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III. RECONCEIVING THE INTERNETWORK A. What Falls Away The switched telephone network and its accompanying regulatory and business arrangements deserve to die. Their era has passed. However, that does not [...]

The set of arrangements known as the Public Switched Telephone Network ('PSTN') is the foundation for the modem global communications system and the myriad benefits it delivers. Today, the era of the PSTN is swiftly coming to a close. The transition to a broadband network of networks is the most important communications policy event in at least half a century, yet its significance is not fully appreciated. The time has come to address the situation squarely. What we call the PSTN is actually six different concepts: a technical architecture, a regulatory arrangement, a business and market structure, universal connectivity, strategic national infrastructure, and a social contract. The earlier elements on the list are rooted in the particular historical, legal, and technical circumstances that gave birth to the PSTN. They are anachronistic in the current environment and should be restructured or, when appropriate, eliminated. The later elements are public policy obligations that should be satisfied regardless of the historical circumstances. Separating the dimensions of the transition in this way highlights the central importance of interconnection and coordination mechanisms to meet enduring public interest objectives. By adopting a forward-looking plan for the PSTN transition, the FCC can ensure that the shift to a digital broadband world reinforces, rather than undermines, the achievements of the past century of communications policy., TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION II. THE TRANSITION A. Goodbye to All That 1. The Public Switched Telephone Network 2. The Incredible Shrinking Network 3. The Carriers Make Their Move [...]

This study provides a comparative analysis on the implementation of a national telecommunication plan (NTP) for developing and developed economies. It develops a theoretical construct for the implementation of an NTP and applies that for the case of Thailand to understand the level of consensus in the implementation of an NTP. It analyses the status of the implementation of an NTP in Thailand and compares the outcome with what happens in countries like the US, Canada and Brazil. The study suggests that there is no consensus or formal planning process among the telecommunications regulators in Thailand for the implementation of an NTP. This contrasts with the situation in the US, Canada and Brazil where findings suggest that government regulators as well as private sectors have developed a consensus and formalised structure of strategic planning towards the implementation of an NTP. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for a developing economy like Thailand to adopt a formalised NTP implementation plan for their telecommunications industry. Keywords: Strategy; Telecommunications; Case study; Thailand; Canada; US; Brazil

City planners should plan ahead for the needs of telecommunications carriers, especially regarding permits for installing antennas for cellular telephones. Some city planners have overcome public opposition to unsightly cellular antennas by placing antennas in unseen locations. An American Planning Association survey of 355 planners revealed that 57% of planners lease space for wireless telecommunications on city-owned properties or in public rights-of-ways.

Since the first systems of mass media and telecommunications emerged, their control and structure have been political issues. It has been well understood that the control over the means of […]

Dear Executive: GOP FAVORS `FREE-FOR-ALL' LEGISLATION AFTER THREE YEARS Executive Summary: Draft legislation from Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Larry Pressler calls for competition in all major communications markets. Pressler would [...]

Telecommunication technologies and applications will represent a critical and almost overpowering force in 21st century America. The effective use of 'telepower' is perhaps the single most important key to the […]

PTTs Will Fight VSAT Development George McKendrick, executive director of the International Telecommunications Users Group predicts a bumpy road for two-way VSAT development in Europe. With the approach of a […]

Discounts on eligible telecommunications services are scheduled to begin on January 1, 1998. On May 7, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously voted for up to $2.25 billion in annual […]

The telecom industry cautiously welcomed the Federal-State Joint Board's universal service recommendations (WTN, 11/11/96, pp. 2, 4), pointing to some issues yet to be resolved. While generally applauding parts of [...]

Communications legislation will undergo a Telecommunications and Finance Subcommittee markup this week after its House sponsor, subcommittee Chairman Jack Fields (R-Texas), put the bill on the legislative fast-track following three [...]

Industry attention was focused on the House of Representatives last week as its members offered two versions of telecommunications legislation and a flurry of activity in preparation for hearings this [...]

A technology that will provide intelligent, two-way broadband services as the customers want them is needed in developing the information infrastructure of the future. Future information infrastructure must address the issues of economics, flexibility and 'right' technology. Such a technology also needs operations support systems to make sure that only continuous, high-quality and reliable service is offered., The mission: Create the information infrastructure of the future. The challenge: Selecting the 'right' technology to turn vision into reality. Soon after taking office, the Clinton administration announced its 'National [...]

Three major new communications bills will not rewrite the Communications Act of 1934 but merely add 230 pages of new communications regulations. The legislation will not allow new business opportunities for established communications companies that are interested in entering new aspects of the communication industry or opportunities for new companies interested in the information superhighway. The legislation will favor the entry of major industry representatives into communication venues and retain already established business ventures., There are three major new pieces of communications legislation pending before Congress: The Brooks-Dingell bill (HR 3626), which essentially puts the RBOCs into manufacturing, long distance and video but keeps [...]

Telecommunications reform will continue in 1994. A new US President, a new Federal Communications Commission management staff and a Congress interested in reform will ensure changes will take place. New services and new telecommunication applications are expected to cost less in the future. Changes in telecommunication company competition, changes in cable television company competition and additional regulation within the telecommunications environment will decide whether decreased costs will reach the telecommunication users., The FCC's activities in 1994 will shape the environment within which competition in telecommunications is expected to increase. The phrase 'managed competition' has become prominent in the debate about health [...]

The total cost of developing a universal broadband plan for the United States could run as high as $350 billion, but the plan would produce major economic and social benefits […]