Vodafone and Orange among companies who say mobile phones could boost EU economy by £307bn


Mobile phone companies, including Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile, O2 and 3, have said the industry could boost the European economy by €340bn (£307bn) by 2015.

03 Nov 2009

The GSMA, the international body which represents the interests of mobile phone companies, said the industry could boost the European economy by providing greater access to mobile broadband and improving the efficiency of public services.

Rob Conway, GSMA chief executive, said: "Mobile is a key element in today's society – it is the most ubiquitous, connected and personalised communications tool that we have, and it holds significant potential to improve the lives of European citizens and the economic performance of the region through social inclusion and continued investment in innovation."

Vodafone will not be charging 20p a minute for swine flu hotlineAs part of its European Mobile Manifesto,the GSMA is calling on the European Commission to release more mobile phone spectrum so that operators can offer a greater array of services.

A Vodafone spokesman said: "The industry hopes to show how mobile can make a considerable contribution to the lives of European citizens and the economic performance of the region through social inclusion and continued investment in innovation."