According to a new forecast issued by market research firm Analysys, mobile phone penetration in Western Europe is expected to exceed 100 percent by 2007 -- The report predicted that penetration would grow from 90 percent this year to 98 percent by 2006 and 100 percent in 2007. Mobile penetration already exceeds 100 percent in several European countries, including Italy, Sweden and the U.K. Analysys said growth stagnated in some markets that have tried to stabilize ARPU (Average Revenue per User) by converting customers from pre-pay to contract, but added that 3G would be a catalyst for growth in Europe, with consumers buying new mobile phones and SIM cards to gain access to new services. "With the advent of 3G, operators have an opportunity to stabilize and potentially even grow voice ARPU by using the efficiency of the technology and offering large bundles of minutes," said analyst Alex Zadvorny.
Try to imagine this scenario, that General Motors and Ford were given exclusive franchises to build America's interstate highway system, and also all the highways that connect local communities. Now imagine that, based upon a financial crisis, these troubled companies decided to convert all "their" local arteries into toll-roads -- they then use incremental toll fees to severely limit all travel to and from small businesses. Why? This handicapping process reduced the need to invest in building better new roads, or repairing the dilapidated ones. But, wouldn't that short-sighted decision have a detrimental impact on the overall national economy? It's a moot point -- pure fantasy -- you say. The U.S. political leadership would never knowingly risk the nation's social and economic future on the financial viability of a restrictive duopoly. Or, would they? The 21st century Global Networked Economy travels across essential broadband infrastructure. The forced intro...