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Paper Presented at the 57
th
Annual Conference of the International Communications Association
Regionalization of Telecommunications Regulatory Policy:
A model for the Assessment of Regional Effects on
National Regulation
Abstract
Since the 1990s regional economic communities (such as EU, APEC, and ASEAN),
through semi-independent regional regulators’ associations (RRAs), are increasingly
developing telecommunications model regulation, aiming to harmonize
telecommunications regulation across member states. Through increased predictability of
the regulatory environment, regionalization is believed to stimulate investments across
borders and thus increase telecommunications market development. However, there is yet
to be a generalizable analysis of the specific effects of RRAs on market development and
the particular mechanisms of influence. To this extent, this study identifies primary
parameters that contribute to the performance of RRAs, which include the development
and adoption of regional model regulations, and in turn will affect market development.
We develop propositions based on a theoretical framework that can be used in future
studies as the basis for in-depth single regional integration body cases and can serve as a
starting point for comparative studies of regional integration bodies.
1. Introduction
Since the 1980s venues for regulatory policy making around the world have become
increasingly diversified, transitioning from a predominantly national level to one that is
multilateral and regional (supranational) (Cricelli, Gastaldi, & Levialdi, 1999; Drahos &
Joseph, 1995; Kaiser & Prange, 2005). This transition is due in part to the growth of
regional
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economic communities (RECs) such as the European Union (EU), Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC), Mercado Comun del Sur (Mercosur) and Association of
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It is important to emphasize that here ‘regional’ refers to supranational relations. This is contrasted with
the use in the European Union where the ‘Committee of Regions’ is made up of representatives of sub-
national regions, which provides advice to the Commission, Parliament and Council of Ministers. Indeed,
in discussing European integration Hooghe and Marks (Hooghe & Marks, 2001) contrast the two forces of
European integration with that of regionalization, meaning the increasing importance of sub-national
governance.
Annemijn van Gorp and Carleen Maitland
College of Information Sciences & Technology
Pennsylvania State University
[avangorp; cmaitland] @ist.psu.edu
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