The interplay between telecommunications operators and digital platforms in an evolving digital ecosystem

Abstract

Digital ecosystem comprises a composite array of complementary and substitutability relationships among its different actors, eg, telcos and very large digital platforms. Traditionally those actors have been regulated in different and separate fashion, and the evolution of their interactions disregarded. This asymmetric and uncoordinated regulation of different actors of the digital ecosystem has led to (unintentionally) generate market distortions or enhance situations of power unbalance. A new regulatory approach should focus on existing interdependences and trade-offs, in order to build a level regulatory playing field.