Telecom operators in the European Union : Internationalization strategies and network alliances

Abstract

National and international pressure is driving market entry, mergers of regional or functional monopolies at the national level, and the creation of new national and international strategic alliances in Europe. Large multinational companies require new services such as one-stop shopping or 'seamless' global communications services, making international cooperation between national telecom operators necessary. This paper describes the different developments and strategies taking place at the national level of the EU member states. Trends of globalization and internationalization as well as their regulatory consequences are also discussed.