The following summary has been condensed for length and readability. To listen to the full discussion, click here. This episode is sponsored by ETI Software and VETRO FiberMap.
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, hosted by Pete Pizzutillo at the FTTH Conference in Berlin, the spotlight is on Dr. Cara Schwarz-Schilling, the Director of the WIK Institute in Germany. This episode delves into the intricacies of telecommunications, regulatory challenges, and the evolution of broadband infrastructure.
The discussion kicks off with Dr. Schwarz-Schilling recounting her initial entry into the telecommunications sector 25 years ago. She reflects on her decision to join the institute as a part-time job after the birth of her second child, a time that coincided with the liberalization of telecommunications. Her work initially focused on the complex issues of number portability—a crucial aspect at a time when telephone numbers were a scarce resource. This work put her at the forefront of a significant regulatory battle that helped shape the landscape of telecommunications accessibility and competition.
Transitioning from her earlier experiences, Dr. Schwarz-Schilling discusses her tenure dealing with postal regulation, describing it as a “tough cookie” due to the difficulty of injecting competition into the market. This period in her career was marked by close interactions with various international regulatory bodies, which enriched her understanding and approach to regulation in a global context.
The conversation then shifts to internet economics, where Dr. Schwarz- Schilling spent 15 years building a new section at the Bundesnetz 2. During this period, she was at the helm of initiatives concerning broadband rollout, net neutrality, and the introduction of broadband speed schemes. This was a dynamic phase where new challenges emerged almost biennially, necessitating continual adaptation and innovation in regulatory practices.
A significant portion of the podcast focuses on the current challenges in deploying fiber networks. Dr. Schwarz-Schilling emphasizes the distinction between homes passed and homes connected, noting that while many homes may be counted as having access to fiber, the actual connection rate is significantly lower. This gap presents a major hurdle in achieving true broadband accessibility and highlights the need for more accurate success metrics in network rollout strategies.
She also points out the legal and physical complexities involved in laying out fiber in densely populated or geographically challenging areas. The discussion touches on the regulatory and competitive dynamics that influence the deployment strategies of network operators, especially in the face of stiff competition and complex ownership structures in multi-dwelling units.
Dr. Schwarz-Schilling provides an insightful overview of the evolution of telecommunications regulation. She describes how the market has shifted from being heavily regulated with numerous players to a more liberal and competitive environment. This shift has seen a reduction in direct regulatory interventions but has introduced new complexities such as dealing with dominant market players and integrating new technologies into existing frameworks.
The evolution from copper to fiber is highlighted as a pivotal transition for the industry, with significant implications for both market structure and regulatory approaches. Schwarz-Schilling stresses the importance of adapting regulatory frameworks to keep pace with technological advancements and market needs.
Looking towards the future, Dr. Schwarz-Schilling speculates on the continuing transformation of the telecommunications landscape. She anticipates further progress in opening up markets and enhancing network access through cooperative strategies and innovative regulatory approaches. The discussion also covers the potential for European telecom operators to strengthen their position against global platform operators, a development influenced by recent policy proposals from the European Commission.
The podcast wraps up with Dr. Cara Schwarz-Schilling inviting listeners to engage further with her work and the broader research and regulatory discussions through the WIK website www.wik.org which offers a wealth of studies and publications in multiple languages. This resource serves as a platform for continued learning and interaction with the topics discussed in the podcast.
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