Article Title

A Different Time, A Different Place: Breaking Up Telephone Companies in the United States and Japan

Authors

Richard E. Nohe, NTT America

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1996

Publication Citation

48 Federal Communications Law Journal 307 (1996)

Abstract

Currently, the Japanese government is in the midst of a decision with respect to the future of the now privatized Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) of Japan. The divestiture of AT&T, NTT's United States counterpart, occurred over a decade ago. The Japanese government is contemplating the use of AT&T as a model for the break up of NTT. Because of NTT's history as a monopoly service provider, the central issue confronting Japan is how to create a market that can withstand competition nationally and globally.

The Author adopts a comparative approach in seeking to provide guidance to policymakers in Japan. First, the Author highlights some of the fundamental differences between the American and Japanese telecom munications markets, including the different regulatory structures. Ultimately, the Author suggests that if the divestment of NTT mirrors the break up of AT&T, Japan's ability to compete effectively with global counterparts in the near future could be undermined.

Recommended Citation

Nohe, Richard E. (1996) "A Different Time, A Different Place: Breaking Up Telephone Companies in the United States and Japan," Federal Communications Law Journal: Vol. 48: Iss. 2, Article 3.
Available at: https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/fclj/vol48/iss2/3