What are Telecities? "Telecities" are the result of European cities looking toward solutions to some of their city congestion problems through the use of telecommunications. As a result of this common interest, 100 plus European cities from Western, Central and Eastern Europe have banded together to exchange ideas and solutions and to lobby governments, and especially the European Commission, for funding studies and pilots (even though some cities are currently outside the European Union). The group is called Telecities, and is part of the EC Digital City efforts. Areas covered include administration, healthcare, economic development, transport and the environment. Therefore, it is addressed by multiple directorates of the EC. Each city has its own agenda for belonging to this group. Recently, the Bangemann Challenge gave its first awards for innovative projects in a number of categories. Why is MCL involved? MCL believes that the Telecities effort is the forerunner of a new way of delivering and supporting public, business and personal services, and Europe will be at the forefront. Telecities offers an opportunity and a challenge to identify, trial and deploy new capabilities, new services and new concepts to city inhabitants or users. For the cities, it may be the only hope for maintaining services and attracting business and income in the future. For the supplier market it has vast potential, but with major timing and Return-on- Investment (ROI) risks. MCL believes that its involvement with all of these players will help its clients to identify realistic opportunities and the accompanying limitations and risks, (including regulatory). MCL has participated in a series of meetings with the EC, the Telecities Group, a number of cities, and some of the eager vendors. It plans to track this activity over the next twelve months and advise clients of where these groups are going, and where potential opportunities lie. MCL has attended both Telecities Conferences to date and will attend conferences in the future. What can MCL do for you? MCL can assist clients by: Identifying activities and results of Telecities' activities, conferences and study plans, as input to strategies or marketing plans. Informing on, or involving clients in a number of EC pilot projects. Providing input to debate on problems and benefits of teleworking in a number of city projects. Assisting clients to gain influence as a multi-oriented provider of city solutions (including teleworking). Acting as a direct support or advisory vehicle on various city projects. Developing a focus programme on seizing business opportunities in this market.