Telecommunications Policy Research Articles

Book Review: International Telecommunications Law and Policy

Book Review: International Telecommunications Law and Policy

The importance of circumstance

Access to and affordability of digital technology for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups is an ongoing concern in an Australian context, however the digital needs, issues and barriers for consumers who are homeless are largely neglected in this literature. This paper presents findings from a research project on mobile phones and the internet in the lives of people experiencing homelessness and engages with some key issues of digital exclusion arising in the context of a general shift in connectivity to mobile media and the push by the Australian government to reform service provision around these changes. The paper argues for the need to recognise the ways that life situations and circumstances of hardship, such as homelessness, factor into the patterns of mobile and Internet connectivity, creating unique issues of digital access and equity. It argues for knowledge of these differences to inform digital delivery of government services and approaches to telecommunications policies and assistance programs, and puts forward a number of recommendations based on a study of 95 adults, families and young people experiencing homelessness which was carried out in Sydney and Melbourne in early 2014.

Socio-spatial patterns of the national broadband network revealed: Lessons from greater Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane

The National Broadband Network (NBN) is the largest public infrastructure project in the history of Australia. The goal of the NBN is to provide Australians with broadband internet access by using a mix of technologies, ranging from fibre and hybrid fibre-coaxial to fixed wireless and satellite platforms. Although the NBN is a public project, one of the more vexing aspects of its evolution is its lack of data transparency. There is virtually no information on platform use or footprint distribution throughout the country. Not only does this drastically limit evidence-based telecommunications policy analysis, it also limits the ability to evaluate equity in the spatial distribution of broadband connectivity and infrastructure quality. The purpose of this paper is to uncover the geographic presence of the various NBN technologies using data mining techniques and census-based socio-spatial data (SEIFA). The results portray the complexity of the NBN footprint across three metropolitan regions of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane – with a focus on how the mixed-technology platform adopted divides major Australian cities.

Demystifying big data: Anatomy of big data developmental process. Telecommunications Policy 40: 837-854

Demystifying big data: Anatomy of big data developmental process. Telecommunications Policy 40: 837-854

Book Reviews

Presents a review of the book, "The Cambridge Handbook of Technical Standardization Law: Further Intersect ions of Public and Private Law (Contreras, J.L., Ed.). This book on technical standardization law is one of the more timely books available in this area. It in fact a continuation of the previous book by the same editor covering technical standardization law from the perspective of competition, antitrust, and patents. However, in this volume 2 of the book, the focus is on the intersections of public and private laws with respect to standardization. It surveys how today’s standardization is affected by both the public and private laws across the United States and Europe. This book is useful for researchers, practitioners, post-graduate students, lawyers, judges, policy makers, and most importantly to all those who are involved in communication standardization activities in any capacity. The main feature of this book is that it gives examples of standards that are currently in practice. For instance, throughout the book, the discussion revolves around standardization bodies such as the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), the American National Standard Institute (ANSI), the International Standards Organization (ISO), the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the British Standards Institute (BSI), and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). Additionally, this book covers copyright and trademark issues with respect to communication protocols, standards, and technologies such as HTML, XML, HTTP, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB. On top of this discussion, one of the unique features of this book is its coverage of open standards and government policies for their adoption, both in the United- States and Europe. Overall, however, this book is a good reference book for courses on telecom policy, cyber ethics and laws, and standardization laws. In simple words, it is important to investigate how international trade law, copyright, trademarks, certifications, and legal frameworks influence private standardization activities, more particularly in the context of the networked economy and broadly in the communications sector.

Book Review: International Telecommunications Law and Policy

International Telecommunications Law and Policy

Telecommunications Policy, Regulation & Enforcement: A 20 Retrospective of FCC Adjudication

Telecommunications Policy, Regulation & Enforcement: A 20 Retrospective of FCC Adjudication

A review of telecom reforms and policies in the Indian telecom market

The Indian telecom market offers significant opportunities for telecom service providers confronted by consumer's insatiable appetite for voice and data. The purpose of this study is to review the extraordinary growth of the Indian telecom sector during the period 2008-2018. Relatedly, the study highlights the National Digital Communications Policy 2018 and provides an all-encompassing novel insight into the latest trends in the Indian telecom market utilising four performance metrics viz., telephone subscriptions, teledensity, average revenue per user (ARPU) and broadband subscriber growth (BSG) to assess the India telecom market growth trajectory. The study reveals that BSG, wireless subscription and teledensity have increased remarkably whereas ARPU and wireline subscription has declined steadily. Statistically, it is found that ARPU has declined due to hyper-competition. The findings of the study would be beneficial for telecom service providers and policymakers to make insightful managerial decisions bolstering reliability and affordability of telecom services to the end-customer.

