Universal service obligations and the liberalization of network industries: taming the Chimera?

Harker, Michael ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8410-1279 and Kreutzmann-Gallasch, Antje (2016) Universal service obligations and the liberalization of network industries: taming the Chimera? European Competition Journal, 12 (2-3). pp. 236-276. ISSN 1744-1056

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Abstract

This paper considers the protection of universal service in the network industries, with a focus on the postal service and telecommunications sectors. We define the concept of universal service and explain how it was seen as a necessary quid pro quo for securing the liberalization agenda in the EU. We go on to explain and analyse the two competing means of protecting and compensating universal service, either under the State aid regime or the relevant sectoral legislation. In order to gain a better understanding of how these competing mechanisms operate in practice, we look in detail at two areas where liberalization and universal service are in particular tension: (i) high-speed broadband and (ii) letter collection and delivery. We conclude by discussing some of the problems of using State aid rules as a substitute for a sectoral framework and contemplate the future of universal service.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: competition law,state aid,service of general economic interest,universal service obligation,telecommunications,postal services,compensation
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Law
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Competition, Markets and Regulation
Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Media, Information Technology and Intellectual Property Law
Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Centres > Centre for Competition Policy
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Depositing User: Pure Connector
Date Deposited: 14 Jan 2017 00:06
Last Modified: 20 Apr 2023 00:18
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/62078
DOI: 10.1080/17441056.2016.1257314

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