Open, interoperable fixed and mobile telecom networks are the result of systematic ways of working with open standards and clear interfaces. This is the way the industry has traditionally operated – with great success. Telecom as an interoperable, seamless service is taken for granted in most parts of the world.
But a newcomer – the internet – has entered the arena, changing the rules of the game.
The rapidly growing market impact of the internet presents the telecom industry with great opportunities, but also with some challenges that have to be met.
How does one handle the emerging world of internet-inspired services where the rules are different, where proprietary systems are competing with standardized solutions, and for which there are numerous open as well as de facto standards? Another challenge is how to capture the creativity and support services that are created in this open environment.
Building on the experience gained from telecom’s proven ways of working with supporting regulations ensures interoperability and sticks to the goal of universal services and communications for all. In this way, and only in this way, can the industry achieve the huge volumes and low prices that will benefit end users, operators, and service and content providers – and indeed, the whole of society.
The internet calls for new roles and business opportunities, for both new and established players. The combination of the internet’s creativity and telecom’s scalability and efficiency has enormous potential.
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