Broadband Infrastructure: The Regulatory Framework, Market Transparency and Risk-Sharing Partnerships are the Key Factors

Deutsche Bank Research: Economics, Vol. 77, May 26, 2010

15 Pages Posted: 27 May 2010

See all articles by Stefan Heng

Stefan Heng

Cooperative State University Baden-Wuerttemberg

Date Written: May 26, 2010

Abstract

Around the globe countries are attempting to forge ahead with the expansion and upgrading of advanced communications networks. In most cases they are setting very ambitious goals with regard to technology and coverage. However, the specific cost structure for broadband projects results in the private-sector-driven, competitive market for network upgrading being primarily focused on densely populated urban areas. By contrast, major progress in rolling out broadband to unserved rural areas will not be made in the foreseeable future without state subsidies. Without having to steer a course towards the return of a monopoly in the telecommunications sector, which would have a detrimental long-term impact, the public sector can in this situation promote sustainable progress in telecommunication by merging projects, entering into risk-sharing partnerships, setting realistic broadband targets, providing essential market information to market participants, offering e-government digital services itself and, on top of that, further enhancing investment incentives with a regulatory framework in a competitive environment.

Keywords: broadband, telecommunications, Infrastructure, investment, financing

JEL Classification: K2, L96, O14, O33

Suggested Citation

Heng, Stefan, Broadband Infrastructure: The Regulatory Framework, Market Transparency and Risk-Sharing Partnerships are the Key Factors (May 26, 2010). Deutsche Bank Research: Economics, Vol. 77, May 26, 2010 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1615993 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1615993

Stefan Heng (Contact Author)

Cooperative State University Baden-Wuerttemberg ( email )

Coblitzallee 1
Mannheim, Baden-Wuerttemberg 68163
Germany
+49 621 4105 1183 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.mannheim.dhbw.de/profile/heng

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