National broadband plans

Sizeable public investment in the deployment of new network infrastructure and ambitious government initiatives to develop broadband services are unequivocal signs of the changing role of the State in the telecommunications sector. Contrary to the consensus that prevailed until a few years ago, governments are no longer content with regulating private-sector activity and using universalization funds to correct market failures. Government financing of networks and infrastructure, State participation in operating those networks, and a proactive telecommunications industry policy stance are all back in the toolbox for telecommunications sector policymakers.

Related Subject(s): Economic and Social Development