Table of Contents ... v3
American video telephony's evolving legal landscape: What regulators can learn from network economics and telecommunications scholarship
Introduction: video telephony and regulation overview; vision of a socially inclusive telecommunication infrastructure for the deaf (Jaeger)
Literature Review -- cross-subsidy (Ralph92, Faulhaber02), exclusive dealing (Shapiro/Varian), standard setting (Shapiro/Aufderheide), interconnection (Gabel/Weiman)
Discussion: Four uncomplicated concepts in network economics and telecommunications research suggest that wide deployment of video relay services for the deaf requires aggressive preemptive rules.
Cross subsidy and the ban on VRS incentive programs
Exclusive dealing's undercurrent in '05-'06 VRS "interoperability" proceedings
Standard setting and the benefits of dialing parity (via "single, open and global [videophone] numbering")
Interconnection and the plans to connect videophones and telephones. 47 CFR 51.5
Conclusion: Deafness, inclusion and telecommunications: How technology and law can enrich life for people with disabilities. [The positive potential of video telephony for the deaf, and others.]
Plus—regulation-inspired refinements of the national IP-videophone network make it more likely to win unqualified support from those positioned to expedite its deployment – “on the fence” consumers, and unconvinced lawmakers.
In exploring these topics, one should get a sense for the contemporary issues in video telephony regulation.
American video telephony's evolving legal landscape: What policymakers can learn from network economics and telecommunications regulation
Introduction: video telephony and regulation overview
Literature Review: cross-subsidy, exclusive dealing, standard setting, interconnection, number portability and universal service
Discussion: Uncomplicated lessons from network economics and telecommunications policy suggest that discouraging monopoly and stimulating deployment of video relay services for the deaf requires aggressive preemptive rules. Six concepts merit close consideration in this context:
Conclusion: Deafness, inclusion and telecommunications: How technology and law can enrich life for people with disabilities.
