ICTs should be available, affordable and accessible for all. Today, universal service, competition and associated issues of consumer protection and privacy have become all the more relevant given that digital technologies increasingly underlie the economic, social and political aspects of our lives. There is a need for international collaboration, cooperation and cross-cutting regulation.The author would like to discuss all these issues and invites comments. Disclaimer: Views are personal.
I do like a plan with numbers and details; 4Mbps, 15.5 billion, that gives a better idea about the plan. How to reach the objective people; is the main question. Some countries opted for Libraries, or Community Centers. Access can be understood by different meanings. Cheers
Thanks for your comment Jaime. I agree about the numbers. Universal Service targets should be precise. My comment was regarding problems that arise when implementation of a plan demands too much of administrative and regulatory oversight. Roll out obligation as a means of Universal service are one such example which may not work unless institutional capability to enforce the same exists. A look at the link in the post would indicate that apart from detailed mapping requirements, there is a need to verify roll out with the required speed in various under served localities and administer fairly complicated rules of eligibility for a more liberalized phase II of the programme based on what was accepted by the operator in Phase I etc. This is fine provided the administrative and regulatory set up is in place, Many developing countries are lacking on this front. Hence, simpler schemes may suit them better.
I do like a plan with numbers and details; 4Mbps, 15.5 billion, that gives a better idea about the plan. How to reach the objective people; is the main question. Some countries opted for Libraries, or Community Centers. Access can be understood by different meanings.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Thanks for your comment Jaime. I agree about the numbers. Universal Service targets should be precise.
ReplyDeleteMy comment was regarding problems that arise when implementation of a plan demands too much of administrative and regulatory oversight. Roll out obligation as a means of Universal service are one such example which may not work unless institutional capability to enforce the same exists. A look at the link in the post would indicate that apart from detailed mapping requirements, there is a need to verify roll out with the required speed in various under served localities and administer fairly complicated rules of eligibility for a more liberalized phase II of the programme based on what was accepted by the operator in Phase I etc. This is fine provided the administrative and regulatory set up is in place, Many developing countries are lacking on this front. Hence, simpler schemes may suit them better.