The interplay of infrastructure supply and demand is of central interest in line with Web 2.0. As the role of customers turns from a service users’ role to an information providers’ role, the traffic on existing lines increases and, simultaneously, customers’ demand for high-quality...

In April 2004, the World Trade Organization (WTO) assumed a new role as a highly specialized, global regulator of domestic telecommunications policy. In response to a complaint filed by the United States, a WTO arbitration panel found that Mexico had violated its commitments under the Annex on...

This POLICY BULLETIN examines the potential impact of the proposed Cingular/AT&T Wireless merger on both (a) the performance in the national wireless industry; and (b) the potential for wireless "intermodal" competition with fixed line service. After performing both an event study and merger...

The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) initiative, which is set to introduce ex ante regulatory rules for “gatekeepers” in online platform markets, is one of the most important pieces of legislation to emanate from Brussels in recent decades. It not only has the potential to...

The United States federal government preempted anti-competitive state and municipal telegraph regulations when the 1866 Post Roads Act was enacted. The act granted a de facto national franchise to build and operate a telegraph system anywhere in the United States to any telegraph company...

Telecommunications was one of the first markets to become part of what today comprises the regulatory state, shifting risks and rewards towards the private sector, subject to regulation. Parliamentary has oversight of policies, the regulator and subventions from HM Treasury, which are necessary...

In the autumn of 2014 the residents of Scotland, but not other parts of the UK, will vote on whether to leave the UK to become a separate state, with a positive vote leading to an independent parliament being elected in 2016. It would remain within the EU and in compliance with its acquis...

This paper identifies substantial flaws in how U.S. government agencies and courts assess the impact of proposed mergers by firms using broadband networks to reach consumers. Based on current market definitions, consumer impact assessments and economic doctrine, antitrust enforcement agencies...

The General Court has rendered judgment on DG COMP's Google Android Decision, upholding all relevant parts. In the Decision, Google was doled a record fine for abusing the Android Mobile Operating System to protect its cash cow, the de facto control over internet advertisements. However, only...

Convergence is a multi-facetted phenomenon affecting the technological basis of information and communication industries, the boundaries of existing and new markets, and the organization of service providers. Convergence in substitutes will tend to increase the intensity of competition but...