The Convergence Think Tank (CTT) has been set up to examine the implications of technological development for the media and communications industries, and the consequences for both markets and consumers.
It is envisaged that the CTT will have a key role in helping to shape future policy development in relation to these sectors, which include TV, radio, mobile and fixed telecoms and online services.
The CTT has been setup jointly by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.
Convergence can be defined as the merging of the individual communications industries (IT, broadcasting, telecommunications etc) into a single converged market. The breaking down of the traditional barriers between technologies has the potential to dramatically alter the landscape of the relevant sectors and those who interrelate with them. In practice convergence covers a wide range of issues, as well as most of the regulatory and legislative regimes that are currently in place.
The CTT is examining three over-arching themes which provide the general framework for review:
- Open markets
- Empower consumers and citizens
- Provide universal access to high quality content
Throughout the CTT programme there will be a series of seminars to bring together key industry decision makers to discuss and debate specific questions based on these key areas.
A joint DCMS/BERR steering group has been set-up to guide the work of the CTT.
The aim is for the CTT to reach its conclusions early in 2009.