Towards a Future Internet Infrastructure: analyzing the multidimensional impacts of Assured Quality Internet Interconnection

The path towards the development of a Future Internet infrastructure requires a significant redefinition and realignment of the basic concept of Internet interconnection (IC), which is the glue that holds the Internet together via bilateral network interconnection agreements of best effort (i.e. non-assured) quality. More specifically, the concept of Quality of Service is often overlooked in traditional relationships based on best effort. This study offers a qualitative analysis and assessment of the multidimensional impacts of the recent proposals of introducing Assured Service Quality (ASQ) in the Internet interconnection (IC) market. The analysis focuses on the impacts in four distinct, though strongly interrelated areas: Business, Socioeconomic, Regulatory and Net Neutrality. Methodologically, the impacts and their interplays are identified through a focus group, which involved key informants from 17 European Carriers and stakeholders. Exploring how these complementary impacts may affect the ASQ offer is fundamental for envisioning the Internet infrastructure’s business and technological evolution, as well as for setting appropriate governance policies. This study identifies and discusses the expected impacts, thus shedding light on the key implications of ASQ IC.