Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Qualcomm Incorporated (QCOM) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: SKIP PAUL who wrote (20299)	12/22/1998 9:14:00 PM
From: DaveMG	Respond to of 152472

U.S. complains over European wireless standards WASHINGTON, Dec 22 (Reuters) - The United States complained to the European Union (EU) on Tuesday about its handling of technical standards for the mobile phone market, saying Europe seemed to be trying to preempt an international standard. U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky, Commerce Secretary William Daley and Federal Communications Commission Chairman William Kennard sent the complaint to EU Commissioner Martin Bangemann, the State Department said in a statement. ''We are seeking specific assurances from European governments that U.S. industry will be able to deploy competing 3G (third generation) technologies and services in Europe at the same time that European-sponsored technologies and services are deployed,'' Barshefsky said. ''This is a question of basic fairness in telecommunications trade,'' she added in the latest volley in a transatlantic battle over technical standards for the next generation of wireless communications. The newest mobile phones will offer consumers data services, moving video images and Internet access. The International Telecommunications Union has set March 31 next year as the deadline for deciding on the key characteristics of a 3G standard and plans to make its final recommendations on 3G issues by the end of 1999. But some European countries are poised to auction the radio spectrum for 3G services during 1999, without giving operators time to take account of the ITU's final decision. ''The early auctions could effectively preclude any technology but the European-sponsored 3G standard from arriving first on European markets,'' the statement said. The U.S. officials also complained of a European Commission decision to impose the 3G standard adopted by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute. U.S. officials worry that the EU action will make it prohibitively expensive for U.S. companies using different standards to operate or sell their products in Europe. Tuesday December 22, 7:40 pm Eastern Time biz.yahoo.com