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Article
Publication date: 13 March 2009

Ewan Sutherland

The purpose of this article is to identify policy issues arising from discrepancies between the various sources of numbers of customers for mobile networks.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to identify policy issues arising from discrepancies between the various sources of numbers of customers for mobile networks.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews and analyzes a range of statistics, and then draws out policy implications.

Findings

Survey data report much lower numbers of customers than operators, indicating delays in achieving MDGs and market distortions.

Research limitations/implications

There is a lack of data on the reasons for ownership of multiple mobile SIM cards.

Practical implications

There is a need for more extensive surveys to identify reasons for ownership of multiple mobile SIM cards. The analysis can be incorporated into policy and regulatory decision making.

Originality/value

The paper takes an analytic approach, suggesting areas for further work.

Details

info, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6697

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2000

Thomas J. Afullo

According to the declarations of the first World Telecommunications Development Conference in Buenos Aires in 1994, new technological developments in telecommunications and…

2117

Abstract

According to the declarations of the first World Telecommunications Development Conference in Buenos Aires in 1994, new technological developments in telecommunications and information technologies have the potential to close the development gaps between developing and developed countries. However, it adds, ominously, that telecommunications may also unintentionally perpetuate the development gaps without a more determined, integrated, and strategic approach to the challenges of telecommunications development by governments, the private sector, and international and regional organisations. It adds that liberalisation, private investment, and competition may foster the development of telecommunications. In this paper, an overview is briefly presented of the information infrastructures in the developed world. Then, the status of telecommunications infrastructure and services in Africa are briefly discussed, and the current Internet connectivity within Africa is examined. Finally, possible remedies to the African situation are briefly discussed.

Details

Library Management, vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2000

Gary Madden and Scott J. Savage

In an emerging global economy the ability of the telecommunications sector to provide an internationally competitive network for transferring information has significant…

7880

Abstract

In an emerging global economy the ability of the telecommunications sector to provide an internationally competitive network for transferring information has significant implications for trade and economic growth. Because of recent large world‐wide investments in telecommunications infrastructure, quantifying the impact of telecommunications in economic growth has received much attention. However, economic analysts, in the absence of investment data for many developing countries, adopt the International Telecommunications (ITU) practice of using main telephone lines to measure the stock of telecommunications capital. The accuracy of this proxy has not been subject to careful statistical scrutiny. This study develops a supply‐side growth model which employs teledensity and the share of telecommunications investment in national income as telecommunications capital proxies. Estimation results suggest a significant positive cross‐country relationship between telecommunications capital and economic growth, when using alternative measures of telecommunications capital.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 27 no. 7/8/9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1999

David Souter

Looks at two possibilities outcomes for information and communication technology (ICT) in the world. Argues ICT’s development potential is undervalued but its potential is…

Abstract

Looks at two possibilities outcomes for information and communication technology (ICT) in the world. Argues ICT’s development potential is undervalued but its potential is increasing as technology becomes cheaper and diversifies. States ICTs offer important tools to empower the less‐well‐off communities, reducing inequalities.

Details

info, vol. 1 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6697

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2003

Amy Mahan

Telecom network roll‐out is crucial for economic development, and with the advent of mobile telephony, it is increasingly achievable. Mobile adoption in many countries has…

805

Abstract

Telecom network roll‐out is crucial for economic development, and with the advent of mobile telephony, it is increasingly achievable. Mobile adoption in many countries has surpassed fixed line connections. This paper, however, proposes that regulators need to look beyond teledensity to anticipate future access to information infrastructure. Prepaid mobile especially does not provide a solid foundation for future information services. Different stages of regulatory and network development determine the conditions for mobile (and prepaid mobile) adoption at a national level. Likewise, access to further or future information services will be affected by the kind of network now being established and by regulatory conditions which either recognise or ignore national and regional differences.

