Proposes a framework for the constructive application of 3G auctions. Suggests that other forms of auctions should be investigated, especially where the policy priority is rapid…
Abstract
Proposes a framework for the constructive application of 3G auctions. Suggests that other forms of auctions should be investigated, especially where the policy priority is rapid network rollout. Sums up that early experience with the 3G auctions in Europe points to several conclusions about efficient spectrum allocation and assignment.
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Information and communication technologies are becoming more important to efficiency and growth in an increasing number of industrial and public service activities. Massive…
Abstract
Information and communication technologies are becoming more important to efficiency and growth in an increasing number of industrial and public service activities. Massive science and engineering research and development programmes—such as the Alvey Programme in the UK—have been established in many countries and by the EEC, with the objective of pioneering new technological advances in the field. The UK has frequently made impressive scientific and technological contributions to this. Yet the UK has not reaped the full benefits of this inventiveness.
The information profession owes much to Daniel Bell and his well‐publicised speculations in the 1970s about the future post‐industrial, or information society. People working in…
Abstract
The information profession owes much to Daniel Bell and his well‐publicised speculations in the 1970s about the future post‐industrial, or information society. People working in such long‐established and well settled sectors of society as education, libraries, printing, consultancy, administration, and the entire bureaucracies of every organisation in the world — including Britain's civil service — were suddenly reclassified as part of the information sector, and transformed into pioneers in the progressive and futuristic information society. Did the information sector really grow without anyone recognising it? Or has there always been a very large information sector? Its creation essentially was a relabelling exercise. But it did help to focus attention on the important and unique role of information in society.
This paper intends to promote a re‐consideration of the most appropriate policy framework for implementing the European Union (EU) digital agenda.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper intends to promote a re‐consideration of the most appropriate policy framework for implementing the European Union (EU) digital agenda.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper examines relevant EU documentation and the related research literature on EU telecommunications reform within a context of economic market theory and policy analysis models.
Findings
The liberalization principle driving EU telecommunications reform for the past quarter century has stalled, and may be reversed by the policy framework adopted for implementing the digital agenda. The public sector broadband funding model is likely to be wasteful and ineffective. Other options for implementation should be considered.
Originality/value
This paper examines current EU policy shaping the development of broadband networks and the evolution of the digital economy and information society. It highlights the progress and limitations of EU policy as it has evolved as a reference for implementation of current policy objectives. It will be of value to policy makers, industry analysts and players, as well as researchers in academia and other institutions.
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Considers the future of telecommunications’ national regulatory authorities (NRAs), by way of analysing the European telecommunications regulatory framework. Examines the…
Abstract
Considers the future of telecommunications’ national regulatory authorities (NRAs), by way of analysing the European telecommunications regulatory framework. Examines the organization and functioning of NRAs, maintaining efficient performance of the required various tasks. Concludes an NRA is entrusted with “rule application” rather than with “rule making” tasks.
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This paper aims to offer an analysis of the market structure in the mobile telephony market in Latin America and its impact on its development. Given the importance of mobile…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to offer an analysis of the market structure in the mobile telephony market in Latin America and its impact on its development. Given the importance of mobile services as a mean of ICT access to low income groups, the objective behind this analysis is to understand how the trend in market structure may impact the use of mobiles by low‐income sectors of the population in Latin America.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper analyses the process of consolidation that the region experiences today in the mobile market and identifies the effect this concentration has had on mobile welfare indicators such as penetration. It examines the links between variables associated with market concentration and known to influence mobile penetration such as tariffs, pricing strategies and spectrum allocation.
Findings
The results do not identify a strong association between market concentrations and pricing, which appears to contradict standard textbook reasoning. However, there appears to be a strong correlation between prices and radio spectrum allocation; countries that have a very low spectrum allocation are the ones that have the highest prices.
Originality/value
The value of this analysis lies in the identification of a straightforward regulatory policy suggestion that supports results form other empirical studies; regulators need to allocate more spectrum in order to promote competition.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine how the prevailing widespread and popular access to mobile phones among Jamaica's poor may be used to support the public policy goal of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine how the prevailing widespread and popular access to mobile phones among Jamaica's poor may be used to support the public policy goal of transitioning these users from mainly voice to more advanced applications, including m‐government, personal educational growth and teleworking, via increased connectivity to mobile internet and other forms of broadband access.
Design/methodology/approach
The article analytically reports the findings of two national usage studies of low‐income mobile respondents in Jamaica.
Findings
There is a prevailing positive disposition among Jamaicans of all social classes for the use of higher levels of work‐related communications technologies, once these are priced in a manner that make them accessible. This is a strong foundation upon which to build crucial technology links to key business and economic opportunities. Mobiles are potential bridges for low‐income users from their present voice‐dominated usage to higher end applications such as further education, better access to public services and other more intensive work‐related uses.
Practical implications
If made more accessible, mobile internet could help bridge information and education gaps experienced by the financially impoverished majority. More low‐income people could be connected through such simplified protocol platforms as .Mobi and into wider use of M‐services.
Originality/value
The empirical studies indicate for the first time that low income users of mobile phones are not just engaged in idle chatter but have a higher order economic and survival motivation in their patterns and uses of the mobile phone.
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Rohan Samarajiva and Nuwan Waidyanatha
Over 50 percent of the disasters occur in Asia and in the past five year disasters in the region have killed around half million people. Most of these deaths could have been…
Abstract
Purpose
Over 50 percent of the disasters occur in Asia and in the past five year disasters in the region have killed around half million people. Most of these deaths could have been prevented if reliable and effective early warning systems were in place. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the use of the emerging mobile technology for disaster risk reduction.
Design/methodology/approach
LIRNEasia field tested five wireless technologies, including mobile phones, in 32 tsunami affected villages in Sri Lanka; where members in the village were provided training with emergency response planning and given one or more of the technologies for receiving hazard information. Further lessons were learned by sharing knowledge, through a consultation process, on early warning systems with stakeholders in India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Findings
The evaluation process concluded mobile phones as the reliable, effective, and affordable solutions for alerting last‐mile communities. Disaster risk reduction can be improved using mobile application and leverage the explosive diffusion of the technology even among the poor in developing countries.
Practical implications
Coordination within government, including communication to first responders responsible for evacuation and localized warnings, and communication to mass media who serve a critical function in public warning, can be achieved through the use of an SMS engine supplemented as necessary by an informative and robust website. Cell broadcasting can serve as an extremely useful addition to the conventional public warning methods, especially in countries with significant mobile penetration.
Originality/value
The paper is intended for governments, researchers and practitioners working in the field of emergency communication.