OECD Digital Economy Outlook 2015
The digital economy now permeates countless aspects of the world economy, impacting sectors as varied as banking, retail, energy, transportation, education, publishing, media or health. Information and Communication Technologies are transforming the ways social interactions and personal relationships are conducted, with fixed, mobile and broadcast networks converging, and devices and objects increasingly connected to form the Internet of things.
This report assesses how countries can maximise the potential of the digital economy as a driver for innovation and inclusive growth, and discusses the evolutions in the digital economy that policy makers need to consider as well as the emerging challenges they need to address as a part of national digital strategies. Chapters include an overview of the current status and outlook of the digital economy; the main trends in the ICT sector, and developments in communication and regulation policy; and overviews of ICT demand and adoption, plus the effects of the digital economy on growth and development. This volume also includes a chapter on developments related to trust in the digital economy and on the emerging Internet of things.
Main trends in communication policy and regulation
The digital economy is based on efficient and reliable communication networks and services that need to be accessed ubiquitously, at competitive prices and at sufficient speeds. Communication policy and regulation are therefore increasingly important for achieving a vibrant digital economy. This chapter examines communication policy and regulatory developments in fixed and mobile networks, paying special attention to the emergence of over-the-top providers of traditional and new services. Policy responses to industry consolidation and the network neutrality debate take a prominent role, as does spectrum policy, international mobile roaming, public funding of communication networks and IPv6 initiatives. In particular, the chapter discusses convergence trends, the emergence of connected televisions and bundles of communication services to ascertain how they can best serve the interests of consumers.
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