Convergence of telecommunications, media and information technology, and implications for regulation

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review current policy debates on convergence in Korea and the UK. This study compares the two countries' cases of how they prepare for convergence, what are the regulatory frameworks, and what are the conflicting issues in the convergence.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a comparative case study between Korean and the UK. Data are collected through literature review, regulatory document and market research.

Findings

The regulation in the UK has been focused on how to change the notion of public interest in the convergence era, whereas the agenda in Korea seems to be how to apply a legacy of public interest to convergence services. The laws of public interest in Korea have been drawn from a legacy regime, which makes applying in a convergence era increasingly difficult. There is a compelling need for conceptual clarification in understanding the meaning of public interest in the convergence environment.

Research limitations/implications

Future research may further investigate the effective regulatory framework in the emerging convergence era.

Practical implications

Regulation needs to be transparent, clear and proportional and distinguish between transport and content. This implies a more horizontal approach to regulation with a homogenous treatment of all transport network infrastructure and associated services, irrespective of the nature of the services carried.

Originality/value

This research identifies issues regarding convergences and suggests a way in which the two different principles of broadcasting and telecommunications can be integrated; how public interest laws can be reconciled with considerations of competition and economic efficiency is explained.

Citation

Shin, D. (2006), "Convergence of telecommunications, media and information technology, and implications for regulation", info, Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 42-56. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636690610643276