Performance 2007/08: engagement on public issues
General industry issues
In 2007/08, we engaged with regulators and governments mainly focusing on the following issues relevant to our industry:
- International roaming
- Call termination
- Spectrum
- Universal service
- Data security
Corporate responsibility issues
We also engaged with them on CR-related issues such as content standards, universal service, data security and climate change. Here we outline Vodafone's position on these issues.
Content standards
Together with other mobile operators, we developed the European Framework for Safer Mobile Use by Younger Teenagers and Children. This self-regulatory code commits mobile operators to classify commercial content and offer access controls where services include adult commercial content; to contribute to education and awareness raising on these issues; and to combat illegal content in the EU.
Building on commitments set out in the Safer Mobile Framework, Vodafone is leading a pan-European education initiative with online education resource, EUN Schoolnet, to develop awareness-raising material for use by teachers. Vodafone has also worked with the GSMA to establish the Mobile Alliance Against Child Sexual Abuse Content. For more information on these initiatives, see content standards.
Universal service
Universal service means ensuring that consumers have access to communications services, regardless of income, geography or disability. Vodafone believes that universal service should be achieved through market competition and by removing regulatory barriers to provision within European markets. We encourage market-based mechanisms to extend competitive supply of mobile telephony to more rural areas.
Many people with disabilities already benefit from mobile services, including people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing benefiting from SMS communication – which is now a mainstream service. However, some groups remain excluded.
Vodafone is recommending a new approach to the EU that would require all communications providers to offer at least one product or service designed to meet the needs of key disabled customer groups. We are also participating in the European Union’s e-Inclusion initiative to reduce exclusion from ICT services.
Vodafone provided input to the proposed amendments to the EU regulation on 112 emergency services access, including access for deaf and disabled customers. We work with the European Commission on how e112 services – to provide caller location information to 112 operators – and automatic emergency calls from vehicles involved in a crash could be implemented.
See accessibility for more on Vodafone's approach to these issues.
Data security notification
Identity theft is a growing problem. We want to reassure our customers that their security is protected. Vodafone supports the European Commission’s efforts to strengthen security and privacy, and increase industry's obligation to notify consumers of security breaches.
We would like the Commission to consider a self-regulatory approach, at least initially, enabling the industry to use its experience to develop appropriate safeguards. We believe that notification of security breaches should be limited to incidents that involve the risk of harm being caused to the individual and only those groups of individuals at risk should be notified. Some exemptions may be necessary, particularly where notification may be contrary to the interests of national security.
Climate change
As part of the EU Corporate Leaders Group (CLG) on Climate Change, Vodafone is lobbying in support of the EU's climate targets – to cut carbon emissions by 20%, generate 20% of energy from renewables and improve energy efficiency by 20% by 2020. The CLG’s vision is for the EU to meet its 2020 targets in a way that provides long-term economic and competitive benefits of European business.
Socio-economic potential of mobile
We believe mobile can boost economic growth and prosperity through the business benefits it brings. It also brings social benefits, connecting communities and helping to alleviate poverty. See socio-economic impact for more on how Vodafone is realising this potential.
Broader public issues
Vodafone also seeks to help governments meet their objectives on a number of issues of broader public interest.
These include:
- Employment
- Innovation and prosperity
- Public service delivery and effectiveness
- National and public security.
Regulation update 2007/08
Our local operating companies are generally subject to regulation governing the activities of our industry in individual countries, as well as general competition (anti-trust) laws applicable to all activities.
Updates to regulations in 2007/08 include:
- European Union
- Spectrum
- International Roaming
- Regulation in Vodafone's markets
- Europe
- EMAPA.
See our Annual Report for further details.
