Rec to the EU Council Europe and the GII -- sorry for the format but .... djf

[David Farber <farber () linc cis upenn edu>]

   medium sized enterprises. It permits, for example, direct PC to PC
   communication, for instant, low-cost transmission of documents.
   Teleworking using ISDN services can be attractive to a wide range of
   businesses. ISDN is also an ideal support for distance learning.
   
   
   
   EURO-ISDN, based on common standards, started at the end of 1993.
   
   A number of European countries have a leading position which should
   be exploited.
   
   
   
     
     
     The Group recommends priority extension of the availability of
     EURO-ISDN, in line with current Commission proposals, and
     reductions in tariffs to foster the market.
     
   
   
   
   
   Broadband: the path to multimedia 
   
   ISDN is only the first step. New multimedia services, for instance
   high quality video communications, require even more performance.
   ISDN is showing the way, and the next technological wave aims for
   themultimedia-world. This is integrated broadband communications,
   providing an opportunity to combine all media in a flexible way. The
   lead technology to implement this is called Asynchronous Transfer
   Mode (ATM).
   
   
   
   European industry and telecoms operators are at the forefront of
   these technological developments and should reap the benefits.
   
   
   
   Europe needs to develop an ATM broadband infrastructure as the
   backbone of the information society. Multimedia services offered
   through these networks will support the work and leisure activities
   of all our citizens.
   
   
   
   In many European countries, highly developed broadband distribution
   already exists in the form of cable and satellite networks, or it is
   being deployed. Application of currently available sophisticated
   digital techniques, such as picture compression and digital signal
   transmission, will easily enable these networks to fulfill mainstream
   demands for interactive individual information and leisure uses.
   
   
   
   The present situation is mainly characterised by national and
   regional initiatives. The first trials of transnational networks have
   taken place only recently.
   
   
   
     
     
     The Group recommends that the Council supports the implementation
     of the European broadband infrastructure and secure its
     interconnectivity with the whole of European telecom, cable
     television and satellite networks.
     
     
     
     A European Broadband Steering Committee involving all relevant
     actors should be set up in order to develop a common vision and to
     monitor and facilitate the realisation of the overall concept
     through, in particular, demonstrations and, choice and definition
     of standards.
     
     
     
   
   
   Mobile communication: a growing field 
   
   Mobile communication is growing at breathtaking speed. The number of
   mobile telephone subscribers has doubled over the past three years to
   8 million. At current growth rates of 30-40%, the Union will soon
   have 40 million users.
   
   
   
   Europe is becoming an important leader in mobile communications
   through adoption around the world of its standards for digital
   communications. In particular, GSM is an excellent demonstration of
   how a common Europe-wide public/private initiative can be
   successfully transformed into a market driven, job creating
   operation.
   
   
   
   In Germany, the country where GSM is currently having most success,
   about 30,000 new jobs have been created. On similar assumptions,
   Europe-wide introduction on the same scale would generate more than
   100,000 new jobs.
   
   
   
   Satellites: widening the scope of communications 
   
   Satellites are mainly used for television broadcasting, Earth
   observation and telecommunications. The crucial advantage of
   satellites is their wide geographical coverage without the need for
   expensive terrestrial networks. Satellites have many advantages for
   providing rural and remote areas with advanced communications.
   
   
   
   Full exploitation of satellites can only be achieved by a new phase
   in the Union's satellite policy. The objective should be to develop
   trans-European networks.
   
   
   
     
     
     With regard to mobile and satellite communications, the Group
     recommends:
     
     
   
     * a reduction in tariffs for mobile communications;
       
       
     * promotion of GSM, in Europe and internationally;
       
       
     * the establishment of a regulatory ramework for satellite
       communications;
       
       
     * urging the European satellite industry to develop common
       priority projects and to participate actively in the development
       of worldwide systems.
       
       
       
   
   
New basic services are needed


   
   
   New basic services such as e-mail, file transfer and interactive
   multimedia are needed. The necessary technology is available. New
   networks are developing, such as ISDN, eliminating the present
   limitations of the telephone network.
   
   
   
   Two basic elements are needed for such services: unambiguous
   standards and critical mass. The attraction of a telecommunications
   service depends directly on the number of other compatible users.
   Thus, a new service cannot really take off until a certain number of
   customers has subscribed to the service. Once this critical mass has
   been achieved, growth rates can increase dramatically, as in the case
   of INTERNET.
   
   
   
   INTERNET is based on a world-wide network of networks that is not
   centrally planned. In fact, nobody owns INTERNET. There are now some
   20 million users in more than 100 countries. The network offers
   electronic mail, discussion fora, information exchange and much more.
   INTERNET is so big, and growing so fast, that it cannot be ignored.
   Nevertheless, it has flaws, notably serious security problems. Rather
   than remaining merely clients, we in Europe should consider following
   the evolution of INTERNET closely, playing a more active role in the
   development of interlinkages.
   
