The convergence of the network techlogies underlying internet, telecommunications, and cable TV services will fundamentally change the regulation of these sectors. In so-called next generation networks, voice and video data will also be transmitted over the IP techlogy of the internet. Using the methods of applied micro-ecomics, this dissertation analyzes the need for ex-ante sector-specific regulation in the markets for internet service provision. The focus is on the ecomies of scale and scope associated with large network infrastructures, as well as on the network externalities important in internet service provision. The analysis concludes that there are mopolistic bottlenecks in the core markets of internet service provision. Effective competition among internet service providers does, however, require regulated n-discriminatory access to remaining mopolistic bottlenecks in the upstream market for local communications infrastructure. The study describes the extent of the necessary regulations in the internet periphery and compares it to current regulatory practice in the US and Europe. The book addresses practitioners in regulation and politics, as well as the scientific community. Dissertation.