Abstract

This paper investigates the current trends in broadband networks and audiovisual contents, with specific emphasis on Italy. In particular, the paper contains an indepth analysis of the contextability and development of communications markets, with peculiar emphasis on the most relevant bottlenecks that hinder both access to infrastructures and access to contents. On the one hand, unbundling measures, although still important to allow competitors' access to networks, are increasingly seen to inhibit investments (from incumbents and newcomers) and slow down the achievement of effective network competition. On the other hand, the crucial role of contents - in particular, premium contents - is analysed with respect to different platforms and in light of the growing trend of vertical integration between network operators and content providers. Against this backdrop, the paper critically assesses the economic impact of exclusivity mechanisms, by distinguishing those solutions which may limit anticompetitive conducts and policy measures that hamper the competitive race by introducing asymmetric effects in communications markets.