ABSTRACT
The United Kingdom (UK) Government's ability to remain ahead of industry developments continues to be tested by the current trend of the technological convergence of television, telecommunications and the information technology sectors. Free to air terrestrial broadcasting remains the predominant means by which consumers receive television services, accounting for approximately two-thirds of all viewing, although this is in decline due to the success of analogue and digital pay Television. The gateways in digital television are owned and operated in the UK by vertically integrated service providers. The rapid transition to digital and the consequent increase in the pace of convergence of telecommunications, television and information technology services has focused attention on the inherent weaknesses of the current regime and approach to regulation in this area. Criticism of the proposed approach serves to highlight the difficulties faced by the Commission in establishing a system of regulation that is both convergence proof and accepting of the remaining significant differences between the communications sectors.
