A comparative analysis of net neutrality: Insights gained by juxtaposing the U.S. and Korea

• Compare the U.S. and Korea in the context of network neutrality.
• Similarities and differences are highlighted by comparisons within the broadband ecosystem framework.
• The issue is not only complicated, but also as complex and vague as the parties׳ diverse interests are.
• A careful combination of government coordination and market forces.

This study compares and contrasts the U.S. and Korea in the context of network neutrality, focusing on debates among stakeholders and regulatory approaches. Similarities and differences are highlighted by comparisons within the broadband ecosystem framework: government functions, histories, people׳s perceptions, regulatory approaches, legislative initiatives, and implementation. In Korea, a regulatory framework with suggested guidelines exists, and it can be used to address net neutrality in a case-by-case fashion. The U.S. follows a regulatory approach by creating enforceable non-discrimination rules. The findings in this study suggest that the issue is not only complicated because it is embedded contextually, but also because the respective parties׳ diverse interests are multifaceted and vague. It is concluded, therefore, that a coherent and consistent approach is an effective way to govern neutrality.