Discrimination in NGN service markets: Opportunity or barrier to digital inclusion?

Abstract

The promise of digital inclusion may be deterred by different sorts of discrimination brought about by next-generation network operators. As the growth of fixed and mobile networks relies on private investment and sufficient regulatory and economic incentives, competition in different telecommunications markets will increasingly depend on providers' ability to differentiate their product and discriminate among consumers. Unless the industry - operators, content providers, and regulatory and competition authorities - fully understands and exploits the welfare enhancing role of discrimination in the new environment, NGNs' promises of universal and ubiquitous access, sustainability, and affordability might be only incipiently achieved.