By Brian Williamson
Globally, next-generation communications apps such as Skype, iMessage, WeChat, Line, Viber, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Google Hangouts (also referred to as over the top, OTT, apps) have taken off. These applications offer substantial benefits to consumers and businesses. They have, however, led to complaints by vertically integrated communications service providers that they ‘free ride’ on their network investments and benefit from the lack of a regulatory level playing field. This article considers these questions and what policymakers should do about legacy and next generation communications.
DownloadShould we be striving for the ‘level playing field’ with regulation of innovative, next-generation communications? Brian Williamson makes a strong case for setting them free.
- Intermedia Issue:
- Vol 44, Issue 3
- Issue Date:
- October 2016
Brian Williamson
Partner, Communications Chambers 