Procena nivoa svesti korisnika o indijskoj industriji telekomunikacija i njihova procena pristupačnosti telekomunikacionih usluga u Indiji

India announced its first National Telecom Policy in 1994 and since then its telecommunications Industry has witnessed tremendous growth. At a teledensity of 89.92% (TRAI 2019), it is the second largest telecom market in the world. The policy maker, Department of Telecommunication (DoT) and the regulator, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) have taken several initiatives to ensure affordable services to telecom users. TRAI also drives initiatives to increase the level of awareness about telecom industry among users. To analyse impact of these initiatives by TRAI and DoT, this study presents an objective assessment of user's awareness and their assessment of affordability of telecom services. A structured questionnaire is used to collect data by surveying a sample of 408 telecom users. It was found that half of the respondents were aware of DoT; more than half were aware of the regulator TRAI and Indian governments vision for telecommunications and 85% of survey respondents found telecom services affordable. The level of affordability varied across gender, age group and education levels. Through regression analysis, the study found that awareness about telecom industry influences users' assessment of service affordability. Hence, TRAI and DoT should take actions to increase the level of awareness, which will improve users' perception of affordability and may lead to increased adoption of telecom services. In addition, it is suggested that affordability of female users can be addressed through customized tariff plan and schemes.

“Forecasting and analysing the characteristics of 3G and 4G mobile broadband diffusion in India: A comparative evaluation of Bass, Norton-Bass, Gompertz, and logistic growth models”

An empirical understanding of countrywide diffusion of third (3G) or/and fourth (4G) generations of Mobile Broadband Services (MBSs) has proven implications for both business and policy of the country. However, extant literature lacks in explanation for the diffusion and forecast of these services in India. We address this gap by analyzing both individual and multigenerational diffusions of 3G and 4G services in India, using Bass, Gompertz, Logistic and Norton-Bass models that utilize a mix of linear and non-linear regression techniques. Additionally, we evaluate the influence of several exogenous variables on the diffusion of those MBSs in India. Our analyses reveal that, firstly in case of diffusion, Bass model estimates are quite sensitive to both 3G and 4G historical data, whereas Gompertz and Logistic models fit well with the same dataset. As expected, Norton-Bass model - encompassing all the successive generations of 2G, 3G and 4G - provides more reliable estimates of the diffusion parameters. Secondly, as far as 3G forecast is concerned, Bass model works better with fixed assumptions of ultimate market potential, whereas Gompertz and Logistic models seem to be more suited for ‘optimistic’ long-range forecasts and ‘conservative’ short-term forecasts, respectively. Our results also show that 4G is diffusing at 6.1 times the speed of 3G diffusion in India, when the total MBS subscription in India is likely to reach 410 million by 2026. Finally, we notice that, among the notable external sources of influence, National Telecom Policy 2012, average revenue per user, and aggregate income variables have significant positive impacts on the diffusion of MBSs in India.

