The unique nature of communications regulation: Evidence and implications for communications policy analysis

The numerous policy changes taking place following the passage of the Telec ommunications Act of 1996 necessitate an examination of the nature of commu nications regulation. Specifically, it is necessary to reexamine whether th e prevailing analytic perspective adequately accounts for the fundamental d ifferences between communications regulation and the regulation of other in dustries. This article outlines three fundamental differences and discusses their implications for effective communications policy analysis.