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5G networks: Will technology and policy collide?

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  • Frias, Zoraida
  • Pérez Martínez, Jorge

Abstract

Despite being still under development, it is envisaged that 5G networks will provide a ‘fibre-like’ experience to mobile users. As such, they are expected to accommodate services with very different requirements in terms of latency, bandwidth and reliability, among others, for the vertical sectors. However, the European Union has just approved the Telecommunications Single Market Regulation, which enshrines the network neutrality principle and guarantees that ‘all traffic through the Internet is treated equally’. This article explores the potential conflict between net neutrality regulation and future 5G services, particularly regarding network virtualisation. We present a discussion on the challenges of building net neutrality upon judgements on whether traffic optimisation is objectively necessary. This proves complex in a technological environment that envisions network ‘slices’ created and priced on-demand according to the Quality of Service (QoS) required by specific applications at any given time. In addition, we argue that the ‘anything-as-a-service’ paradigm might turn into an important source of innovation for the future Internet infrastructure layer, and thus for the ecosystem as a whole.

Suggested Citation

  • Frias, Zoraida & Pérez Martínez, Jorge, 2018. "5G networks: Will technology and policy collide?," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 42(8), pages 612-621.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:telpol:v:42:y:2018:i:8:p:612-621
    DOI: 10.1016/j.telpol.2017.06.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Krämer, Jan & Wiewiorra, Lukas & Weinhardt, Christof, 2013. "Net neutrality: A progress report," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(9), pages 794-813.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Vogelsang, Ingo, 2019. "Has Europe missed the endgame of telecommunications policy?," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 43(1), pages 1-10.
    3. Ojutkangas, Kirsi & Rossi, Elina & Matinmikko-Blue, Marja, 2022. "A deep dive into the birth process of linking 6G and the UN SDGs," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(1).
    4. Vogelsang Ingo, 2018. "Net Neutrality Regulation: Much Ado about Nothing?," Review of Network Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 17(3), pages 225-243, September.
    5. Zhang, Gupeng & Wang, Xiao & Duan, Hongbo & Zheng, Leven J., 2021. "How do new entrants’ pre-entry technological backgrounds impact their cross-industry innovation performances? A retrospective study of the mobile phone vendors," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).
    6. Jeon, Chunmi & Han, Seung Hun & Kim, Hyeong Joon & Kim, Sangsoo, 2022. "The effect of government 5G policies on telecommunication operators’ firm value: Evidence from China," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(2).
    7. Benseny, Jaume & Lahteenmaki, Jarno & Toyli, Juuso & Hammainen, Heikki, 2023. "Urban wireless traffic evolution: The role of new devices and the effect of policy," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(7).
    8. Jaume Benseny & Jarno Lahteenmaki & Juuso Toyli & Heikki Hammainen, 2023. "Urban wireless traffic evolution: the role of new devices and the effect of policy," Papers 2310.14406, arXiv.org.
    9. Shah, Sayed Kifayat & Zhongjun, Tang, 2021. "Elaborating on the consumer’s intention–behavior gap regarding 5G technology: The moderating role of the product market-creation ability," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
    10. Ahokangas, Petri & Matinmikko-Blue, Marja & Yrjölä, Seppo & Hämmäinen, Heikki, 2021. "Platform configurations for local and private 5G networks in complex industrial multi-stakeholder ecosystems," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(5).
    11. Wolfgang Briglauer & Carlo Cambini & Klaus Gugler & Volker Stocker, 2023. "Net neutrality and high-speed broadband networks: evidence from OECD countries," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 55(3), pages 533-571, June.
    12. Kris Hartley, 2023. "Public Perceptions About Smart Cities: Governance and Quality-of-Life in Hong Kong," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 166(3), pages 731-753, April.

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