The telecommunications equipment market: public policy and the 1970's

The growing interdependence of computers and communications, generally identified with developments in digital transmission and remote data processing services, has not only broadened the market potential for telecommunication equipment but has posed several important public policy issues as well. It is the purpose of this paper to explore the relationship between the telecommunications equipment market and U.S. telecommunication policy. To this end we will first survey the traditional pattern of supplying hardware and equipment within the communications common carrier industry and second, identify recent challenges to that industry's conduct and practices. We will conclude that public policy holds a key variable in promoting competitive access to the telecommunication equipment market---access that will redound to the benefit of equipment suppliers, communication carriers, and ultimately the general public.