Abstract

The introduction of new generation access networks represents an historic shift, which could transform the communications possibilities of millions of households, as well as the operations of every business. At the same time, the introduction of new generation access networks poses significant challenges to regulatory authorities, which have to balance promotion of investments and protection of competition. Where competition between different infrastructures exists, the investment incentives are sharpened, but some form of regulatory intervention may still be necessary. Regulatory authorities can use several tools to govern the transition to new generation access networks, such as regulatory concessions intended to bring forward investment, the implementation of a form of separation of the fixed access network and different types of co-investment. However, a further period of experimentation is needed, before any standard remedies are selected.