The implications of Brexit for the governance of telecommunications markets in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the implication of the exit of the UK from the European Union (a.k.a. Brexit).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses the options for the UK and the freedom this creates for the government to design its system of governance for the telecommunications and related economic sectors.

Findings

Brexit, other than the Norway Option or membership of the European Economic Area, allows the UK Government considerable freedom to reshape its system of governance for telecommunications. The strongest influence in such a redesign would be vested commercial interests, with the risk of subsequent underperformance and insufficient rigour.

Research limitations/implications

Events have moved relatively quickly, yet the outcome of the negotiations remains difficult to predict, beyond broad scenarios.

Social implications

There will be a need for greater involvement of consumers and business users in the process of recasting the regulatory governance system if it is not to be for the benefit of vested interests.

Originality/value

This is the first substantive analysis of Brexit for the telecommunications sector.

Citation

Sutherland, E. (2017), "The implications of Brexit for the governance of telecommunications markets in the United Kingdom", Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, Vol. 19 No. 1, pp. 2-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPRG-07-2016-0036