GSMA Launches European Mobile Manifesto to Help Create a Prosperous, Green and Inclusive Europe

BRUSSELS - The GSMA, the body that represents the worldwide mobile communications industry, today unveiled 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. To do this, the mobile industry has undertaken to work more closely with governments, education and health authorities and technology manufacturers. The mobile industry is also calling upon the EU to provide a number of measures to support the initiative.

Through the Mobile Manifesto, the mobile industry outlines its goals to:

- 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 “mobilisation” 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

“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.”

“The manifesto gives a very good insight in the key role mobile will play in European society - if we take the right measures now,” said Viviane Reding, the EU’s Telecoms Commissioner.

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 Mobile Manifesto outlines specific, detailed goals from the industry and highlights Europe’s existing strength in mobile and estimates the economic, social and environmental benefits of these goals. 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 EUR7.7bn by 2015; mHealth, calculations show a saving of up to EUR78bn by 2015 and increasing connectivity through mobile will deliver greater productivity, which is estimated to add an aggregate of up to EUR349bn (or 2.9% of EU GDP) by 2015.

The mobile sector represents 1.3% of EU Gross Value Added, 1.2% of EU GDP, and employs over 600,000 people. Within EU telecoms, mobile now accounts for approximately 61% of revenues, up from 47% in 2002. The sector continues to invest in its next-generation infrastructure, providing a strong economic stimulus. Current estimates suggest that the mobile industry in Europe will deploy EUR145bn in capital expenditure through 2013, creating direct and indirect employment for more than 4.7 million people. Mobile is expected to make a significant contribution to recovery from the current downturn and to Europe’s longer term fulfilment of the objectives of the Lisbon Strategy* which are aimed at making the European Union the most competitive economy in the world and achieving full employment by 2010.

A video interview can be found on Mobile World Live: www.mobileworldlive.com

The report can be found at: www.gsmworld.com/mobilemanifesto

About the GSMA

The GSMA represents the interests of the worldwide mobile communications industry. Spanning 219 countries, the GSMA unites nearly 800 of the world’s mobile operators, as well as more than 200 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset makers, software companies, equipment providers, Internet companies, and media and entertainment organisations. The GSMA is focused on innovating, incubating and creating new opportunities for its membership, all with the end goal of driving the growth of the mobile communications industry.

For more information, please visit Mobile World Live, the new online portal for the mobile communications industry, at www.mobileworldlive.com or the GSMA corporate website at www.gsmworld.com

*europa.eu/scadplus/glossary/lisbon_strategy_en.htm

Source: GSMA

GSMA, Daniel Lowther: +44-7747-636-687, press at gsm.org