FORMATION OF THE STRUCTURAL-LOGICAL MODEL OF COMPLIANCE-POLICY IMPLEMENTATION IN TELECOMMUNICATION SECTOR

The article deals with the formation of a structural-logical model of implementation of the compliance policy in the telecommunication industry. Theoretical aspects of compliance are investigated. It has been proposed in the telecommunications industry to implement an intra-industry compliance system. The aspects that the compliance policy in the management system of the telecommunications industry provides. It has been proven that telecommunication compliance policy is based on a compliance program that will promote free, fair and comprehensive competition in the telecommunications services market. Scientific and methodological support of the telecommunication industry compliance system has been formed. The basic principles of compliance in the market of telecommunication services are defined. Recommendations on the use of intra-industry compliance in the activities of telecommunications market entities are offered. The basic tools for evaluating the performance of the compliance system and the compliance program in the telecommunications field are identified.The methodological basis of the article is a set of methods, including methods of scientific cognition, analysis and synthesis, systematization and scientific abstraction. The scientific basis of the conducted research is the scientific work of domestic and foreign scientists on the application of compliance in the national macroeconomic environment.Implementation of the compliance system in the telecommunications sector of the national economy opens up new opportunities for economic growth and strategic development of telecommunication operators, providers, manufacturers and suppliers of telecommunications equipment. All entities in the telecommunications market are interested in the formation and implementation of the telecommunication compliance system, because the violation of mandatory requirements (standards) leads to negative results. It should be remembered that there is no universal compliance system, so its development requires some time, which is necessary to identify the industry specificity, as well as to properly take into account the entrepreneurial model of operation. The conceptual bases of functioning of the intra-industry compliance system, which provides purposeful management of regulatory risks in the telecommunication services market, taking into account the vector orientation of the development of the national information and communication environment, with the purpose of forming a modern telecommunication compliant telecommunication policy, telecommunication space.The author has proved that the compliance system will ensure the sound adoption of regulatory documents regulating the market for telecommunications services, as well as information and analytical support for changes in this area. The compliance system will provide for the identification, diagnosis, evaluation and investigation of compliance risks in the telecommunications field, their monitoring and control. The focus of compliance risks on the telecommunications industry is highlighted. Areas of application of the compliance function in the telecommunication segment of the national macroeconomic environment are identified. A structural-logical model of implementation of the compliance policy in the telecommunication fields is developed.

Coevolution of policy and strategy in the development of the mobile telecommunications industry in Africa

This paper explores how regulatory policy and firm strategy have shaped the development of the mobile telecommunications industry across Africa to date. Our historical analysis shows that during the industry's formative years, firms had different strategies for developing African markets in a relatively lax regulatory environment, with some local firms leading the way in generating innovations for adapting to inherent market and institutional challenges as well as in expanding their operations to multiple countries across Africa. While many firms exited over time, some, including a few multinationals, reoriented their strategy from targeting high-income consumers to serving the masses, and the industry benefited from the widespread diffusion of innovations, the establishment of allied industries, and low prices of handsets. However, as the industry matured, competition became mostly price-based, leading to consolidation. Authorities responded by increasing monitoring activities, taking a more “hands-on” regulatory approach. This study demonstrates that both policy and strategy coevolved in a path-dependent way as the industry gradually transitioned from the introductory phase into the growth and maturity phases. It also provides new insight into the development of the African mobile telecommunications industry, and extends and bridges the literatures on telecommunications policy and strategy, which evolved in insolation.

How Government Surveillance Policies Modify SNS Use in South Korea

Abstract The present study examines the assumption that online users would be influenced by widely reported privacy threats; namely, that public servants might monitor personal online communications between instant messenger users, and compel the Korean domestic social network service (SNS) providers to cooperate with their surveillance efforts. Utilizing uses and gratifications (U&G) theory, we integrate previous research on government surveillance, privacy concern, and motivation variables regarding SNS use. A survey of South Korean users reveals that privacy concern is mediating the relationship between governmental online surveillance and SNS switching intention. Structural equation modeling results suggest that SNS switching intention is predicted positively by interaction motivation and negatively by convenience motivation. Privacy concern mediates the relationship between governmental online surveillance and SNS switching intention. These findings illustrate the measures that users take in response to telecommunication policy actions, particularly those that might logically pose a threat to online privacy. Study findings thus help provide support for a novel theoretical framework that illustrates the utility of media U/G variables in the context of online privacy conceptions stemming from perceived threats of online government surveillance. We conclude by discussing implications for policymakers stemming from user remedies to circumvent state surveillance initiatives.

How Government Surveillance Policies Modify SNS Use in South Korea

Abstract The present study examines the assumption that online users would be influenced by widely reported privacy threats; namely, that public servants might monitor personal online communications between instant messenger users, and compel the Korean domestic social network service (SNS) providers to cooperate with their surveillance efforts. Utilizing uses and gratifications (U&G) theory, we integrate previous research on government surveillance, privacy concern, and motivation variables regarding SNS use. A survey of South Korean users reveals that privacy concern is mediating the relationship between governmental online surveillance and SNS switching intention. Structural equation modeling results suggest that SNS switching intention is predicted positively by interaction motivation and negatively by convenience motivation. Privacy concern mediates the relationship between governmental online surveillance and SNS switching intention. These findings illustrate the measures that users take in response to telecommunication policy actions, particularly those that might logically pose a threat to online privacy. Study findings thus help provide support for a novel theoretical framework that illustrates the utility of media U/G variables in the context of online privacy conceptions stemming from perceived threats of online government surveillance. We conclude by discussing implications for policymakers stemming from user remedies to circumvent state surveillance initiatives.

