The European Framework for Safer Mobile Use- Pricewaterhouse Coopers implementation report

16 April 2009- Two years on from the introduction of the European Framework for Safer Mobile Use by Younger Teenagers and Children, Pricewaterhouse Coopers published a report summarising the status of its implementation in the EU. The report shows that the Framework has been transposed into codes of conduct in 22 EU Member States and that mobile operator signatories have taken substantial action to implement these codes alongside other voluntary activities. Consequently around 580 million mobile customers, representing 96% of all EU mobile subscriptions, currently benefit from the self-regulatory initiative. 

• The areas showing the highest level of compliance- both in terms of transposition into codes of conduct and practical implementation by operators- are those related to the introduction of access control mechanisms for mobile operators' own and third-party commercial content and the classification of such content. 
• Areas of lower compliance- in the codes and on the ground- include some of the Framework recommendations linked to raising awareness about safer mobile use and fighting illegal child abuse content on mobile community products and the internet. Going forward, GSMA Europe and participating mobile operators will put a special focus on these two areas with a view to ensuring 100% compliance.

The full report can be downloaded here.

European Mobile Industry Observatory

In September 2008 the GSMA published a comprehensive review of the European mobile industry, the 'European Mobile Observatory'. The report aims to provide a reference point for participants in the mobile industry, policy makers and other stakeholders with regard to the state of the industry. It covers key statistics and performance indicators, the evolution of competition, innovation in new products, services and technologies and the contribution of the mobile industry to social and economic development.

The full European Mobile Observatory report can be downloaded here...