Brussels, 14 May 2002
The convergence of media platforms such as digital television, 3G mobile phones and high-speed Internet can help to build an information society open to all, according to Enterprise and Information Society Commissioner Errki Liikanen.
Addressing a conference on media convergence in Europe and the Americas on 13 May, Commissioner Liikanen said the convergence of different technological platforms is 'transforming society' by changing the way companies and individuals behave and interact.
Mr Liikanen said convergence will help reduce the 'digital divide' between those with and those without access to new technology. 'With a wider choice of platforms and networks, we will increase inclusion. There is far less reason for anyone to be excluded on the grounds of geography, skills or capabilities,' he said.
He called on public authorities to establish clear political priorities and policies to de-couple content from networks and make it available to a wider audience. A coherent approach to convergence is important, he added, to enable society to capitalise on the economic benefits, enhanced productivity and greater choice it will provide.
The use of open and interoperable platforms will also improve the quality of local content, Mr Liikanen said, by reducing the need to re-author content for different platforms.
Mr Liikanen also highlighted the close link between convergence and business creation. 'Entrepreneurship is closely linked to convergence as we envisage it. Local initiatives that exploit cultural diversity should be able to flourish,' he said.
He added that these new developments will require new partnerships to grow up, such as those fostered by the European Union through its research and development IST programme, which is open to non-European organisations.
The Commissioner also emphasised the role digital television can play in opening up the information society to all. He gave the example of Latin America and the Caribbean, where out of 100 inhabitants own a television but just eight out of every 100 people have a PC. As more inhabitants own a television set, they would have greater access to information society applications such as e-government and e-health applications through this medium. The EU is committed to supporting the introduction of digital terrestrial television in these countries, he said, and to sharing advice and experience to help achieve this.
For further information on the IST programme, please consult the following web address: http://www.cordis.lu/ist