A Qualitative Analysis on the Impacts of Assured Quality Internet Interconnection

Internet interconnection is the glue that holds the Internet together via bilateral network interconnection agreements of best effort (i.e. non-assured) quality. This study provides 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 three distinct, though strongly interrelated aspects: Business, Socioeconomic and Regulatory. Methodologically, the impacts are identified through a focus group which involved representatives from 17 European organizations. Exploring how these complementary impacts may affect the ASQ offer is fundamental for envisioning the Internet evolution and for setting appropriate governance policies. This study identifies and discusses the expected impacts, thus shedding light on the key implications of assured quality Internet interconnection.