobile in public services, utilities and infrastructure; to help educate the consumer and promote user responsibility for online data and security; and provide continued flexibility in network management to preserve choice and quality of service and experience.
The GSMA said the effects of these goals are measureable; calculations show that mobile teleworking can reduce carbon emissions by 22.1 MtCO2e a year, or energy savings of EUR 7.7 billion by 2015; mHealth, calculations show a saving of up to EUR 78 billion by 2015 and increasing connectivity through mobile will deliver greater productivity, which is estimated to add an aggregate of up to EUR 349 billion (or 2.9% of EU GDP) by 2015.
"Mobile is a key element in today's society - it is the most ubiquitous, connected and personalised communications tool that we have, and it holds significant potential to improve the lives of European citizens and the economic performance of the region through social inclusion and continued investment in innovation," said Rob Conway, CEO and Member of the Board, GSMA. "Europe has contributed considerably to the global success of the mobile industry and it is an area where Europe continues to be a forerunner. Together the leaders of the industry have developed this Manifesto showing where mobile will help to create a more prosperous, green and inclusive Europe for all."http://www.gsmworld.com
