Evidences of network convergence at EU level

Abstract

The significant increase of internet based services penetration in combination with the high adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), speed up the convergence of traditional telecom networks with new internet based networks. As a result traditional telecom based services, like voice telephony are provided through internet based networks, while the penetration of new innovative services, like IPTV, is increasing with exponential rates. At the same time a progressive merger of traditional broadcasting services related to content and internet is under way. The high usage of internet for the provision of traditional telecom services, new innovative internet based services, as well as, traditional broadcasting services is called convergence of telecom, internet and broadcasting services. The aim of this paper is to examine the preconditions which impact the speed up of the convergence at European Union level. The findings of our analysis demonstrate a strongly correlation between the broadband penetration and the level of the convergence, while on the other hand it seems that the existence of alternative infrastructures, like cable, does not have a positive correlation with the adoption of convergence based services.