Technological convergence and regulatory harmonization: recent evolution and trends. The case of Peru

When facing the regulatory problems posed by technological convergence, it is important to know the state of the art in relevant countries of the region. In Peru, in a context of complete liberalization of the telecommunication's market since 1998, following the process of regulatory reform and privatization in 1994, we verify an important growth of the telecommunications sector leaded by digital mobile telephony. However, we are still behind the other countries of the region and we have an important coverage deficit, together with important inequalities inside the country and enormous inequalities in household's income.

 

Despite current regulation is flexible enough to give place for convergent initiatives, thus reducing transactional costs associated with adoption, particularly regarding classification of services, use of the radioelectrical spectrum, and the possible integration of supplies from media and telecommunications industries, the actors' interest in developing new geneartion networks or in adapting regulations and laws to the possibilities offered by convergence, is not yet perceived.

 

In addition, Peru has legally adopted technological neutrality, the need to stimulate convergence and the State's fostering of the use of services supported by the IP protocol. However, this importantstep is not clearly accompanied with the adoption of new technologies. This could mean that relevant public institutions that can contribute to reduce the risk of adoption are not yet perceived as credible enough.

 

Finally, regulatory concerns are focused on closing the access gaps, which shows the lack of sophistication from the demand side.