Certain European nations have been accused by the US of trying to pre-empt international standards for third-generation 3G mobile phone devices – and thus place US companies at a disadvantage. EU commissioner Martin Bangemann has been sent a high-level complaint about the decision of some European countries to auction the radio spectrum for 3G services next year, though the International Telecommunications Union does not plan to make final recommendations of 3G standards until the end of 1999. The US government fears these early auctions will preclude any technologies but the European-sponsored 3G standard. US Trade representative Charlene Barshefsky said: We are seeking assurances that US industry will be able to deploy competing 3G technologies and services at the same time that European-sponsored technologies and services are deployed. The US has also complained about the decision of the European Commission to impose the 3G standard adopted by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute. The arrival of 3G devices will be a big step towards convergence, allowing users internet access, data services and video.
