|
Main Types of Authorization Regimes |
|
Types of Authorization Requirement |
Main Features |
Examples |
|
|
Frequently issued for: |
|
Individual Authorizations |
· |
issued to a single named service provider |
· |
basic PSTN services |
|
|
· |
usually a customized authorization document |
· |
in a monopoly market |
|
|
· |
often contains detailed conditions |
· |
in countries where the regulatory regime is still maturing |
|
|
· |
frequently granted through some from of
competitive selection process |
· |
mobile wireless services |
|
|
· |
Useful where: |
· |
services using scarce spectrum resources |
|
|
· |
a scarce resource or exclusive right is to be authorized (e.g. spectrum), and/or |
|
|
|
|
· |
the regulator has a significant interest in ensuring that the service is provided in a particular manner (e.g. where the service provider has significant market power) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Have been issued for: |
|
General Authorizations |
· |
useful where individual authorizations are not justified, and where significant regulatory objectives can be achieved by establishing general conditions |
·
· |
data transmission services
resale services |
|
(Class Licences) |
· |
normally set out basic rights and obligations, and regulatory provisions of general application to the class of services authorized |
·
·
· |
international services
VSATs
private networks |
|
|
· |
normally issued without a competitive selection process; all qualified entities are usually authorized to provide service or operate facilities |
·
|
All data and voice services in markets with robust competition, except services requiring the use of scarce resources such as radio spectrum and numbering resources |
|
|
|
|
Have been issued for: |
|
Open Entry
(Services may be provided without an authorization) |
·
· |
no authorization process or qualification
no requirements, beyond rules generally applicable to the ICT sector
registration requirements or other rules of general application are sometimes imposed by regulation |
·
·
·
|
Internet service providers (ISPs)
Value-added services
All data and voice services in markets with robust competition, except services requiring the use of scarce resources such as radio spectrum and numbering resources
|
These three types of authorization regimes provide a useful reference point for considering different authorization requirements around the world. However, national authorization approaches do vary considerably. For example, as previously noted, the North American situation is quite different from the rest of the world. There have generally been no authorization requirements for ICT service providers or services in North America. The exceptions to this rule are spectrum authorizations, FCC Section 214 facilities certifications, CRTC basic international telecommunications service authorizations, and public convenience and necessity certificates which were required to construct ICT facilities in some US states and Canadian provinces.
Examples of various types of authorization regimes are discussed in this module. The practice notes linked below provide a good range of examples of different approaches. The reference documents attached to these practice notes are also useful resources in reviewing different types of authorization regimes. .
RELATED INFORMATION
General Authorizations
Individual Licences