Extending Telecommunications beyond the Market : Toward Universal Service in Competitive Environments

Wellenius, Bjorn

World Bank, Washington, DC

关键词: ACCESS TO INFORMATION;    ACCOUNTING;    APPROPRIATIONS;    BIDDING;    BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES;   

RP-ID  :  21463

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: World Bank Open Knowledge Repository

【 摘 要 】

Competitive markets go a long way towardmaking telecommunications services available throughout thepopulation. But governments often seek to extend access toservices beyond what the private sector will provide on itsown. To widen access, governments must remove obstacles thatprevent the market from working well, and must let usersdecide what they need and can afford. Market mechanisms mustbe allowed to determine who will extend service beyond themarket, how much will be invested, and where. As governmentsadopt such measures, they must make some critical decisions:Which services to extend? To what population groups? At whatcost? Who should provide the additional service? Who shouldpay? The answers vary widely among countries and over time.This Note outlines options and best practices, emphasizingthose relevant to emerging economies.