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 In recent years, the global telecommunication market has moved
undisputedly towards greater liberalization and increased
competition. Over the past five years alone, full or partial
competition in basic services was introduced in more than 40
countries. Many more countries have made commitments for the future
introduction of competition, for instance as part of their schedule
of commitments made under the World Trade Organization's Agreement
on Basic Telecommunications Services.
Correspondingly, the opening up of markets worldwide has also
spurred an increase of mergers and acquisitions. During this same
period, the global telecommunication market witnessed a number of
mergers and alliances between some of the world’s largest public
telecommunications operators, both within and between countries.
With the growing number of countries undertaking major
liberalization efforts in their telecommunication markets, and the
growing trend towards industry consolidation, it has become
increasingly important for countries to ensure that they possess the
necessary facilities and know-how to efficiently and effectively
manage telecommunication competition issues in the public interest.
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