Digital Convergence
Discuss digital convergence and how it has impacted media regulation.
DIGITAL CONVERGENCE
With the several advances in technology these days, digital convergence is something that has gained much relevance in today’s world. There is no universal definition of convergence, although generally it is understood to mean the ability of different networks to carry similar kinds of services e.g. voice over Internet Protocol (IP) or over circuit switched networks, video over cable television or Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) or, alternatively, the ability to provide a range of services over a single network, like the so-called “triple play” such as that provided by Kenya’s Zuku network.
Convergence is accelerating as existing networks are modified to offer new services (e.g., upgrade of telephone networks to offer ADSL, alteration of electric power networks to offer broadband services, and the modification of cable networks to offer interactive services). Convergence is also possible with wireless broadband technologies. As a result, different network infrastructures can today provide a plethora of services. Cable television providers can offer consumers voice, Internet access, and broadcast services over the same network as one bundled package of services, and for one monthly price. Likewise, a mobile service provider may be able to offer a subscriber data and video services, as well as voice services, and digital television (DTV) providers are offering interactive services.
As such, there are several issues that should be of particular concern to regulators:
Does the regulatory framework facilitate the provision of different services over different platforms (e.g., technology neutrality)?
Does the regulatory framework support full competition?
Does the regulatory framework allow service providers to offer multiple services?
What are the regulatory policies for these new technologies and services with regard to numbering, spectrum, universal service, and
DIGITAL CONVERGENCE
With the several advances in technology these days, digital convergence is something that has gained much relevance in today’s world. There is no universal definition of convergence, although generally it is understood to mean the ability of different networks to carry similar kinds of services e.g. voice over Internet Protocol (IP) or over circuit switched networks, video over cable television or Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) or, alternatively, the ability to provide a range of services over a single network, like the so-called “triple play” such as that provided by Kenya’s Zuku network.
Convergence is accelerating as existing networks are modified to offer new services (e.g., upgrade of telephone networks to offer ADSL, alteration of electric power networks to offer broadband services, and the modification of cable networks to offer interactive services). Convergence is also possible with wireless broadband technologies. As a result, different network infrastructures can today provide a plethora of services. Cable television providers can offer consumers voice, Internet access, and broadcast services over the same network as one bundled package of services, and for one monthly price. Likewise, a mobile service provider may be able to offer a subscriber data and video services, as well as voice services, and digital television (DTV) providers are offering interactive services.
As such, there are several issues that should be of particular concern to regulators:
Does the regulatory framework facilitate the provision of different services over different platforms (e.g., technology neutrality)?
Does the regulatory framework support full competition?
Does the regulatory framework allow service providers to offer multiple services?
What are the regulatory policies for these new technologies and services with regard to numbering, spectrum, universal service, and