Building on the success of the first edition in December 2014, the GSMA Mobile 360 Series – Europe conference brought together thought leaders and industry experts within the expanding mobile value chain to discuss how to optimise the potential of mobile technologies and services in the European Union. Held in Brussels on 14 June, the event featured visionary keynote presentations, thought-provoking interviews and interactive panel discussions.
Under the overarching theme of Mobilising the Digital Single Market, the event focused on how to help Europe maximise mobile’s contribution to drive growth, competitiveness and job creation in the single market. Speakers considered the impact that 5G technologies will have in the coming years, with a particular emphasis on enterprise services, financial technology, the Internet of Things and wearable devices, among others.
In his keynote, Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, outlined how the EU can realise the potential of the Digital Single Market by establishing fast, secure and ubiquitous communication networks across the region to drive growth, jobs and competitiveness in the global digital economy.
“Now is the time for policymakers and industry to work together on the steps Europe can take – as it reviews its Telecom Framework – to realise the potential of 5G for European citizens, businesses and the economy,” said Granryd. “5G will enable many new and exciting services – from truly immersive internet to ground-breaking augmented reality and low latency remote activities, including highly advanced applications, such as remote surgery.”
Andrus Ansip, European Commission Vice-President for the Digital Single Market, Günther Oettinger, EU Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, Alexander De Croo, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Development Cooperation, Digital Agenda, Telecom and Postal Services, also participated in the conference, which highlighted the major contribution of the mobile industry to social and economic development.
Commissioner Oettinger told delegates that the “5G international agenda is accelerating”, pointing out the efforts of the US, Japan, South Korea and China, in particular. The Commission is keen to work with the telecoms sector and vertical industries to drive 5G forward, he added.
Vice-President Ansip said he “cannot stress enough how important it is to have coordinated EU-wide spectrum as we progress rapidly toward the age of 5G connectivity.”
The event also showcased how mobile, with nearly 460 million subscribers in Europe at the end of 2015, is crucial to providing access to essential information and services, improved employment and economic opportunities, greater productivity and competitiveness.
The event highlights can be watched here. For further information on Mobile 360 – Europe, visit the conference website.