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Some Implications for Regulation of ICT and Media Convergence 
A. Henten, M. Falch, & R. Tadayoni

WDR Discussion Paper #0202

The term convergence in the areas of ICT and media means the coming together of IT, telecommunications, broadcasting and other media, technologically, market and policy wise. It is the sectoral convergence of the hitherto more separate ICT and media areas, which is in focus, even though there certainly are also changes taking place vertically in the different sectors. 

The paper examines the relationships between technology and market developments and policy and regulatory initiatives. The issue is, therefore, not solely the implications of market and technology trends on policy and regulation, but also the reverse implications of policy and regulatory frameworks on technology and market developments. 

The paper analyses the convergence tendencies at a technological, market level and policy and regulatory level. 

It is, however, the policy level, which is the centre of attention in the paper. The paper is intended to establish a useful framework for understanding convergence issues, raising questions and fostering discussion.

Consequently, the outcome of the paper is not an firm conclusion putting forward a specific model for convergence regulation. It is rather a set of open questions and issues and an overview of the different regulatory possibilities that countries have.

Keywords: Convergence; Sectoral convergence;  convergence regulation; convergence in content; convergence processes; convergence services; convergence in distribution; regulatory framework; technology trends; market trends; vertical integration; market development; technological aspects; market aspects; barriers; regulatory implications; developing countries; infrastructure and content; converging infrastructure; sectoral scope; regulatory scenarios; technology neutral regulation.

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Document Date:
Jan 2002
Author:
Henten, Anders, Morten Falch & Reza Tadayoni
Discussion Paper No.:
wdr0202
Pages and file size:
33 pages, 243 kb
Title:
Some Implications for Regulation of ICT and Media Convergence
Collection Title:
World Dialogue on Regulation for Network Economies.