Europe (Western) - Telecoms, Mobile & Broadband Overview & Analysis 2007

Synopsis

The European telecom market in 2007 has continued to benefit from strong investment in the mobile and broadband sectors. Mobile networks have been upgraded to HSDPA to provide mobile broadband services, while substantial ADSL2+ and fibre deployments have been undertaken across the EU. Broadband adoption has continued to grow sharply, and several European countries head global league tables for broadband penetration. This effort has been underlined by strong consumer adoption of high bandwidth services and an operator focus on providing triple play and quad play to customers. Regulatory developments have also facilitated access by new entrants to incumbent networks, including new Next Generation Networks. Many of the major players particularly in the cable sector consolidated their businesses in 2007 to strengthen their position in competing against fast ADSL2+ networks. The EU’s New Regulatory Framework (NRF) was supplemented by the i2010 initiative and was under a major review during 2007. Converging media, based on triple play and fast ADSL or fibre, has also matured in many markets. This report presents key statistics and analysis on the Western European telecoms market in 2007, noting the principal developments and scenarios for further growth and movement in coming years.