Consumers like open networks; operators want to use their control of the network as the basis for developing new business models. It was ever thus!Android -powered handsets) has been matched by massive investment from an array of players in datacentres to enable the so-called Internet "cloud". It has never been a more exciting time to be on the Internet.consulting on a Recommendation on the regulation of Next Generation Access networks (NGAs, the deployment of fibre either to street cabinets or to the home). This paper aims to translate the legislator's willingness to recognise that investments in NGAs are more risky than traditional investments (e.g. of fibre in an operator's backbone network). The lay-person could be foregiven for wondering why investing in infrastrucutre is seen as risky, given the ongoing signs of exponential bandwidth demand from consumers, but that is not a part of the debate.contribution to the consultation makes the simple observation that bandwidth demand and consumer willingness to pay are themselves dependent on how open are the Internet access services available to them.equips regulators with powers to ensure consumers can access the services and applications of their choice. Weak application of these rules would permit operators to run less open neworks, reducing consumer willingness to pay. But if this was then used as evidence in favour of higher "risk premiums", higher wholesale rates would feed in to increased consumer prices and cause still lower demand. A vicious circle.
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