The choice of the phrase "blurring
of dividing lines'''''''''''''''' is deliberate, in preference to the more
commonly used "coming together". This is because,
whereas the latter is description of a definite phenomenon,
which may or may not be happening, the former describes only
the capability. Similarly, the choice of phrase "traditionally
distinct" is to envelope all that can come under it, and
not to define it in specifics like computing, telecom, entertainment,
etc. Similarly, we acknowledge the fact that more words could
be added to service, technology, product, market, industry,
and regulatory structure. Words like say, media, which can be
a physical media like cable, wireless, satellite, etc., (in
which case it will come under technology in the above definition)
or media as in television, press, cinema, etc., (in which case
it will come under services in the definition).
However, while it is certainly
more correct, a broad, holistic definition does not always clarify
things to a great extent. Going in-depth to specific issues
is not always possible by using an umbrella definition. Take,
for example, the challenges of convergence. They are different
at different levels. Different levels such as technology, market,
industry, regulation, and services have their own characteristics,
issues, challenges, and barriers to convergence.
One tries to approach the phenomenon
of convergence from the user end (See Figure 1). One does not
claim that this approach is superior to any other. But one has
to start somewhere. Also, one makes a concentric representation,
rather than a linear model like that suggested by Analysys''''''''
value chain model. A concentric circular model denotes that
the centre to the activities of all companies-even semiconductor
companies-is the end user. But more importantly, it makes it
easier to represent traditionally (completely) distinct services
in one model, and so to whatever extent possible, their co-relation.
A linear model on the other hand is good for depicting different
levels of one service, such as say broadcasting. A linear model
can well represent the positioning of a cable operator, a satellite
channel provider, and the television software (content) provider
with respect to the user and also to each other. But it cannot
represent the counterpart of a cable operator in the field of
what has so far been known as communications or telecom services.
Traditionally, the user has received
services from different service providers. While communication
services-for a long time known as telephony-came to him from
telcos, usually state-owned monopoly PTTs, he received information,
education, and entertainment from service providers like radio
and television broadcasters, and printed newspapers/magazines
known collectively as the media. Again traditionally, broadcasting
has been state-owned in many countries before being opened to
competition, while newspapers have been state-owned only in
a few countries. With the advent of computing, small computing
devices known as PCs came as a productivity tool, which soon
enhanced itself to act as a communication terminal like a telephone.
Today, different services are increasingly coming from one source,
while one terminal is likely to act as the single receiver for
multiple services in near future.Page(s) 1 2 3 4
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