Universal service: between socio‐political mythology and economic reality – an international cross comparison EU‐USA of the regulatory‐economic framework

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the history of the notion of universal service in the USA and the EU.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of an historical account based on desk research and interviews.FindingsThe paper finds that the concept looks “universal”, so to speak, but is grounded in different legal and economic traditions. From an historical perspective, the conditions appear to be highly differentiated on either side of the Atlantic. Ironically, the main point in common, beyond the mere use of the same term, is the discrepancy between the alleged goal and the socio‐economic reality, which has existed for some decades.Originality/valueThe paper puts into an historical perspective the notion of universal service. It identifies strengths and weaknesses of the implemention in the EU and the USA.