13/02-04   -   Pressmeddelande

Western European Telecoms Market Set for 4% Growth in 2004, Says IDC

According to the latest research from IDC, the overall market for telecommunications network services is set to grow by an estimated 4% during 2004.

"This level of growth is significant when one considers the uncertainty that has blighted the sector over the last few years," said Eric Owen, vice president of IDC´s European Telecommunications service. "2003 was a stabilizing year for the industry when service providers were left to ponder their financial positions and growth strategies."

Among IDC´s predictions for the telecoms industry in 2004 are the following:
· In the voice communications environment, fixed-line service providers are now conscious of the migration of traffic and revenue on to wireless networks. Hence they are keen to offset revenue losses with new bundled product initiatives.
· Linked to growth in IP VPNs and broadband will be growth in the use of IP voice solutions, particularly in the enterprise market. Service providers are now evolving IP voice portfolios in order to attract more of the value-added enterprise business.
· The outlook for the mobile market will be positive in 2004 as many of the operators have now come to terms with the financial difficulties they experienced in the last couple of years. Collectively, the industry has made significant steps forward and put in place the building blocks for a multimedia future.

IDC´s Predictions for 2004 in the European Telecoms Market" (IDC #HT51L, February 2004) provides the collective opinions of IDC analysts on what they believe will be the major developments within the European telecommunications industry in 2004. The document is split into three main industry segments - fixed-line telecoms, IP communications, and wireless.

To purchase this document contact your local IDC office.

About IDC
IDC is the premier global market intelligence and advisory firm in the information technology and telecommunications industries. We analyze and predict technology trends so that our clients can make strategic, fact-based decisions on IT purchases and business strategy. Over 700 IDC analysts in 50 countries provide local expertise and insights on technology markets. Business executives and IT managers have relied for 40 years on our advice to make decisions that contribute to the success of their organizations.

IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world´s leading technology media, research, and events company. Additional information can be found at www.idc.com
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For more information, contact:
Rosie Secchi
+44(0)208 987 7100
rsecchi@idc.com