broadband strategies handbook.pdf - Khazar University

(which will also increase private sector investment). Direct governmentintervention should be limited to those cases where markets may not functionefficiently (for example, providing service to high-cost areas) or wherelarger social goals are clearly identified (for example, providing digital literacytraining). The basic principle remains the same: governments shouldonly intervene based on sound economic principles, where the benefits ofintervention outweigh the costs. For example, particularly at the initialstage of broadband market development, there may be a need for aggressivegovernment policies to generate demand, expand networks, and reachunderserved areas and communities.How to Do It: Implementing Policies andStrategies to Enhance Broadband DevelopmentGovernments have various ways to promote the development of broadbandnetworks and services in their countries. In most cases, the most effectivegovernment strategies are those that seek to harness the power of privatesector investment to spur broadband growth. This handbook examines fourbroad categories of government action in this regard: (a) legal and regulatorypolicies and reform, (b) universal access policies, (c) support for privatesector broadband network build-out, and (d) policies to stimulate demandand spur adoption. These areas are discussed in more detail in chapters 3, 4,5, and 6, respectively.General Approaches to Promoting BroadbandAs policy makers seek ways to promote the development of broadband intheir countries, certain general lessons can be learned from those countrieswith more developed broadband networks and services. This section brieflydescribes the general elements that governments should be aware of as policiesand strategies are created.Establish Specific Plans and PoliciesBased on an evaluation of the supply and demand challenges that exist in acountry, the next step is developing specific policies and strategies to addressthose challenges. This will entail setting concrete, measurable objectives forimproving the supply of broadband through infrastructure build-out as wellas promoting demand for broadband services and applications. Setting specificplans or policies will provide a clear sense of direction that will encourageinvestment as well as provide a blueprint for long-term action.44 Broadband Strategies Handbook