broadband strategies handbook.pdf - Khazar University

over other countries. For example, in 2000, Sweden enacted an informationtechnology (IT) bill, which established the pillars of its ICT strategy as“competencies, confidence, and access.” Sustained, focused efforts with continualupdates over a number of years contribute to the long-term successof any broadband strategy. Conversely, seeking a “one-shot” solution thatcan be achieved with minimal time and resources is not likely to produce thebest long-term outcome.Develop Research Mechanisms to Track Progress of the PlanAs broadband technologies and applications evolve over time, the varioussegments of the broadband market will change as well. Further, notions ofdigital literacy and underserved populations will also be in flux. Variousagencies and organizations are already tracking various parts of the broadbandequation. To keep up with this dynamic and ever-changing sector, governmentsmay wish to create an ongoing, multiyear, broadband- specificresearch program that tracks population use, ongoing barriers, and levels ofdigital literacy (box 2.3). This program could complement the ministry’s orregulator’s efforts to encourage the supply-side parameters of broadbandBox 2.3: General Elements for Governments to Consider WhenCreating Policies and Strategies• Establish specific plans and policies thatdefine broadband development and containconcrete, measurable objectives thatcan be used to develop specific strategiesto achieve success• Ensure that plans address mechanismsfor improving the supply of broadbandthrough infrastructure build-out as well asfor promoting demand for broadband servicesand applications• Allow ample opportunity for stakeholderinput in developing the plan• Be realistic when establishing objectives:recognize and take into account that implementationof a plan will take time andpersistence• Focus on long-term success by developingsustained, focused efforts (with continualupdates) over a number of years• Avoid seeking a “one-shot” solution thatcan be achieved with minimal time andresources, as this approach is not likely toproduce the best outcome• Consider developing an ongoing, multiyearbroadband-specific research programfor tracking use, ongoing barriers, and levelsof digital literacy and for determiningwhether objectives are being met or modificationsare needed• Assign one coordinating agency responsibilityfor implementation of the planSource: Telecommunications Management Group, Inc.48 Broadband Strategies Handbook