The mobile broadband revolution How does Europe compare to the US and Asia?

The rise of mobile technology is frequently referred to as a great European success story, with average mobile penetration rates in Europe reaching 124%. But with the rest of the world also investing in mobile, can Europe afford to rest on its laurels? The arrival of mobile broadband has the potential to drive social and economic development forward in the EU − but it also creates a whole new series of challenges for European policymakers.

As the Commission shapes its new Digital Agenda, many industry watchers are asking whether Europe has the right policies in place to seize global leadership of this critical sector. How is mobile broadband driving economic and social development across the rest of the globe? What can we learn from the US and Asia? And what does the past tell us about the future regulatory environment needed in Europe?

Wednesday 17 March 2010

07:45 – 08:00
Registration and breakfast

1. Introduction

08:00 – 08:05
Welcome
Martin Whitehead, Director GSMA Europe

08:05 – 08:15
Introductory statement
MEP Gunnar Hökmark, Vice Chair EPP

2. Regional perspectives

08:15 – 08:25
A view from Europe
“Pursuing the right policies: Is regulation helping or hindering mobile broadband in Europe?”
Reinaldo Rodríguez, President of CMT and Vice–Chair of BEREC

08:25 – 08:35
A view from the US
“Making broadband ‘buildout’ a reality: Driving the mobile data revolution in the world’s largest economy.” Ambassador David Gross, Wiley Rein LLP

08:35 – 08:45
A view from Asia
“Is Asia still leading the way in an emerging 4G world?”

3. Panel Discussion

08:45 – 09:45
Q&A with panelists
Moderated by Prof. Andrea Renda, Senior Research Fellow, CEPS

09:45 – 10:00
Wrap–up and conclusions
Concluding remarks from Gabriel Solomon, Senior Vice President, GSMA

Join us for a far–reaching discussion and a unique comparative perspective on mobile broadband deployment in Europe, Asia and the United States, and the regulatory challenges raised by the arrival of this critical new technology.