info: Volume 10 Issue 5/6

Re‐thinking universal service policy for the digital era: setting the scene – an introduction to the special issue on universal service

The purpose of this paper is to introduce to the concepts related with universal service and the papers in the special issue about “Re‐thinking universal service in the digital…

EU e‐inclusion policy in context

This paper aims to give an overview of EU‐level e‐inclusion policy providing elements for the context for reflection on the role and shape of universal service.

From universal service to universal network access?

The current approach to universal service involving the provision of specific services (such as fixed voice, public payphones, ability to make emergency calls, etc.) needs…

Investment dimensions in a universal service perspective: next generation networks, alternative funding mechanisms and public‐private partnerships

This paper seeks to examine the investment dimensions of next generation networks from a universal service perspective in a European context. The question is how new network…

The mobile turn in universal service: prosaic lessons and new ideals

This paper aims to look at a key trend shaking up universal service policy around the world – the emergence of mobile and wireless technologies as a central feature of…

Universal service obligations and spectrum policy

The purpose of this paper is to examine how spectrum policy can support the changing objectives of universal service in communications services.

Widening universal service in Korea to include broadband and mobile communications

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the scope of universal service has been extended from voice telephony to include broadband and mobile communications in Korea. This…

Wireless hopes for universal service in developing countries: an assessment in the Mexican context

This paper aims to assess the role that different wireless solutions could have in the universalisation of access to telecommunication services in emerging countries.

The eclipse of the universal service obligation: taking broadband to Australians

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the success and continuing relevance of the universal service obligation (USO) in delivering voice telephony, basic digital data…

Telecommunications universal service in Finland

The purpose of this paper is to describe how the objectives of telecommunications universal service have been achieved in Finland, largely without any formal universal service…

Telecommunications universal service in France

The paper aims to show how the introduction of the concept of universal service in the French telecommunications sector was impacted by the existence of a strong national…

Universal service: between socio‐political mythology and economic reality – an international cross comparison EU‐USA of the regulatory‐economic framework

The purpose of this paper is to compare the history of the notion of universal service in the USA and the EU.

The future of universal service in Europe

The paper aims to report on a study for the European Commission that aimed to take a forward‐looking and broadly socio‐economic approach to the scope of future universal service…

Re‐thinking European universal service policy for the digital era: Editors' conclusions

This paper aims to give conclusions from the papers in the special issue about “Re‐thinking universal service in the digital era”.

Tribute to Boris Rotenberg

Note from the publisher