| Summary: | 碩士 === 元智大學 === 資訊社會學研究所 === 90 === Demand for high-speed, broadband connections grows at an ever-increasing rate. Several different technologies are being used to meeting this new demand including cable television networks, telephone line called digital subscriber line (DSL), wireless systems, and direct satellite connections. This paper inquires a critical problem during convergence of telecommunication and the cable industry--the governance framework of broadband infrastructure. Telecommunications is treated as the common carrier that open access is mandated. While cable firms operate closed systems which are not subject to open access. Since both compete for data, voice, and video services provided via their respective networks, asymmetric regulation undoubtedly renders cable firms competitive advantages. This paper analyzes whether cable broadband internet access systems should be required to provide open access.
While the current debate in American is forced by the merger of AT&T and TCI、 AOL and Time Warner, this paper argues that how should divergent regulatory frameworks apply to a single service that is being over both cable and telephone networks？Open access is so determinant to competition. As the incumbent possess proprietary interfaces, market entrants cannot compete with it without access to its bottleneck services. However, open access must be evaluated in order not to compromise other public interest, such as reinvestment and renovation of technology . This paper concludes that the justification of open access must be taken into consideration when mandating open access to broadband network.
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