Knud Erik Skouby

Terrestrial digital broadcasting: convergence and its regulatory implications

This paper is a contribution to the development of analyses of the process of converging media and to the clarification of the regulatory implications of this process. It is generally agreed that the process of convergence between telecommunications, IT and broadcasting through its technological, organisational, and market/service aspects has far-reaching influence on the sectors involved and on future socio-economic settings. The paper explores the preparation for introduction of terrestrial digital television in Denmark as an aspect in the general process of convergence. The explorative analysis establishes an understanding of the technological issues and drivers in the development, which in interaction shape a digital distribution structure that is a concrete part of convergence. Based on this understanding, a model - the OSA-model - is suggested for the techno-economic structure of distribution of terrestrial digital TV. The model is used to discuss market prospects and regulatory implications, as these are derived from the interplay of traditional areas of regulation in the three sectors and areas emerging as candidates for regulatory activity based on their functionality. The discussion of the process of introduction of terrestrial digital TV in Denmark thus provides a general analysis of convergence and its regulatory implications.

Telecommunications liberalization in the Nordic countries

This paper analyses the major effects of liberalization in the Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland) and the likely evolution of telecommunications policy in the light of their involvement in the European Economic Area. The structure of the actors, their regulation and envisaged organizational changes are described in a comparative analysis.

Consumer related legal aspects of electronic commerce: The case of Denmark

The general legal framework covering economic transactions was created long before the creation of electronic commerce. Therefore most regulation more or less explicitly assumes that goods have a physical appearance and that all contractual issues are settled either orally or by the use of paper. Electronic Commerce mediated via the telecommunications network has enabled electronic ordering, electronic purchase and electronic payments. In addition, digital goods such as software have no physical appearance and can be subject to electronic distribution. Not all parts of the existing legislation fit into this new situation. This creates a number of legal and regulatory problems which, if not resolved, may restrict further growth of electronic commerce. This paper deals with the consumer related aspects of this regulatory challenge.

Economic Implications of Introduction of New Telecommunication Services

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the economic implications of introduction of broadband and advanced telecommunication services. It is based on research work performed within the RACE-program, first of the entire project R1044, and R2085. The economic implications are analyzed by comparing the estimated costs with the expected benefits and are used to forecast the demand for broadband connections. It has been possible to make qualified and rather detailed estimates of costs-even if some reservations are necessary as the subject is not a fully developed technology. Expected benefits have proven more difficult to estimate. The potential benefits are expected to be realized mainly through are organized economic environment that presently is vaguely conceived. To approach these potential benefits discussed are the results from application pilots within RACE and other existing studies of the financial sector and the transport sector. These studies serve as illustrative examples of the potential benefits rather than forecasts of the total benefits of IBCN.