Socio-technical analysis of Korea's broadband convergence network: Big plans, big projects, big prospects?

The goal of this study is to investigate the policy objectives of the broadband convergence network (BcN) and the realization of objectives. The Korean government launched the BcN project with the objective of converting Korea into an information society with ubiquitous broadband convergence for the advancement of growth and productivity. Based on content analysis of the policy documents and the literature related to BcN, this paper draws on the socio-technical framework for interpreting the data. Findings in this study suggest that, despite excellent technological innovation and proactive drive, uncertainty still remains with respect to how the BcN has evolved and its impact on the new telecom ecology to date.

► A socio-technical assessment of broadband development in Korea.
► The policy objectives for the broadband convergence network (BcN) and the realization of its objectives.
► Uncertainty still remains with respect to the future of the BcN.