Broadband Regulation: An Empirical Evaluation

Abstract

This paper provides an empirical assessment of the broadband policy of the European Union. In particular, we assess in more detail the effects of mandatory local loop unbundling on several market dimensions. We find that it has benefited broadband adoption through significant quality improvements. However, we also find that other regulatory features outside the scope of the new regulatory framework hinder broadband development in a signifcant manner.

Keywords: regulation, market integration, broadband

JEL Classification: L51, L96, K23