Roles and Effects of Access Regulation in 5G Markets

Abstract

5G wireless services will constitute an integral part of the future gigabit communication network infrastructure. Policy makers worldwide are striving to design legal and regulatory frameworks that best support 5G services. There is wide agreement that a competitive sector organization is superior, but the emerging models differ in the specific roles assigned to policy and regulation. This study explores the implications of alternative policy scenarios for innovation and investment in 5G networks and services. Before the backdrop of the policy discussions in Europe and in the United States, we examine the likely effects of regulatory instruments within a framework of complementary innovation. To assess the joint effect of regulation on the 5G value system, we develop three scenarios (entrepreneurship, regulated competition, policy-push) and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each. A key challenge for 5G is the exploration of the tremendous innovation opportunities space. Regulatory interventions affect players in this value system differently so that the overall effects on innovation and investment are contingent on the relative strength of partial effects. Given the importance of innovation and the unique characteristics of the 5G value system, we conclude that the entrepreneurship model with safeguards to protect the competitive process and desirable forms of non-discrimination is the most promising approach. Ex post regulation and competition policy are better aligned with these goals than traditional forms of ex ante regulation.