Description:

The Internet is based on a network of independent networks, with users being the ones to request content. Traditionally, network operators have had the freedom to enter into voluntary inter-networking arrangements to manage traffic to better serve their users. However, this model is being challenged by at least one country and has gained traction in recent months to expand into different regimes.

The Republic of Korea has proposed legislation that further regulates interconnection agreements and introduces payment obligations to local telecommunications firms. European and Australian telecommunications providers are latching onto this, trying to introduce mandatory rules around these particular interconnection business arrangements between telecom operators and Internet services providers.

This panel will look at how interconnection policy has worked since the early days of the Internet, why some have called for new approaches, and whether these changes would ultimately result in more access and competitive markets, or pose a threat to the global Internet architecture.