2000年-世界发展银行全球_Telecommunications_Regulation_Handbook_371页_23mb

Telecommunications Regulation Handbook Summary

Core Content

The Telecommunications Regulation Handbook is a comprehensive guide to the regulatory practices and frameworks used globally in the telecommunications sector. It was edited by Hank Intven and authored by Jeremy Oliver, Edgardo Sepulveda, and McCarthy Tetrault Telecommunications Lawyers and Consultants. The handbook is supported by the infoDev Program of The World Bank and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and it provides a practical reference for regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

The handbook is divided into six main modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of telecommunications regulation. These modules cover:

• Overview of Telecommunications Regulation
• Licensing Telecommunications Services
• Interconnection
• Price Regulation
• Competition Policy
• Universal Service

It also includes several appendices such as a WTO Regulation Reference Paper, Economics of Telecommunications Prices and Costs, Glossary, and Selected Sources.

Main Objectives of Telecommunications Regulation

The main regulatory objectives outlined in the handbook are:

• Promote universal access to basic telecommunications services
• Foster competitive markets to ensure:
  • Efficient supply of telecommunications services
  • Good quality of service
  • Advanced services
  • Efficient prices
• Prevent abuses of market power such as excessive pricing and anti-competitive behavior
• Create a favorable climate to promote investment in expanding telecommunications networks
• Promote public confidence through transparent regulatory and licensing processes
• Protect consumer rights, including privacy
• Promote increased connectivity through efficient interconnection arrangements
• Optimize the use of scarce resources, such as radio spectrum, numbering, and rights of way

Key Information

The handbook highlights the evolution of telecommunications regulation over the past decade, noting the shift from state-owned monopolies to competitive markets. This transformation has led to the establishment of national regulatory authorities in over 90 countries, with a growing trend toward deregulation and market-based approaches.

The regulatory process is discussed in detail, emphasizing the importance of regulatory independence, transparent processes, and market confidence. The handbook outlines that while regulatory intervention is necessary during the transition to competitive markets, it should be minimized once markets are established.

Regulatory Organizations

The handbook describes the role of national government authorities, noting that in many countries, the responsibility for policy development, regulation, and network operations has been separated. This is illustrated in Table 1-2, which shows the standard institutional structure in developed market economies:

The handbook also discusses the importance of regulatory independence, the funding of regulatory processes, and the organizational structure of regulatory bodies, which may be single regulators or collegial commissions. It further explores multi-sector regulators, which may handle other industries in addition to telecommunications.

International Agencies

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is highlighted as a key international agency involved in telecommunications regulation. Other international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), are also referenced, particularly in the context of global regulatory standards and trade agreements.

Best Practices and Challenges

The handbook emphasizes the importance of best practices in telecommunications regulation, such as introducing competition, harmonizing with international standards, and ensuring operational efficiencies. It also acknowledges the challenges of implementing these reforms, including the need to balance market liberalization with regulatory oversight.

The authors note that while they aimed to provide a practical guide, the handbook does not cover all aspects of telecommunications regulation, particularly spectrum regulation and numbering, due to time and budget constraints. They also apologize for any factual or dated errors that may have been included.

Conclusion

The Telecommunications Regulation Handbook serves as a valuable resource for understanding the regulatory landscape of the telecommunications sector. It provides insights into global regulatory trends, best practices, and the evolution of regulatory frameworks. The handbook is particularly useful for regulators, policymakers, and industry professionals involved in the telecommunications sector, especially in developing economies where regulatory strategies are crucial for market development.