Next generation broadband access networks evolving market structure and implications of network neutrality regulation

Abstract

The phenomenal growth of the Internet during last decade has divided the ICT market in two groups of players, one consisting network operators with significant market power of legacy centralized networks and revenues dependent upon circuit switched voice and others consisting content providers having all Internet users as their potential customers with advertisement based business models. This market division which is the result of Internet adoption has resulted in debate about network neutrality principals and its implication on future of next generation networks and Internet. This paper analyzes migration approaches towards next generation network architecture, tech no-economic effects of network neutrality on market structure of broadband Internet access and its implications on investment incentives for network operators.