Towards better mobile quality of service in Asia Pacific

Assessing the role of regulation

Mobile connectivity across Asia Pacific has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 10 years, with significant improvements in download/upload speeds and latency.

Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, this study explores how quality-of-service (QoS) regulations are evolving in the region. It explains how one-size-fits-all approaches to QoS regulations often neglect external factors and market dynamics, potentially penalising operators for issues beyond their control.

The study's evidence also suggests that imposing direct QoS regulations has minimal or no impact on actual service quality. In fact, the regulations can often increase costs with no associated benefit.

Alternative approaches such as consumer-focused frameworks and co-regulation can be effective approaches to balancing policy objectives with minimal compliance costs. This requires collaboration with all stakeholders including digital platforms, vendors and consumers.