Discrimination in international mobile roaming regulation: Implications of WTO law

Abstract

High international mobile roaming charges have created concerns for consumers and regulators around the world, leading to discussion and activity in a range of international organizations as well as national and regional bodies, including in the course of ongoing negotiations. Policy-makers seem inclined to intervene in the market to reduce these charges, but the complexities of international telecommunications and the way in which roaming services are supplied present a barrier to a practicable regulatory solution at the local level. Proposals for bilateral agreements have therefore emerged in some jurisdictions, often involving capping wholesale roaming charges imposed by domestic telecomm..