Telecommunications
The value of the UK telecommunications industry at the end of March 2001 was estimated at £20.06bn, a 49.1% increase from March 1997. The fixed-line telecommunications sector holds the largest share of revenues at present but it is evident that fixed-line share is declining. However, the cellular telecommunications sector in comparison has experienced an increase.
In 1996, the principal concerns dominating the telecommunications industry were liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation; or rather, the anticipation of these developments because most of the world's telecommunications markets were still closed – there was scarcely any merger or acquisition activity, as most operators remained state-owned. Now, with most telecommunications markets open to competition and with mergers and acquisitions proceeding at a rapid pace, the emphasis has changed. In 2001, it is the startling surge of the mobile phone sector and the growth of data transmission which have captured the industry's attention.
