This paper makes a contribution to the analysis of regulatory change, an aspect of the broader theoretical debate initiated by the ‘regulation school’ of economic theorists and others. Unlike much of that debate this paper is focused on an empirical field—telecommunications deregulation—and on questions of market strategy rather than those purely of production. After an analysis of the nature and rationale for regulation there is a focus upon the political and economic processes leading to deregulation in the telecommunications industry in the United Kingdom and USA. Attention is directed to ‘natural monopoly’ and ‘public service’ rationales for regulation and the importance of spatial issues is noted. The deregulatory climate and its effects upon computing and communication are then traced out and it is shown how corporate activity is tending towards ‘quasi-regulation’ to reduce competitive and market-based uncertainties.
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