Prospects for Local Competition in Telecommunications: A Comparison of the Chilean and American Approaches to Regulatory Reform

Authors

Melissa Sampson McMorrow

Abstract

For decades, most nations provided telecommunications services through regulated monopolies or by stale-owned entities. Many nations, including Latin American countries, provided such services through state-owned industries for various reasons. Technological advancements and regulatory reform have dismantled the old guard systems and have ushered in a new era in telecommunications. Latin American countries are going through a dual process of privatization and liberalization. Chile led the region in this effort in the late 1970s. Chile also led the world in creating a competitive market for telecommunications. Its legal framework has opened all markets-long distance, advanced, and local-to competition to varying extents.

In this note, the author compares the successes, failures, and challenges of the United States and Chile in their transitions to reformed, competitive markets. Particularly, the author focuses on each country's success in achieving competition in the local market.

Recommended Citation

Melissa Sampson McMorrow, Prospects for Local Competition in Telecommunications: A Comparison of the Chilean and American Approaches to Regulatory Reform, 22 Hastings Int'l & Comp. L. Rev. 747 (1999).
Available at: https://repository.uclawsf.edu/hastings_international_comparative_law_review/vol22/iss4/3