Once the decision to liberalize the market has been taken, the next step is to provide an appropriate regulatory framework and institution(s) to implement the decision. But there is no simple sequencing for the drafting and adoption of the framework since several issues have to be addressed simultaneously. Interconnection, universal access, regulatory processes, means of dispute resolution, market definition methodologies, licensing/authorization procedures, and tariff-setting principles all need to be resolved in a fairly compressed period. Furthermore, most of these issues interact with, relate to, or rely on the other components of the body of regulations. The body can then be amended in the light of market and technological developments.
The absence of a simple sequencing also means there is no obvious sequence for the order of topics addressed in this module or in the Toolkit as whole. The sequence chosen here is to start with issues related to the regulatory agency, the characteristics that enhance its legitimacy, the functions performed by the regulator and others, together with the supporting legal environment. The module then presents regulatory issues related to authorization and competition, interconnection, universal access, radio spectrum, and finally, the impact of new technologies.