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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons™
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Articles 1 - 5 of 5
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Private Sector Influence In The International Telecommunication Union, Patricia K. Mccormick
Private Sector Influence In The International Telecommunication Union, Patricia K. Mccormick
Communication Faculty Research Publications
This paper aims to examine the influence of private corporations in the tripartite structure of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU): Telecommunications Standardization, Radiocommunication, and Telecommunications Development. The paper finds that, in the standardization sector, power has been effectively transferred from nation states to the private corporate sector since the approval process now enables standards to be approved by members of the study group that developed them, which is essentially the private sector. In the radiocommunication sector, the private sector continues to conduct much of the requisite technical work, but national governments are ultimately the decision makers and, further, it is …
The African Telecommunications Union: A Pan-African Approach To Telecommunications Reform, Patricia K. Mccormick
The African Telecommunications Union: A Pan-African Approach To Telecommunications Reform, Patricia K. Mccormick
Communication Faculty Research Publications
This article examines the organisational structure and strategic plans of the African Telecommunica- tions Union (ATU). Although the ATU has been restructured to include private telecommunications entities as asso- ciate members, it remains essentially an inter-governmental agency. The article assesses the benefits of a regional approach to telecommunications reform and proposes that regional economic organisations replace the nation states as members of the ATU. Although the goals of the ATU, as articulated in its strategic plans are laudable, clearly de- fined benchmarks and specific strategies to achieve them are needed to make the organisation more effective.
Telecommunications Reform In Southern Africa: The Role Of The Southern African Development Community, Patricia K. Mccormick
Telecommunications Reform In Southern Africa: The Role Of The Southern African Development Community, Patricia K. Mccormick
Communication Faculty Research Publications
This article examines telecommunications reform and related infrastructure and service developments in Southern African states. In focusing on this region, the article analyses the role of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the different associations and commissions it has created to develop the telecommunications sector and facilitate reform, which is essential to promote network efficiencies and extend the infrastructure to rural areas. As a regional organisation, SADC is poised to promote restructuring of the telecommunications sector in its 14 member states, as it seeks to achieve complementary national and regional programs and promote sustainable development and economic growth through …
Telecommunications Reform In Botswana: A Policy Model For African States, Patricia K. Mccormick
Telecommunications Reform In Botswana: A Policy Model For African States, Patricia K. Mccormick
Communication Faculty Research Publications
Since the mid-1990s, Botswana has pursued a policy of telecommunications liberalisation. This article, based on fieldwork conducted in Botswana in the summer of 2000, analyzes several notable aspects of the process of reform and denotes those worthy of emulation by other African states. The participation and protection of domestic telecommunication users, transparency in decision-making, the creation of an independent regulatory agency, and the introduction of competition in the form of private cellular service providers are among those policy features that are recommended for replication. Various facets of the tendering process and subsequent licences granted to the mobile operators as well …
Telecommunications Divestment: An Erosion Of Democracy In The Caribbean, Patricia K. Mccormick
Telecommunications Divestment: An Erosion Of Democracy In The Caribbean, Patricia K. Mccormick
Communication Faculty Research Publications
This article examines the undemocratic process of telecommunications divestment in Jamaica and Trin- idad and Tobago. The divestment of the telecommunications sector was largely prompted by each state’s inability to service external debt. Despite espousing the importance of public participation in the ownership of state-owned en- terprises being divested, the governments each limited or excluded nationals from ownership of the telephony com- panies. Divestment of the telecommunications sector was principally undertaken through private negotiations with Cable and Wireless which has historically provided service to former British colonies. This continued colonization of the telecommunications sector is at odds with the democratic …