     
     
     
     
     The Group recommends urgent and coherent action at both European
     and Member State levels to promote the provision and widespread
     use of standard, trans-European basic services, including
     electronic mail, file transfer and video services.
     
     
     
     The Commission is recommended to initiate the creation of a
     "European Basic Services Forum" to accelerate the availability of
     unified standards for basic services.
     
   
   
   
   
   Significant advantages for the whole economy could be realised quite
   quickly through extension of Europe-wide compatible basic services.
   
   
   
Blazing the trail - ten applications to launch the information society


   
   
   Today technology is in search of applications. At the same time,
   societies are searching for solutions to problems based on
   intelligent information.
   
   
   
   Tariff reductions will facilitate the creation of new applications
   and so overcome the present low rate of capacity utilisation. Voice
   lines operate, for instance, an average of 20 minutes in 24 hours,
   while some value-added network services are only working at 20% of
   capacity.
   
   
   
   However, confident as we are of the necessity to liberate market
   forces, heightened competition will not by itself produce -or produce
   too slowly- the critical mass which has the power to drive investment
   in new networks and services.
   
   
   
   We can only create a virtuous circle of supply and demand if a
   significant number of market testing applications based on
   information networks and services can be launched across Europe to
   create critical mass.
   
   
   
   
   
     We can only create a virtuous circle of supply and demand if a
     significant number of market testing applications based on
     information networks and services can be launched across Europe to
     create critical mass.
     
   
   
   
   
   Demonstration Function 
   
   Initiatives taking the form of experimental applications are the most
   effective means of addressing the slow take-off of demand and supply.
   They have a demonstration function which would help to promote
   theirwider use; they provide an early test bed for suppliers to
   fine-tune applications to customer requirements, and they can
   stimulate advanced users, still relatively few in number in Europe as
   compared to the US.
   
   
   
   It is necessary to involve local, metropolitan and regional
   administrations in their development. Cities can have an extremely
   important role in generating early demand and also in promoting an
   awareness among their citizens of the advantages of the newservices.
   In certain cases, local administrations could demonstrate the
   benefits by assuming the role of the first mass user.
   
   
   
   To be truly effective, such applications need to be launched in real
   commercial environments, preferably on a large scale. These
   initiatives are not pilot projects in the traditional sense. The
   first objective is to test the value to the user, and the economic
   feasibility of the information systems.
   
   
   
   As the examples in the following pages demonstrate, it is possible to
   identify initiatives which will rapidly develop new applications and
   markets, while also impacting positively on the creation of new jobs
   and businesses.
   
   
   
   The private sector is ready to embark on the initiatives needed.
   
   
   
   Priority applications can be divided in two main blocks, according to
   final users:
   
   
   
     * the personal home market (interactiv and transaction applications
       related to teleshopping, telebanking, entertainment, leisure)
       
       
     * business and social applications.
       
       
       
   Priority applications should also contribute to a number of
   macro-economic objectives:
   
   
   
     * strengthening industrial competitive ness and promoting the
       creation of new jobs
       
       
     * promoting new forms of work organisation
       
       
     * improving quality of life and quality of the environment
       
       
     * responding to social needs and raising the efficiency and
       cost-effectiveness of public services.
       
       
       
   
   
Application One
TELEWORKING
More jobs, new jobs, for a mobile society


   
   
   What should be done? Promote teleworking in homes and satellite
   offices so that commuters no longer need to travel long distances to
   work. From there, they can connect electronically to whatever
   professional environment they need, irrespective of the system in
   use.
   
   
   
   Who will do it? If the telecom operators make available the required
   networks at competitive prices, the private sector will set up new
   service companies to supply teleworking support.
   
   
   
   Who gains? Companies (both large and SMEs) and public
   administrations will benefit from productivity gains, increased
   flexibility, cost savings. For the general public, pollution levels,
   traffic congestion and energy consumption will be reduced. For
   employees, more flexible working arrangements will be particularly
   beneficial for all those tied to the home, and for people in remote
   locations the narrowing of distances will help cohesion.
   
   
   
   Issues to watch? Problems arising from decreased opportunities for
   social contact and promotion will have to be addressed. Impact on
   labour legislation and social security provision will need to be
   assessed.
   
   
   
   What target? Create pilot teleworking centres in 20 cities by end
   1995 involving at least 20,000 workers. The aim is for 2% of white
   collar workers to be teleworkers by 1996; 10 million teleworking jobs
   by the year 2000.
   
   
   
Application Two
DISTANCE LEARNING
Life long learning for a changing society


   
   
   What should be done? Promote distance learning centres providing
   courseware, training and tuition services tailored for SMEs, large
   companies and public administrations. Extend advanced distance
   learning techniques into schools and colleges.
   
   
   
   Who will do it? Given the required network tariffs at competitive
   prices, industry will set up new service provider companies to supply
   distance learning services for vocational training. European
   Commission should support quality standards for programmes and
   courses and help create a favourable environment. Private sector
   providers and public authorities will enter the distance education
   market, offering networked and CD-I and CD-ROM interactive disk based
   programming and content at affordable prices.
   
