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Structurally speaking , on the other hand , telcos have few concerns and did not mention any technological hurdles regarding the development of new business models .
In particular , the regulatory environment is decisive to the success or failure of new business models . This is also where differences between geographical regions have the greatest impact . In the United States , the main goal of regulating the telco industry is to ensure that it generates adequate returns on investment . In the Asia-Pacific region , by contrast , the availability of high-performance connections ( e . g . using fiber optics ) for everyone is an element of industrial policy and services in the public ’ s interest .
And in Europe , regulation is directed more intensely at ensuring competition and consumer protection – with the attendant transparency obligations and clear caps on fees , such as for international roaming . One thing that becomes clear from these differences is the competitive edge that Asian countries have in areas such as broadband speeds .
The ability that the telcos themselves have to influence such matters is limited . However , they ought to make legislators aware of their concerns regarding the unequal playing field and push for fair competition with the OTTs .
There are different content players entering the market and they are not investing in the infrastructure . Regulatory obligations have to intervene and make them pay for the networks as well .
So , the question is not whether there will be any new business models . Instead , it is who will succeed in implementing them – the telcos or the OTTs ?
To prevail in this competition , the telcos should increasingly shift their focus to issues of flexibility within their organizations . And even if the technology is perceived more as a driver than as an impediment : Investments in the expansion of fiber-optic networks and the 5G standard for cell phones are crucial for the success of new business models . ||
In a European comparison , fiber optic coverage is lagging , because [ amongst others ] investments have not always paid off in the past .
Top executive , Marketing & Strategy , Vodafone , Germany
( the comment refers to the German market )
Top executive , Regulatory Commercial , du , UAE