Brussels – The European Telecommunications Network Operators’ Association (ETNO) and international management consulting firm A.T. Kearney have signed a new strategic partnership agreement to reinforce their cooperation and conduct a series of joint research activities to promote a better understanding of economic policy in the telecommunications sector.

Luigi Gambardella, Chairman of the ETNO Board, commented: "This new partnership will enrich ETNO’s own capabilities with A.T. Kearney’s industry expertise and analytical firepower, providing us with deeper insights into future business models and policy implications for the telecoms sector at a critical time for Europe and our members.”

In the context of this new partnership, A.T. Kearney, in close cooperation with ETNO’s 40 operator members, will assess potential new business models and innovative services that can promote the growth of the European telecoms sector. The parties will also formulate policy recommendations on how to advance the Digital Agenda for Europe, coinciding with the upcoming midterm review by the European Commission.

An important area for continued focus by A.T. Kearney will be future economic models for the Internet, especially opportunities for stronger cooperation between telecoms operators and over-the-top (OTT) players from the Internet sector. The first piece of collaborative research between ETNO and A.T. Kearney, titled “A Future Policy Framework for Growth,” will be presented on 2 October at the FT ETNO Summit 2012 in Brussels.

‪Mark Page, global head of A.T. Kearney’s Communications, Media, and Technology practice, noted: “A forward-looking and fair policy environment is critical to ensure a healthy financial future for European telcos and the wider Internet economy. We’re convinced that, working together with ETNO and its members, we’ll be able to enhance the policy dialogue to the benefit of all.”

About ETNO

ETNO’s 39   member companies and 11 observers from Europe and beyond represent a significant part of total ICT activity in Europe. They account for an aggregate annual turnover of more than €600 billion and employ over 1.6 million people. ETNO companies are the main drivers of broadband and are committed to its continual growth in Europe.

About A.T. Kearney

A.T. Kearney is a global team of forward-thinking, collaborative partners that delivers immediate, meaningful results and long-term transformative advantage to clients. Since 1926, we have been trusted advisors on CEO-agenda issues to the world’s leading organizations across all major industries and sectors. A.T. Kearney’s offices are located in major business centers in 39 countries.

For more information, please contact:

ETNO: Thierry Dieu, Director for Communications and Public Policy

Tel: +32 2 219 32 42     Fax:  +32 2 219 64 12     E-mail: dieu@etno.be

A.T. Kearney: Andrew Markowitz, Communication Manager

Tel: +34 91 557 78 00     E-mail: andrew.markowitz@atkearney.com