Publication database

Der steigende Bandbreitenbedarf aufgrund datenintensiver Anwendungen, die Konvergenz verschiedenster digitaler Kommunikationstechnologien sowie die zunehmende kommerzielle Bedeutung des Internet werfen eine der wichtigsten Fragen der kommenden Jahre auf: ob und wie sich das Wirtschaftsmodell des Internet weiterentwickeln muss und welche Rolle der Regulierung in diesem Zusammenhang zukommen sollte. Die Vor- und Nachteile einer Netzneutralitätsregulierung im US-amerikanischen Kontext werden gegenwärtig in den USA - unter Teilnahme führender Wissenschaftler - intensiv debattiert. In Europa gab es zu dem in diesem Zusammenhang eingeleiteten Konsultationsverfahren der Europäischen Kommission in der zweiten Hälfte von 2010 über 300 Stellungnahmen, was das lebhafte Interesse von politischen Entscheidungsträgern und Regulatoren, Wirtschaftsvertretern und der allgemeinen Öffentlichkeit an diesem Thema unter Beweis stellt. Was jedoch fehlt, ist eine eingehende Analyse der Auswirkungen einer Netzneutralitätsregulierung auf potenzielle Internet-Geschäftsmodelle, bei der die verschiedenen Marktbedingungen in Europa, und darunter insbesondere die europäische Zugangsregulierung, berücksichtigt werden.

The increasing demand for bandwidth due to data-intense applications, the convergence of various digital communication technologies as well as the increasing commercial importance of the Internet has given rise to one of the most important questions in the coming years: whether and how the Internet economic model needs to evolve and what role regulation should play in this process. An extensive debate in the US - including contributions by distinguished scholars - has been looking at the pros and cons of net neutrality regulation in the US context. Also in Europe, the European Commission's consultation process in the second half of 2010, which resulted in over 300 responses, shows the vivid interest of policy makers and regulators, industry, and the general public on that matter. However, what is missing is a thorough analysis of the implications of net neutrality regulation on some possible Internet business models adapted to the different market conditions in Europe, foremost European access regulation. In this context, ESMT Competition Analysis analyzes the interaction between different net neutrality regulations and Internet business models. Net neutrality regulation, if and when formally implemented in some shape or form, has the potential to reallocate resources among industry participants, affect optimal pricing strategies, and ultimately impact investment and innovation incentives. Through these effects, the regulatory framework is going to affect which business models will be at all feasible, which are going to thrive, and which will become obsolete. The report derives and analyzes some likely future business models with a view to sustainability in terms of the ability to accommodate increasing traffic volumes and social welfare implications. Based on these assessments, the regulatory implications are discussed for each business model.

The increasing demand for bandwidth due to data-intense applications, the convergence of various digital communication technologies as well as the increasing commercial importance of the Internet has given rise to one of the most important questions in the coming years: whether and how the Internet economic model needs to evolve and what role regulation should play in this process. Net neutrality regulation, if and when formally implemented in some shape or form, has the potential to reallocate resources among industry participants, affect optimal pricing strategies and ultimately impact investment and innovation incentives. Through these effects, the regulatory framework is going to affect which business models will be at all feasible, which are going to thrive, and which will become obsolete. The report derives and analyzes some likely future business models with a view to sustainability in terms of ability to accommodate increasing traffic volumes and social welfare implications. Based on these assessments the regulatory implications are discussed for each business model. The stylized business models each focus on a different aspect: the "Congestion-Based Model" stresses the possibility to tackle congestion problems through congestion-based pricing. The "Best Effort Plus" preserves the traditional best effort network but gives ISPs more leeway with innovative services. The "Quality Classes - Content Pays" stresses the observed need of different applications for various degrees of quality of service. The "Quality Classes - User Pays" model, however, puts the focus on consumer choice for higher quality levels.

The purpose of this report can be summarized as follows: 1. Update our awareness of the issues and challenges facing European firms in terms of technology management. 2. Understand the future of ESMT's sponsors and clients in terms of their R&D and technology organizations. 3. Develop our understanding of the need for skills and capabilities development of the current and future managers and executives in the areas of Research, Development and Engineering (i.e. all those making technology decisions). 4. Seek input for R&D/technology program portfolio that ESMT could offer in the future.