rks 'connect people' and their value increases with the number of subscribers and the number of possible connections increases. At times, several seemingly disconnected networks work together to create value. For example a network of competing equipment manufacturers may develop telecommunications devices which are used by service subscribers. These two networks are connected to each other and mutually benefit as growth on one side leads to benefits on the other side. An example is shown in Figure 2.16: a virtuous cycle is created when two networks complement each other. As telephony services gained traction, an increase in the number of subscribers led to an increase in the number of manufacturers entering the market of telephone equipment. More Telephone platform Manufacturers Subscribers Figure 2.16 A multi-sided platform Technology, Business and Policy More subscribers join the network More manufacturers start to build devices Cost of devices decreases Pool of potential subscribers grows Figure 2.17 A virtuous cycle of platform growth manufacturers meant more competition and lower prices for network equipment, which in turn meant lower overall cost of telephony and thereby attracting more subscribers, in turn increasing the pool of potential manufacturers. This virtuous cycle is illustrated in Figure 2.17 [14]. An analysis of telecommunications business and subscriber networks, especially with respect to services provided by companies in the content layer, is important in the overall value such operations create and how competitive they are. Policy Issues A number of public policy issues arise in the provision of a broadband telecommunications service. These are generally related to the role of government in ensuring a robust infrastructure is constructed for social and economic reasons. The government may focus on several issues, such as the cost of development of the infrastructure; the policy framework within which an efficient, competitive broadband telecommunications industry may grow and develop; and en