Introduction

Abstract

The telecommunications sector has experienced dramatic technology changes during the last two decades. New technologies, like the introduction of optical fibres, the explosion in mobile communications, and the development of satellite personal services are revolutionising the whole field of telecommunication services. The new services and technologies coupled with the extensive market deregulation, for new and even the traditional voice services, are already shaking up the market. New service providers entering into the marketplace is challenging the established service providers and threatening even the core business of traditional public network operators (PNOs). The deregulation wind, which started to blow in the late eighties, and nowadays global competition, as well as international co-operation play together a prominent role in gradually changing the environment, in which meeting customers’ needs is considered the key to success and survival.