Tony Graziano Director Technical and Regulatory Policy “Vision in Action - Accessibility to Next Generation Networks

Brussels February 7, 2008 About EICTA EICTA is the voice of the European digital technology industry Our objectives Engage European policy makers Foster economic growth Advocate the value of technology Promote competitiveness Contribute to social policy

“Vision in Action - Accessibility to Next Generation Networks Brussels February 7, 2008 Our Members A wide range of multinational companies (57) and national trade associations (40)… Which represent more than 10,000 businesses and two million employees… And generate revenues of over 1,000 billion euros … 900 experts in various working groups bring credibility and legitimacy to the organisation…

“Vision in Action - Accessibility to Next Generation Networks Brussels February 7, 2008 Next generation networks – what are we talking about? Today’s network Separate networks for difference services Many numbers (Mobile, Fixed, different devices) Equipment duplication, Service duplication Tomorrow’s network One network for converged services One number, fewer devices (PC and Mobile) Service creation and simplified use

“Vision in Action - Accessibility to Next Generation Networks Brussels February 7, 2008 Benefits for the user Device independence (network will become invisible for the customer); Access independence (access applications anywhere on any device); Service variety (Much richer and broad range of services) Enhanced usability (Mobility, customisation and control)

“Vision in Action - Accessibility to Next Generation Networks Brussels February 7, 2008 Challenges NGN interconnect regime sets investment and migration incentives: Will new interconnect reward investment in networks? Or in services? Preserve existing revenue – v – grow new business on NGN Focus on “bottlenecks” traditionally on access network. Will this change given the increasing focus on application providers? Interoperability with legacy services/network A pan-European strategy will be critical to avoid different commercial and technical standards across Europe

“Vision in Action - Accessibility to Next Generation Networks Brussels February 7, 2008 Impact on Telecommunication Services Greater flexibility, in terms of the technology and services on offer; Access to a range of new applications; Targeted application, location–awareness; Interoperability with assistive technologies requires attention. EICTA main focus on Total conversation.

“Vision in Action - Accessibility to Next Generation Networks Brussels February 7, 2008 Impact on Audio visual Services Much richer and broad range of services; Availability of more targeted services (subtitles, audio description etc...); NGN is only enabler. Specific services need to be implemented by content providers; Real time speech recognition and translation remains an unproven technology for the foreseeable future while for text to voice the technology is already available. EICTA has been leading and articulating value chain approaches to the delivery of end to end accessibility on Digital TV

“Vision in Action - Accessibility to Next Generation Networks Brussels February 7, 2008 Impact on IT Services greater personalisation and control; Targeted applications (running from terminals); greater use of multimedia Access to emergency service critical; Web accessibility of particular importance to EICTA members.

“Vision in Action - Accessibility to Next Generation Networks Brussels February 7, 2008 Some observations There are no fixed answer in Inclusive design of ICT products. Is it reasonable to ask that every new technological avenue be accessible from the out set? Effect on technological development. In developing inclusive ICT products, a range of requirements will be encountered that could not reasonably be catered for within a single product. Cooperation is needed to determine how to spread the necessary features within a product range, and in what combination in each single product, so as to address the market in a sensible fashion.

“Vision in Action - Accessibility to Next Generation Networks Brussels February 7, 2008 EICTA’s aproach EICTA approach has centred on three main elements: 1. Creating a culture of inclusion within the ICT industry; 2. Creating a forum where the principle stakeholders can openly discuss accessibility issues and aspirations. 3. Aiding the application of the inclusion philosophy by developing user profiles of elderly and disabled people who are currently excluded;

“Vision in Action - Accessibility to Next Generation Networks Brussels February 7, 2008 EICTA eInclusion activities Established 4 Groups focussing on: i2010 eInclusionPolicy aspects, chaired by Elena Bonfiglioli ( Microsoft); Accessibility standardisation aspects and web/IT services (chaired by Dave Sawdon (IBM) ; accessibility of mobile terminals (real time text/total conversation issue), chaired by Pekka Heikkinen (Nokia); Acccessibility of Digital TV receivers, chaired by Renaud DiFrancesco (Sony);

“Vision in Action - Accessibility to Next Generation Networks Brussels February 7, 2008 EICTA eInclusion activities EICTA has been leading and articulating value chain approaches to the delivery of end to end accessibility on : accessing Internet content (web accessibility); total conversation (person to person communication); TV accessibility. In cooperation with the European Disability Forum and the Istituto Nazionale delle Ricerche (Italy) have developed a roadmap for the development of a Design for All Master’s Programme(DfA). Developed, in cooperation with AGE, an “Active Ageing Roadmap" aimed at the inclusion of senior citizens in the information society.

“Vision in Action - Accessibility to Next Generation Networks Brussels February 7, and Deliverables EICTA has published: White paper on “eAccessibility” in October 2005; available at: White paper on “Towards an Inclusive Information Society”, in December Available at: Booklet (June 2007) detailing some features of EICTA members’ products and services addressing the eInclusion issue. Available at: EICTA recommendations on a proposed way forward to address the Total Conversation issue (August 2007). Available at: A self commitment detailing Digital TV e-Accessibility requirements (November 2007). EICTA position on “Active Ageing in the Information Society” (jointly developed with AGE). November (available at ) EICTA position detailing the “Roadmap for the development of a Design for All Master's Programme” jointly developed with EDF.

“Vision in Action - Accessibility to Next Generation Networks Brussels February 7, 2008 Concluding remarks It is in the best interest of both industry and society that everyone is able to take advantage of the benefits offered by our products. Although many changes have been made, we are not complacent. We realize that technology is constantly changing and we recognise the need to work with other stakeholders in order to understand the problems and needs of all our customers. Strong cooperation is essential if we are to realize the goal of building a fully inclusive Digital Europe.