Mobile communications system: full roll-out of third generation 3G

The European Parliament adopted a resolution based on its own-initiative report drafted by Danielle AUROI (Greens/EFA, France) on third generation mobile communication. (Please refer to the document dated 23/01/02.) Parliament stressed that 3G must be rolled out fairly and in a non-discriminatory manner, and underlined the importance of compliance with competition rules, so that companies involved operate on the market on an equal footing, irrespective of their size. Only free competition will ensure affordable prices for consumers. Parliament called on the operators involved in the roll-out of 3G to commit themselves to a transparent policy of offering services so as to guarantee consumers the maximum amount of information, thereby creating a climate of confidence which can only encourage demand. Furthermore, Parliament stressed that any trading of spectrum must not be allowed to lead to distortion of competition in the European telecommunications market. It encouraged Member States to help support broadband initiatives by means of tax concessions and measures to stimulate demand for broadband applications such as e-health.