Forrester Research B.V. today announced the hiring of Lars Godell as a telecommunications research analyst. Godell joins the European offices of Forrester Research, Inc. (Nasdaq: FORR) from Telenor, the Norwegian incumbent telco, where he worked as a senior strategy advisor.

“Lars brings to Forrester nearly five years’ experience analyzing the European and US telecom markets, as well as an in-depth understanding of the business implications of telecom deregulation. His appointment is in line with Forrester’s commitment to providing our clients with a ‘whole view’ of the Internet economy, which includes a clear perspective on the telecommunications market,” said Emily Nagle Green, managing director of Forrester’s European Research Center.

“Lars will lead our research efforts on European telecommunications issues, including the regulatory environment and local loop unbundling,” added Cliff Condon, director of Research at Forrester B.V. “In addition, he will provide in-house expertise on mobile telephony, broadband, and next-generation fixed networks. Lars is a valuable addition to Forrester’s research team, and we look forward to his contributions.”

At Telenor, Godell was a senior advisor to corporate and divisional management on strategy and regulatory affairs. In this role, he initiated and directed research and strategy work on local loop unbundling. As a strategy manager for the Fixed Network Wholesale Division, he spent most of his time preparing Telenor for full competition by drawing lessons from previously liberalized markets. While at Telnor, Godell was a regular speaker on local loop unbundling issues at international telecommunications conferences.

“A lot of hype and self-interest confuse the debate about unbundling,” Godell noted. “Surprisingly few Europeans have bothered to explore the real demand for unbundling and its impact on users. Instead, Europe’s telecom CEOs are focused on merger and acquisition issues without fully explaining how these deals will benefit shareholders and users.”