Analysing the Regulatory Network from the Perspective of Regulator Independence (Case Study: The Communications Regulatory Authority of Iran)

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student of Public Policy, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

2 Professor of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

3 Associate Professor of Public Policy, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran School of Management and Accounting Allameh Tabataba'i University

4 Assistant Professor Of Science and Technology Policy Making, Faculty of Management, Science and Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

10.22059/jppolicy.2026.106367

Abstract

In recent decades, with the shift from interventionist government to regulatory state, regulatory authorities have emerged as key actors in governance. A core feature of these institutions is their de facto independence in formulating and implementing their preferences without undue influence or dependence on other actors, including policymakers, parallel regulators, and regulatees. This study aims to assess the level of de facto independence of the Communications Regulatory Authority in three domains: communications, radio frequency spectrum, and postal services. The research employs social network analysis and is based on data collected through expert-completed questionnaires and the analysis of actor influence matrices. The findings indicate that the regulator does not enjoy full independence in any of the three areas; however, it is relatively more independent in the radio spectrum domain and more dependent in the postal sector. The results underscore the need to strengthen institutional mechanisms to enhance the operational autonomy of the regulatory body.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Public Policy
Volume 12, Issue 1
March 2026
Pages 30-50

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