Examining categorization of Telecom Circles in India using unsupervised k-means clustering on techno-economic indicators

The promulgation of the first National Telecom Policy of India in the year 1994 resulted in the geographical segregation of the country into 22 administrative units referred to as Telecom Circles (TCs). The creation of TCs was to enable targeted policy formulation and smooth implementation of the policy objectives of the government. The TCs were further clustered into four different categories, namely Metro, category A, category B, and category C, each category signaling to the telecom service providers the unique market characteristics and the Teledensity potential of the region. We attempt to reexamine today the rationale behind this unique policy experiment using an unsupervised k-means clustering technique. We identify Human Development Index, Gross Domestic Product, and Teledensity indicators to be the suitable parameters for clustering the TCs now. Interestingly, this time too, the clustering analysis suggests four categories only to be suitable for India’s case. Subsequently, a fresh TC allocation exercise, based on clustering, recommends only a few re-assignments of TCs to different categories. Thus, the results largely validate the currently existing framework of TC categorization in the country without finding the need for any major overhaul.

Do special issues offer something special? An overview of research trends in Telecommunications Policy special issues

This study explores the value of special issues by analyzing the characteristics of special issues of Telecommunications Policy (TP). Specifically, this study examines the status of special issue publications, the characteristics of their articles compared with those of general issues, and the factors affecting article citations. For the analysis, all information on TP articles published from 1976 to 2018 was collected from the Scopus database. A comparative analysis as well as a negative binomial regression were conducted on papers published after 1994, when the first special issue was published. The results show that special issues are distinguished from general issues by various characteristics, such as multinational author collaboration, number of references, keywords, and funding. While general issue papers are more frequently cited in academia, special issue papers show better performance in terms of online captures and social media sharing. Moreover, the smaller number of variables affects the frequency of citations in the case of special issues, revealing that content and format are more influential than author factors.

스마트시티 활성화를 위한 통신분야 제도개선의 의미와 중요성

스마트시티 활성화를 위한 통신분야 제도개선의 의미와 중요성

Impossible trinity: A guideline to shape telecommunication policy by mediating bandwidth supply

Telecommunication policy researchers have long believed that expanding bandwidth supply and decreasing peering fee could facilitate economic activities and investment. However, the results are not always as expected. The staffs of Taiwan government hence developed an “impossible trinity” guideline to shape telecommunication policy by mediating bandwidth supply between ISPs/services. This guideline helps policy-making staff to boost certain industries/businesses or cooling other overheating ones in order to ensure economic growth and stability of the domestic market. This work explores and demonstrates how the staffs of Taiwan government apply impossible trinity to shape telecommunication policies during 2000∼2018. The contributions of this work are: (1) a hypothesis, called impossible trinity hypothesis, was made as an argument framework to harmonize the disputes between the ideas of net neutrality, fair ISP competition, and internet censorship in the TP making arena within government and market; (2) a macroeconomic TP making methodology to mediate the market development was designed; (3) the biological nature embedded in Taiwan TP making process was also discovered and differentiated in three forms, that are disruptive selection, directional selection, and convergent evolution.

Data deluge or data trickle? Difficulties in acquiring public data for telecommunications policy analysis

There is a paucity of granular, high-resolution broadband data in the United States, which limits the prospects of informed telecommunications policy debates. In the absence of regulation requiring telecommunication providers to accurately report service footprints, pricing, and service quality data, providers refuse to disclose this information, routinely citing competition as the primary reason for keeping network and pricing data obfuscated. In addition, many secondary datasets needed for broadband planning and policy research, such as parcel or address point data, are equally challenging to gather. These datasets are often controlled by county governments, with no overarching access policy, resulting in neighboring counties with widely divergent policies for the release of these important data. In this article we explore the challenges of open data and its impacts on telecommunication policy development. A recent project which explored the spatial provision of Google Fiber in the Kansas City metropolitan area helps to highlight these difficulties. Basic strategies for mitigating information asymmetries and the lack of data transparency for telecommunication policy analysis are discussed.

Universal Access and Service in South Africa’s Telecommunications Policy

Universal Access and Service in South Africa’s Telecommunications Policy