Germany's Broadband Networks - Innovation on Hold

Abstract

The market for information and communication technologies is changing rapidly. Products and applications that used to be completely separate are becoming almost interchangeable. Sweeping change lies ahead in voice and data telephony: the fixed-line telephone network faces new competition from innovative technologies. In this report we concentrate on analysing the economic potential of TV-cable and powerline networks as internet-access media, and discuss the prospects for the communications market. Besides looking into the technological developments, we examine the market relevance of existing ownership and competitive structures.

Keywords: Information technology, communication, technology, fixed-line, ICT, Germany, internet, cable

JEL Classification: K2, L96, O14, O33