The Programme

Programme Day One – Tuesday 9 June 2009

Registration and coffee

Opening remarks from the Chair

Keynote session: outlining the scope of Ofcom’s Mobile Sector Assessment

• Realising the full potential of the sector for consumers
• Identifying whether and how regulation needs to adapt
• Implementing a clear regulatory framework supported by effective enforcement to protect consumers
• Defining a clear strategy: adapting regulation to remove unnecessary regulatory obstacles to innovation
• Preparing for a converged world: ensuring clarity of purpose and technology-neutrality

Key initiatives in the electronic communications sector: how will these affect the mobile market?

• The current state of play with regards to the telecoms package
• An overview of the amendments to the regulatory framework and how this will affect mobile operators
• Discussing the Recommendation's impact on termination rates
• A review of the roaming regulation

Establishing the implications of the regulation on SMS and data roaming for European mobile operators

• Outlining the framework for SMS and data roaming services
• Reviewing the European Commission’s Impact Assessment
• Assessing the scope of interpretation and the need for further amendments
• Pricing strategies for ensuring profitability and compliance

Morning refreshments

The regulators’ perspective of the Telecoms Package

• Highlighting Article 7 and other harmonisation measures
• Outlining the institutional framework
• NGA incentives
• Promoting consumer empowerment
• Discussing spectrum
• An overall assessment

How to deal with issues affecting competition in the mobile retail market

• Can problems be solved via regulation or via the application of competition law?
• The issues related to both approaches
• Some examples of issues and pending cases
• Evaluation of the MTR Recommendation as an example of regulatory intervention on these issues

Update on the regulation of MTRs at EU level

• Outlining the status of the EU Recommendation
• The latest NRA decisions and Commission comments
• What are the regulatory perspectives in the medium term?
• The impact on customers and the business

Lunch

How does regulation support the continued development and growth of mobile services in Europe?

• The European Commission’s draft proposal - what does it mean?
• One size fits all? Why regulation must allow for national differences
• How does the draft proposal affect the mobile industry and its customers?
• Identifying possible aspects that should be modified in the draft
• Establishing an MTR regulation to support investment, industry growth and development

Assessing MTR regulation in Belgium

• Outlining the history of MTR regulation in Belgium
• Assessing symmetrical or asymmetrical regulations
• Identifying the cost modelling of Belgian mobile operators
• Analysing MTR regulation in the European context
• Highlighting future MTR regulation in Belgium

Afternoon refreshments

Refarming the 900 MHz spectrum band to facilitate broadband-enabled mobile networks

• Revising the GSM directive: current discussion and outcomes
• Assessing the methodologies for redistributing the spectrum
• Establishing opportunities in a national market
• Leveraging the deployment of UMTS and mobile broadband services

Defining the regulatory framework for the 4G network

• Outlining the current state of 3G regulations
• Assessing the implications of the new 4G legislation
• Predicting basic conditions, licensing and fees
• Establishing strategies to adopt Long Term Evolution architecture
• Exploring the impact of further convergence through 4G

Closing remarks from the Chair and close of Day One

Registration and coffee

Opening remarks from the Chair

Delegates will be able to attend three one-hour roundtable discussion groups from a selection of key topics. Each session will be chaired by an industry expert who will facilitate an exchange of opinions, essential experiences and learning related to an aspect of mobile regulations and competition law.

Lunch

Is regulation paving the way for mobile network operators to increase access to content?

• Increasing use of data services over mobile internet
• Establishing the potential for new business models to flourish using location-based information
• Assessing the need for concerted and cross-discipline efforts to help grow market for “content on the go”
• Access to content (CISAC case, e-commerce) – the effect of the Recommendation on online music licensing
• Anti-piracy obligations
• Lack of legal offers
• Cost of handset/storage (levies)
• Complications in payment (eMoney, PSD, VAT treatment of vouchers)
• Some movement forward

Debating net neutrality for mobile services

• Discussing net neutrality issues for fixed operators and the relevance for mobile service providers
• Explaining the scope of interpretation for current net neutrality related legislation
• Establishing implications for mobile net neutrality regulation
• Achieving a neutral mobile network

Afternoon refreshments

Highlighting fixed-mobile convergence practices and their effects on European and national regulations

• Reviewing the extension of fixed-mobile convergence throughout Europe
• Analysing the positive and negative consequences of convergence for the mobile industry
• Highlighting technological advancements that will promote further fixed-mobile convergence tendencies
• Predicting future modifications on regulations and competition law on various markets

Mobile broadband penetration - the impact of regulation

• Outlining the regulatory situation related to mobile broadband services
• Evolution of mobile broadband and resulting regulatory requirements
• Fixed vs. mobile broadband - a regulatory issue?

Closing remarks from the Chair and close of conference