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This report is based on the findings of an ESTO study" Prospects for the third generation mobile systems", finalised in April 2003. This study was launched by JRC-IPTS within the framework of its FISTE project (Foresight on Information Society Technologies in Europe) with a view to better understanding the success factors for 3G networks to be deployed in Europe, and in order to draw up policy recommendations that promote their success. The aim of this study was to achieve fact-finding and report on the future strategic and policy options for the European mobile Internet, and 3G in particular. The gathered insights from successful experience in other regions in mobile Internet, notably Japan, and formulates strategic implications for the European Union with regard to what the best strategies could be to foster the development of wireless Internet. This report therefore addresses one of the key issues in European IST policy.

Advanced wireless platforms such as 3G are an essential building block for the achievement of Information Society goals in terms of consumer demand, productivity, competitiveness and job creation and most Member States have therefore issued 3G licences. However, the great expectations associated with the introduction of a new mobile communications generation contrast significantly with the difficulties in making 3G a commercial reality in Europe. Several contributing factors are involved. The downgrading of credit ratings in the sector has continued, coupled with a significant erosion of market capitalization of both operators and manufacturers, and with low availability of investment funds especially for alternative carriers …