Telecommunications Regulation Handbook 60
The Telecommunications Regulation Handbook 60 is a comprehensive guide to the regulation of telecommunications in the digital age. The handbook covers a wide range of topics, including market structure, competition, spectrum allocation, interconnection, and consumer protection. It also provides insights into the latest trends in telecommunications regulation, such as the rise of mobile broadband and the convergence of telecommunications and media.
Summary
The key principles of telecommunications regulation are:
- Promoting competition
- Protecting consumers
- Ensuring universal access
- Fostering innovation
There are three main types of telecommunications markets:
- The retail market, where consumers buy telecommunications services from providers
- The wholesale market, where providers buy telecommunications services from each other
- The infrastructure market, where providers buy telecommunications infrastructure
Regulators ensure competition in telecommunications markets by:
- Setting rules for market entry and exit
- Monitoring market behavior
- Intervening in markets where competition is not working
Spectrum is allocated in telecommunications markets through a variety of mechanisms, including:
- Auctions
- Comparative hearings
- Administrative allocation
The rights of consumers in telecommunications markets include:
- The right to choose their telecommunications provider
- The right to fair and reasonable prices
- The right to quality service
- The right to privacy