Telecommunications reforms in South East Europe
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how eventual membership of the European Union is influencing reforms in South East Europe, through legislation and institutions being brought into line with EU practice.
Design/methodology/approach
The article reflects the results of monitoring exercises conducted in the Balkans with data gathered from national regulatory authorities and ministries. The approach is comparative between the countries and with the existing EU member states.
Findings
Considerable progress has been made in the opening of markets, with the issuing of new licences and the introduction of regulatory measures to support new entrants. However, many obstacles remain to be overcome.
Research limitations/implications
Determining the practical application of the legal provisions is not straightforward; there may be delays or questions of interpretation. Further work is required to determine how the changes are carried forward.
Practical implications
Further work will continue both by the authorities in South East Europe and in monitoring increased competition in mobile markets and the introduction of broadband, primarily using wireless technology.
Originality/value
Work on this region of Europe has been very limited, in part due to difficulties in gathering data.
Keywords
Citation
Sutherland, E., Defraigne, P. and Bocarova, V. (2009), "Telecommunications reforms in South East Europe", info, Vol. 11 No. 1, pp. 52-63. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636690910932993
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited