Networks Unplugged: Towards A Model of Compatibility Regulation Between Information Platforms

Abstract

Networks Unplugged: Towards A Model of Compatibility Regulation Between Information Platforms This Article outlines a basic model for regulating interoperability between rival information platforms. In so doing, it insists that antitrust, intellectual property, and telecommunications regulation all must follow the same set of principles to facilitate competition between rival standards where possible, mandating or allowing cooperation only where necessary to facilitate competition within a standard when network-level competition is infeasible. To date, the antitrust regime best approximates the type of model I have in mind, but sound competition policy requires that telecommunications regulation and intellectual property law follow its basic principles as well.