A new regulatory framework for the digital ecosystem

The GSMA’s 2016 report, ‘A new regulatory framework for the digital ecosystem’ by NERA Economic Consulting, takes a cold hard look at how current regulation is coping with today’s dynamic digital economy.

The conclusions make for sobering reading. With the digital economy becoming increasingly converged through the emergence of a range of internet-based services, current regulation is not only failing to keep pace with these changes, it is also distorting competitive practices.

As this report makes clear, the ultimate goal of economic intervention by governments – to enhance social and economic welfare by addressing shortcomings in competitive markets – is being undermined by regulatory policies designed for a by-gone era.

The study recommends a forward-looking, technology-agnostic regulatory framework, driven by clear policy objectives around consumer protection, innovation, investment and competition.