A. Need for Regulatory Agencies

B. Reasons for a sector specific regulation agency

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The sector specific agencies, on the other hand, are not in a position to enhance their competences on another sector. This clearly leads to a high level of sectrial based expertise and the possibilities for a regulatory capture is higher than in the multi-sectorial case. 

C. Reasons for a multi-sectorial regulation agency

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The advantage of one sector specific regulation agency or more than one agency is that regulators may work with different aspects of different network industries and gain a comprehensive knowledge of both telecommunication and energy. This allows for a wider efficiency of the regulators and gives them a broader set of tools in order to understand the general framework of regulation.

D. National regulatory monitoring regimes

I. States with a sector specific regulation agency

II. States with a multi-sectorial regulation agencies

1. Norway

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The regulatory law in Norway is monitored by more than one agency. The Norwegian Water Ressources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has a regulatory function on the electricity market, whereas regulation of the telecommunication sector is entrusted to the Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority (NPT).

The Norwegian Railway Authority is the regulator in the railway sector. “The Norwegian Railway Authority directs its efforts towards ensuring that rail traffic, cableways, fairgrounds and technical devices in amusement parks is operated in a safe and appropriate manner in the best interests of passengers/users, companies, employees and the general public… The Authority is responsible for ensuring that rail operators meet the conditions and requirements set out in rail legislation that governs the traffic. The authority is also responsible for drawing up regulations, awarding licences for rail activity and approving rolling stock and infrastructure.”
The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has the responsibility of securing access to the electricity grids. Assigned in 1991 by the Norwegian Energy Act it authorises “ the framework of regulations and licences necessary to establish and regulate an efficient power market, with free choice of supplier and regulated access to the networks, and the issuing of regulations concerning the rights and obligations of the various actors in the market”.

This model is coherent with European regulatory law and largely influenced by it. Its main aim is to ensure undistorted competition and grid access. It can also take decisions according to the Energy Act. It is also emphasized that NVE may communicate information to other European regulators. This may also include confidential information “when this information is necessary to promote the enforcement of regulations in the electricity market. Recipients of such information must declare that they will treat this information confidentially”.

The NPT is an
-       "autonomous administrative agency under the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications" 

-       "with monitoring and regulatory responsibilities for the postal and telecommunications markets in Norway" 

-       "The NPT is self-financed, primarily through fees and charges"Missions: 

- "secure end-users access to high-quality basic postal  and telecommunications services at reasonable charges by promoting effective competition in the postal and telecommunications markets" 

- "follow up and develop national frequency plans, co-ordinate Norwegian frequency planning with the international efforts, award frequencies and monitor that the use of frequencies in Norway conforms with the requirements" 

- "monitor that the sale of radio and telecommunications equipment in Norway complies with the legislation in force, that the equipment is correctly used, and that it satisfies the requirements laid down nationally and internationally" 

- "carry out the national standardisation work in the postal and telecommunications sector and collaborate with international standardisation organisations 

- "act as a pro-active adviser to the Ministry of Transport and Communications on issues arising in the areas of postal services and telecommunications"

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