Empty Networks: About Dying Fixed Infrastructure

In the paper, further factual data is provided, showing the impact of convergence and ‘triple play’ on the broadband networks, resulting in a disruptive situation where both networks are ‘underused’. The guarantees are questioned for the replacement of the existing local loops (both originally built by (local) government) in a market-driven environment, making it more difficult to reach the goals of a future-proof telecommunications infrastructure. In this context, we question the success of the European regulatory intervention to the extent that it was supposed to introduce healthy infrastructure competition. An improved ‘quality of service’ approach is suggested as a possible remedy.