Technological, Economical and Marketing Basis and Regulatory Changes for Convergence.

Abstract

This article introduces the state of the art technologies which are being deployed nowadays to implement convergence—UMA, UWB, Packet Cable 2.0—, business models that use convergent technologies, new Universal Service trends, world and regional situation and the major restrictions recently revealed in Europe when deploying convergence. It also gives a vision of convergence itself as the main “user” of broadband, new business models, economical features and new legal and regulatory incentives and disincentives regarding piracy, in particular, author’s rights and the implementation of convergent terminals. Finally, regulatory levels are analyzed as well.