The conclusions of today’s study include:
- The growth of e-commerce is likely to be shaped by the increase in ‘unmetered’ internet access, higher bandwidth and new devices such as web-enabled phones and set-top boxes.
- Technological developments point towards convergence, vertical integration and further consolidation being key market themes.
- Access to networks and platforms, standards and intellectual property rights are likely to be the key e-commerce related issues for competition and regulatory authorities.
- Regular assessments of the market, co-regulation between regulators and industry and powers and guidelines to stop anti-competitive behaviour will play an important role in fostering competition.
David Edmunds, Director General of Telecommunications, explained that competition in the mechanisms through which e-commerce will be delivered is the key to achieving development of e-commerce in the UK to its full potential. Edmunds said, “This will ensure that both businesses and home users enjoy maximum choice of e-commerce services through the medium of their choosing at competitive prices.”
A final report is expected in the Summer.