The Australian Communications and Media Authority has identified the six major technology trends that it believes will have a significant impact on regulation of the media and communications sector over the next five to ten years.

The trends are:

• the accelerating pace of change
  
• diversity in the development of physical infrastructure
  
• the spread of distributed connectivity
  
• enhanced content and network management capabilities
  
• the emerging Social Web
  
• continuing scientific and technological innovation.
  

‘Changes in communications technology are out-pacing our notions of what we thought was possible just five years ago, let alone what guidelines or legislative frameworks would be required,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.

‘This should not be seen as a criticism of the legislature – it is the very nature of convergence that it gets away from us and leads us to unexpected places in a veritable nanosecond.

‘Regulatory pressure created by developing technologies is starting to bite into core legislative concepts and definitions, creating strained or ‘broken concepts’. Ultimately, their ‘elasticity’ will expire at which time they will no longer function efficiently or effectively in a converged environment.’

ACMA’s report, Top Six Trends in Communications and Media Technologies, Applications and Services – Possible Implications provides a concise overview of the trends in technology, applications and services over the next five to ten years and identifies the potential impact these trends may have on ACMA’s functions and responsibilities.

For example, content and platform convergence is creating challenges for ACMA in regulating content delivery over separate stand-alone technologies. The report identifies that flexible regulatory approaches are needed to respond to these changes to allow new technologies and services to develop in Australia.

The capacity for Australians to adopt and make effective use of these newer communications services and applications is also dependent on the overall capabilities and skill levels of consumers and businesses. The report highlights the need for media literacy skills and the growing importance of consumer education and awareness in dealing with the plethora of technology and service choices.

Top Six Trends in Communications and Media Technologies, Applications and Services – Possible Implications is available on ACMA’s website.