The telecommunications sector is a vital component of the Information Society. Whilst telecommunications services were generally provided by a monopoly (normally public sector) supplier, relatively few legal issues emerged. In a new deregulated telecommunications market, however, there is an ever-increasing range of important legal issues to be addressed. Whilst this book is written from a UK perspective, detailed coverage is given also of the EU's telecommunications policy which increasingly shapes national laws and policies. Extensive reference is also made to the application of telecommunications policy within the context of the GATT and GATS. Some reference is made to developments within the United States where these have particular relevance for the UK and EU markets. This book should be of interest to students studying the increasing number of courses in telecommunications law. It should also be of interest to those involved in the provision (or use) of telecommunications services and to those involved in the provision of legal advice on the matters covered. INDICE History and development of the global telecommunications system Key elements of the telecommunications system The process of liberalization Supervision of telecommunications operators Relations between telecommunications operators Consumer protection issues Convergence and the future of communications and communications Regulation