IPTV between Competition and Regulation in Korea

Abstract

Technological convergence in the fields of telecommunications and broadcasting needs regulatory convergence, which requires as its prerequisite overarching regulatory principles between different regulatory authorities. The integration of separate regulatory regimes for telecommunications, broadcasting and IPTV entails a complicated process of balancing between market principle and public interest. In this context, the current regulatory framework of IPTV seems to be far away from such a balanced perspective in that the new hybrid service is regulated much stricter than traditional telecommunications or broadcasting services. Key issues concerning access to premium network and killer contents have just begun. In order to set up sound competition policy concerning IPTV, the KCC as a relevant sectoral regulator, should focus its interest and resources on the establishment of level playing field between telecommunications and broadcasting companies regardless of technologies or networks. It is the very reason why intermodal competition should be given priority practicing sectoral competition policy.