A decade of competition in telecommunications in retrospect -: A critical assessment and future prospects

This article examines the consequences of introducing competition into the markets of mobile- and long-distance telecommunications. The formerly state owned monopolist has lost market shares, but still remains one of the most important operators in these highly concentrated markets. Regarding future development, this article mainly focuses on the numerous alternatives in how to introduce competition in the local telecommunications market. The importance of number portability to mobile telephony is also considered. Finally, the article discusses the spectrum auctions in relation to third generation mobile telephony, from a critical point of view.