Shift towards greater consolidation on telecoms industry. - According to telecommunications consultants, IDATE, the emergence of Internet companies in the telecommunications industry and falling revenues have made it necessary for telecoms operators to join forces. Subsequently, 2013 is expected to see greater consolidation and diversification across the industry in Europe. From 2008 to 2013, telecoms operators in the five major European markets lost 12% of consolidated turnover. The main cause of this fall was the economic situation but also competition and the dismantling of certain activities that had been restricting operators. According to IDATE estimates, the five major European telecoms markets generated revenues of €176.1 billion in 2012, as opposed to 181.5 billion in 2011 and 185.6 billion in 2010. In 2013, these revenues are expected to fall again, to 169.3 billion. (IL/transl.fl)