COM(97)623
Towards an Information Society Approach
European Commission Brussels, 3 December 1997
Executive Summary The Background - Convergence The Issues - The Stakes for Europe Getting the regulatory framework right is of crucial importance The Forum for Debate - The Green Paper Conclusions - The Way Forward Introduction Chapter IConvergence - Definitions and Developments I.1 Convergence - defining its scope I.2 The enabling role of technology I.3 Current market developments I.4 Summary and questions Chapter IIThe impact of convergence on the relevant sectors II.1 The social and economic context II.2 Market Trends II.3 The consumer perspective II.4 Summary and questions Chapter IIIBarriers to convergence III.1 Existing barriers III.2 Potential barriers III.3 Question Chapter IVRegulatory Implications IV.1 Challenges to existing regulatory approaches IV.2 Tackling the barriers - The regulatory issues IV.3 Meeting public interest objectives IV.4 Options for a future regulatory model IV.5 Issues at an International level Chapter VPrinciples and options for the future V.1 Principles for future regulatory policy in the sectors affected by convergence V.2 Options for regulatory development V.3 Timetable for future action V.4 Conclusions ANNEXExisting Regulation