Net Neutrality International: Towards a Co-Regulatory Solution?

Abstract

Marsden argues for a 'middle way' on net neutrality, a term that is used to cover a wide spectrum of questions about the future of the internet, and that is the focus of regulatory scrutiny and legislation in Canada, the US and Europe. Marsden asks whether 'Lex Monopolium' should be allowed to become entrenched at the expense of an open Internet, or whether innovation and investment can be encouraged by relatively light tough co-regulatory principles, backed up by a knowledgeable regulator with powers to intervene whenever economic or social concerns dictate.

Keywords: Network neutrality, Ofcom, CRTC, Norway, co-regulation, middle way

JEL Classification: K00, H41, K23, L13, L44, L96