Interdependence between regulation and technological innovation in the telecommunications sector

Abstract

Telecommunications has attracted increasing public attention because of technological and regulatory dynamics which have transformed this into the backbone of the future information society. This article foucses on the interrelationship between technological development and regulation in three sections. First, attention is paid to technological development and the question as to what degree regulation is determined by technology. Next is discussed the role of European Union regulation, which affects technological innovation and diffusion in many direct and indirect ways. The final section address the remaining role of national regulation.