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2002

Stephen M. Mutula

This paper discusses current developments in the Internet industry in Botswana focusing on Internet connectivity and diffusion within the country. The national telecommunication…

1795

Abstract

This paper discusses current developments in the Internet industry in Botswana focusing on Internet connectivity and diffusion within the country. The national telecommunication network upon which Internet implementation is predicated is assessed in terms of teledensity, penetration, modernization, policy and regulatory framework. Internet infrastructure is discussed in the context of Internet hosts, number of users, Internet service providers and stakeholders. The current issues in the Internet industry within Botswana are analyzed. The constraints hampering Internet diffusion and prospects for Internet growth are outlined.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 20 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2004

M.P. Jaiswal and Bhoopesh Raghav

Telecom in developing countries faces a distinct challenge as compared to developed countries. The technology of voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) would be a key enabler for…

1901

Abstract

Telecom in developing countries faces a distinct challenge as compared to developed countries. The technology of voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) would be a key enabler for growth and service delivery in the former case. VoIP, though reported not widely accepted in developed countries, would be acceptable in developing countries owing to its affordable quality and lower costs. This hypothesis was tested through a user survey conducted recently in India. Five different attributes of voice quality, telephone billing, VAS, reliability and responsiveness were analysed for testing the hypothesis, along with a few case studies from other developing countries.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1999

Thomas J.O. Afullo

By 2016, Botswana aspires to triple its 1994 per capita income and to completely diversify its economic base. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) objectives, as…

2000

Abstract

By 2016, Botswana aspires to triple its 1994 per capita income and to completely diversify its economic base. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) objectives, as spelt out in the SADC Policy document, emphasise the attainment of enhanced development and economic growth, poverty alleviation, and support of the socially disadvantaged through regional integration. Since telecommunications have long been recognised as the engine for economic growth, the aspirations of SADC and Botswana are consistent with the SADC Protocol on Transport, Communications, and Metrology, which aims at developing a reliable, efficient, vibrant, consumer‐driven telecommunications sector. We examine the focus of the World Bank and the International Telecommunications Union, in global telecommunications development. We then discuss the efforts of Botswana and other SADC states in ensuring that they take advantage of the private sector finances to build reliable, sophisticated public telecommunications networks for entry into the Global Information Infrastructure (GII).

Details

Internet Research, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2002

Stephen M. Mutula

A review of relevant literature reveals a great deal of information on the possible use of cell phones for Internet access via the emerging wireless application protocol (WAP…

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Abstract

A review of relevant literature reveals a great deal of information on the possible use of cell phones for Internet access via the emerging wireless application protocol (WAP) technology, but little information if any exists about the link between cell phones and libraries. Going by the wide use of wireless networks in libraries especially in Western countries, it is possible that as cell phone technology continues to evolve and mature it could have a significant impact on libraries in the same way the Internet did. Ironically, today, a review of cell phone use in libraries only reveals efforts that are being made to dissuade users from making or receiving calls on their handsets within libraries. Few efforts are geared towards exploring ways that cell phone technology could be used to enhance library operations. Attempts to demonstrate that cell phones may in future provide solutions to libraries’ problems of connectivity especially in the remote areas of the Southern African Development Community member states.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2010

John Bahtsevanoglou

The purpose of this paper is to assess the degree to which auctioning the right to provide universal service is a viable option in developed countries with high teledensity and

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the degree to which auctioning the right to provide universal service is a viable option in developed countries with high teledensity and near ubiquitous fixed line and mobile networks. The paper also aims to provide signposts on the types of issues regulators need to consider and resolve when designing auctioning mechanisms for the competitive provision of universal service.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the nature and scope of universal service, the approaches that have been used to identify the costs of universal service provision and the difficulties in using an auction process to allocate the right to provide universal service in countries with near ubiquitous network infrastructure. Australia is used as a case study on the difficulties of using auctions to encourage new entry in universal service areas served by a powerful incumbent. The paper also examines the types of issues regulators need to resolve when designing auction mechanisms for universal service provision.

Findings

The paper concludes that for developed countries, it is unclear whether the use of auctions for the provision of universal service will have the desired effect of ensuring a market‐based approach to service provision. This is because the risks associated with becoming an alternative universal service provider are likely to outweigh the benefits of doing so. Further, the risks faced by an alternative universal service provider are not borne by the incumbent operator thus further increasing the disincentive to bid for the right to provide universal service. The paper also concludes that the practical design of the universal service rights and obligations which will be attached to a winning bidder's license conditions is an extremely important mechanism by which some of the risks to potential universal service providers can be overcome.

Originality/value

The paper stimulates thinking about whether universal service auctions are a viable means of providing universal service in developed countries. In presenting empirical evidence of the difficulties in using auctions to introduce competition in universal service provision, the paper may provide valuable input to the regulatory proceedings associated with introducing universal service contestability arrangements that are currently being conducted in various countries.

Details

info, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6697

Keywords

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