The Future of Telecommunications and Digital Regulation
EcoAustria Studie: Zukunft der Telekom- und Digitalregulierung
Dr. rer. pol. habil. Wolfgang Briglauer
Head of the Digitalization and Regulation Research Section
The Future of Telecommunications and Digital Regulation
EcoAustria Research Report commissioned by RTR
In a recent study commissioned by RTR, EcoAustria analyzes the future of telecommunications and digital regulation against the backdrop of profound technological and structural changes in the ICT sector. Since the liberalization of the telecommunications markets, the landscape has changed fundamentally: new technologies, data-driven business models, and the increasing convergence of networks and digital services now characterize a dynamic and innovation-driven ecosystem.
The analysis focuses on the question of how regulation must evolve, both in terms of substance and institutional structure, to meet these new conditions. Among other things, the study examines the future design of regulatory instruments, the optimal division of responsibilities between the European and national levels, and the cost-benefit ratio of existing regulation.
The results show that sector-specific regulation has contributed significantly to the transformation of a formerly monopolistic market into a competitive ICT ecosystem. At the same time, substantial macroeconomic effects have been achieved: since 2010, broadband infrastructure and digital services have generated billions in value added and contributed significantly to gains in productivity and innovation. Against this backdrop, the study identifies key requirements for future-oriented regulation. These include a proactive, ex-ante regulatory approach, ensuring fair competition among all market participants, and the continuous evaluation and targeted refinement of existing regulatory regimes. The goal is to ensure a balance between competition, innovation, and investment incentives and to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the digital sector.