   
   
   Who gains? Industry (specially SMEs) and public administrations, by
   cost reductions and optimisation of the use of scarce training and
   education resources. Employees needing to upgrade their skills by
   taking advantage of lifelong learning programmes. People tied to the
   home and in remote locations. Students accessing higher quality
   teaching.
   
   
   
   Issues to Watch? Need to engage in a major effort to train the
   trainers and expand computer literacy among the teaching profession.
   
   What target? Pilot projects in at least 5 countries by 1995.
   Distance learning in use by 10% of SMEs and public administrations by
   1996. Awareness campaigns among the professional associations and
   education authorities.
   
   
   
   
   
Application Three
A NETWORK FOR UNIVERSITIES AND RESEARCH CENTRES
Networking Europe's brain power


   
   
   What should be done? Development of a trans-European advanced
   network (high bandwidth, high definition, carrying interactive
   multimedia services) linking universities and research centres
   across Europe, with open access to their libraries.
   
   
   
   Who will do it? Providing broadband networks and high speed lines
   are available at competitive rates, universities and research centres
   will set up the networks. Private companies, large and small, could
   also link their laboratories with universities and research centres.
   A trans-European public library network can also be envisaged.
   
   
   
   Who gains? The productivity of research programmes through broader
   team creation leading to synergies between institutions. Society in
   general through more efficient diffusion of research findings and
   knowledge.
   
   
   
   Issues to watch? Giving due consideration to IPR protection as the
   accumulated stock of human knowledge becomes more readily accessible.
   
   
   
   What target? Thirty per cent of European universities and research
   centres linked through advanced communications networks by 1997.
   Extension to other European countries as this becomes technologically
   feasible.
   
   
   
Application Four
TELEMATIC SERVICES FOR SMEs
Relaunching a main engine for growth and employment in Europe


   
   
   What should be done? Promote the widest possible use of telematic
   services (E-mail, file transfer, EDI, video conferencing, distance
   learning, etc.) by European SMEs, with links to public authorities,
   trade associations, customers and suppliers. Raise the awareness of
   addedvalue services, and communications in general, among SMEs.
   Increase access to trans-European data networks.
   
   
   
   Who will do it? If the necessary ISDN networks are available at
   competitive rates, the private sector will provide trans-European
   value-added services tailored for SMEs. Local government, Chambers of
   Commerce and trades associations linking SMEs will mount programmes
   for integrating information networks at the localand regional level,
   promoting awareness campaigns for the services available.
   
   
   
   Who gains? SMEs will be able to compete on a more equal basis with
   larger companies and captive contractor-supplier relationships will
   be weakened. They will be more competitive, will grow faster and
   create more jobs. Relationships with administrations will be simpler
   and more productive. The category will gain in public standing and
   influence.
   
   
   
   What target? Access to Trans-European telematic services for SMEs
   available by end 1994-1995. 40% of SMEs (firms with more than 50
   employees) using telematic networks by 1996. SME links with
   administration networks prioritised. 
   
Application Five
ROAD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Electronic roads for better quality of life


   
   
   What should be done? Establish telematic solutions on a European
   scale for advanced road traffic management systems and other
   transport services (driver information, route guidance, fleet
   management, road pricing, etc.).
   
   
   
   Who will do it? European, national and regional administrations,
   user groups and traffic operators will create a Steering Committee
   and define a common open system architecture for advanced telematic
   services with common user interfaces.
   
   
   
   Who gains? Drivers, local communities (especially in heavily
   congested areas) and industry will benefit from reduction in traffic,
   increased road safety, lower environmental costs, energy and time
   saving.
   
   
   
   What target? Implementation of telematic systems for road traffic
   management in 10 metropolitan areas and 2,000 km of motorway by 1996.
   30 metropolitan areas and the trans-European motorway network by the
   year 2000.
   
   
   
Application Six
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
An electronic airway for Europe


   
   
   What should be done? Create a European Air Traffic Communication
   System providing ground-ground connections between all European Air
   Traffic control centres (ATC) and air-ground connections between
   aeroplanes, ATC-centres across the European Union and the European
   Civil Aviation Conference, with the aim of achieving a unified
   trans-European air traffic control system.
   
   
   
   Who will do it? The European Council should promote energetically
   the creation of a reduced number of networked European Air Traffic
   centres, as defined by EUROCONTROL.
   
   
   
   Who gains? The European air transport industry - and its millions of
   passengers - will benefit from better air traffic management and
   significantly reduced energy consumption. A safer system, with less
   congestion and subsequent reductions in time wasted, noise and fume
   pollution. 
   
   
   
   Issues to watch? There is a need to co-ordinate closely with the
   defence sector.
   
   
   
   What target? Set up a Steering Committee with representatives of
   public authorities, civil and military aviation authorities, the air