Chapter 3 translations
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Chapter 3 summarizes the main approaches that policy makers and regulators use towards achieving universal access and service (UAS) targets. In Section 3.1, the historical context of universal service (US) policy is outlined with a review of traditional, non-competitive (administrative) approaches that have been used primarily in developed countries over the past few decades. Traditional, non-competitive methods are not relevant to developing countries and are discussed to provide context only.
Section 3.2 introduces the form of dedicated initiative gaining ground in liberalized markets - competition for subsidies from Universal Access and Service Funds (UASFs).
Section 3.3 considers the importance of non-government and community-based initiatives in the development of sound UAS policy, including village phone programmes, community networks and public Internet access strategies.
Section 3.4 describes the importance of an open access policy to key infrastructure such as backbone and international gateways, as well as options and models for shared network infrastructure.
Section 3.5 describes some other approaches and initiatives towards promoting UAS, including the experience of co-operatives and rural or regional licences for telecom provision in rural areas. This section also discusses scenarios for which these models might be best suited, including for broadband development. It also gives an overview of local or community radio in various countries and lessons learned.