Network governance in Malaysia's telecommunications industry

Abstract

The focus of this study is on unravelling the emerging network governance structure in the mobile phone sector as a result of the liberalization of the industry in Malaysia. Although there is competition and self-regulation after liberalization, the industry is regulated by the newly set up Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, which in turn is accountable to the minister. Technological interdependence requires networking among the competing firms and self-regulation, and hence the emerging governance structure is more accurately described as network governance rather than hierarchical governance or neo-liberal governance. The firms, the government and consumer groups participate in decision-making.