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Network Neutrality Through the Lens of Network Economics

Author

Listed:
  • Stocker Volker

    (Weizenbaum Institute for the Networked Society, Berlin, Germany)

  • Knieps Guenter

    (University of Freiburg, Chair of Network Economics, Competition Economics and Transport Science, Freiburg, Germany)

Abstract

Network neutrality for the Internet has been a fiercely debated topic for more than 15 years. Arguably spurred by recent regulatory actions in the US and the tremendous ecosystem evolution as characterized by the emergence and growing importance of global cloud platforms as well as the Internet of Things, the debate has recently seen a resurgence. This paper describes the origins and development of the regulatory stance towards network neutrality in the US and the EU. Against the background of the diverse evolutionary forces that shape the ecosystem, we examine network neutrality regulation through the lens of network economics. In doing so, we describe a series of challenges and misconceptions associated with current regulations and expound the requirement for a market-driven understanding of network neutrality.

Suggested Citation

  • Stocker Volker & Knieps Guenter, 2018. "Network Neutrality Through the Lens of Network Economics," Review of Network Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 17(3), pages 115-150, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:rneart:v:17:y:2018:i:3:p:115-150:n:5
    DOI: 10.1515/rne-2019-0025
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    References listed on IDEAS

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