Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
1-1-2004
Abstract
The deployment of telecommunications services in Korea represents one of the great technological success stories of the developing world. In a remarkably brief period, the penetration of local telephone service, wireless telephony, and broadband technologies has soared to among the highest levels in the world. The history of Korean telecommunications thus provides a useful case study for other developing countries seeking to expand and modernize their telecommunications infrastructures. At first blush, the explosive growth of telecommunications services has appeared to go hand in hand with the liberalization of Korea's telecommunications markets. A review of the history of Korean telecommunications reform reveals that the market liberalization that did exist was largely the result of foreign pressure. Moreover, although Korea took steps towards liberalizing its telecommunications markets, culminating with the substantial reforms announced in 1995, it has backslid since that time, allowing the industry to engage in a disturbing degree of re-concentration. As a result, Korea has not received the full benefit of the enhancements to consumer welfare, efficiency, and innovation that traditionally result from competition. It also suggests that, notwithstanding pronouncements to the contrary, the traditional pattern of direct governmental involvement in industrial policy remains firmly in place.
Keywords
Telecommunications, regulated industries
Publication Title
Legal Reform in Korea
Repository Citation
Yoo, Christopher S., "The Unfulfilled Promise of Korean Telecommunications Reform" (2004). All Faculty Scholarship. 424.
https://scholarship.law.upenn.edu/faculty_scholarship/424
Included in
Asian Studies Commons, Communications Law Commons, Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Comparative and Foreign Law Commons, Law and Economics Commons, Political Economy Commons, Science and Technology Law Commons
Publication Citation
in LEGAL REFORM IN KOREA 169 (Tom Ginsburg ed., RoutledgeCurzon 2004).