The introduction of sector-specific regulation in the EU has fostered competition and innovation in the telecommunications industry. However, the liberalisation process still has a long way to go. The debate on the new scenario facing European telecoms regulators shows that as far as the...

The advance of innovative information and communication technologies has triggered a fundamental upheaval in the media industry. The technology is reforming the conventional media model. The media mix will become more varied; interactive and personalised offers are taking root and finding their...

Around the globe countries are attempting to forge ahead with the expansion and upgrading of advanced communications networks. In most cases they are setting very ambitious goals with regard to technology and coverage. However, the specific cost structure for broadband projects results in the...

Integrating hitherto separate IT systems while keeping within with tight budgetary restrictions is becoming the dominant software trend in this decade. Optimism is currently starting to spread again in software houses. However, there are marked regional differences in potential. Contrary to some...

The challenges of payment transactions in electronic commerce were initially underestimated, as is now clear in the light of technological progress and stricter legislation, meaning traditional business models are increasingly coming up against their limits. Only secure, user- friendly and...

In sectors using information and communications technology (ICT) as platform for innovation, the meaning of the term 'work' is undergoing fundamental change. New technologies are helping to accommodate employees' individual preferences regarding working hours and location. In this respect,...

The market for information and communication technologies is changing rapidly. Products and applications that used to be completely separate are becoming almost interchangeable. Sweeping change lies ahead in voice and data telephony: the fixed-line telephone network faces new competition from...

Web 2.0 heralds a new era of communication with a massive increase in information supply and where news, opinion and services flow directly from user to user. Financial institutions can take advantage if they stay abreast of this development. However, any Web 2.0 presence of a financial...

It became clear early on that UMTS, also known as 3G (third-generation mobile phone systems), would be a key technology for profitable markets of the future. However UMTS technology offers some major advantages that can be demonstrated under laboratory conditions but which it will not be...

Efficient broadband technologies such as DSL, fibre, cable modem, powerline communications, UMTS, WLAN or WiMax are powerful locational factors for an economy. Europe in particular should promote broadband communication further to tap into its growth potential. But given the prevailing ownership...