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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

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Communication

Communication Faculty Research Publications

Policy

Publication Year

Articles 1 - 3 of 3

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The African Telecommunications Union: A Pan-African Approach To Telecommunications Reform, Patricia K. Mccormick Aug 2005

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 Mar 2003

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 Jul 2001

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 …