Regulation and the development of electronic communications in Europe

This paper discusses the future evolution of the European regulatory framework for electronic communications. The paper argues that the deregulation model used so far is inappropriate for the nascent broadband market, both for mobile and fixed broadband. To guarantee the successful deployment of broadband, the regulatory framework should emphasize network competition, and establish network access conditions which promote the investment in alternative infrastructure. Policy should also focus on factors which are key for the expansion of this market: guaranteeing that content can provided across alternative networks, and that there are no obstacles to the Europeanization of the market.