Traits of an Independent Communications Regulator: A Search for Indicators with Teaching Module on Ethics and Corruption
48 Pages Posted: 29 Jul 2012
Date Written: August 18, 2005
Abstract
This paper draws on newly undertaken surveys of communications regulators around the world and the current theoretical literature to propose a simple framework for evaluating the independence of a communications regulator that is applicable across diverse political and economic systems. While communications regulators, in an ideal world, are “independent,” still they are embedded in relationships with other segments of society. In the main, there are three segments: (1) other state institutions, such as a communications ministry, competition authority, and legislature, (2) the industry they regulate, and (3) consumers who use communications services. This paper proposes that an independent regulator is one that seeks to enable and promote the interests of consumers and retains some autonomy from pressures of highly concentrated interests of industry and other state institutions. The surveys identify an array of institutional arrangements and procedural tools that communications regulators use to enable the interests of consumer and protect themselves from undue pressure from other groups.
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