[kictanet] Day 7 of 10:-IGF Discussion, Economic Issues

[mwende njiraini]

I agree, there is definitely a link between economics and interconnection.  For
example, mobile operators have networks spanning across East and Southern
Africa enabling users to communicate without incurring roaming charges thus
encouraging commercial activity.



Interconnection of telecommunication networks is supported by ongoing
efforts to harmonize regulatory requirements in the region.  This is a great
accomplishment considering that Europe has over a long time battled with the
introduction of roaming regulation.  Though there are distinct differences
between mobile and the internet interconnection, what is the limitation in
providing connectivity been IXPs existing in the COMESA, EAC and SADC
trading blocks?



References:

1.      The roaming regulation Available at:
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/roaming/regulation/index_en.htm[Accessed
August 2008]




Disclaimer: These comments are the author's own

On 8/19/08, Michuki Mwangi <michuki at swiftkenya.com> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> Well just to add on to this debate. We have various trading blocks - EAC,
> COMESA etc. I dont have the data on how much we trade against each of this
> blocks - but i would imagine that the level of trade carried out between the
> regions is almost equal to the amount of communications that  is conducted
> amongst the trading parties. If thats the case, what role should
> Governments, regulators etc play in ensuring that communications between the
> various trading blocks is efficient and cost effective i.e almost as the
> cost of local services. IMHO this would go a long way in reducing the amount
> of dependence on international connectivity for regional traffic. - This may
> as well be a point to review on the interconnection issue - but i sort of
> see the relationship between the economics and interconnection.
>
> Regards,
>
> Michuki.
>
> mwende njiraini wrote:
>
>> Morning!!
>>
>> Thank you all for your contribution to various aspects of internet
>> governance.  Today we start our discussions on economic issues.  The
>> internet is increasingly playing a critical role in economic development
>> specifically in facilitating international trade.
>>
>>
>>
>> The economic issues therefore basically relate to the framework that makes
>> e-commerce possible. The participation of developing countries in
>> e-commerce
>> is limited by the lack the appropriate legislation, authentication
>> technologies and electronic payment methods.  The main limitation however
>> is
>> the lack of appropriate legislation that is essential in the protection of
>> consumers in relation to confidentiality, misleading advertising and
>> delivery of faulty products.
>>
>>
>> In your view, who should be responsible for protection of the consumer in
>> light of the fact that the national legislation may be faced with the
>> limitation of jurisdiction?  Given that mobile services are available to
>> the
>> majority, should developing countries concentrate their efforts in
>> enabling
>> m-commerce to overcome the challenges of e-commerce?  What private sector
>> initiatives are there in e-commerce particularly in e-Payments?
>>
>> Looking forward to hearing from you.
>>
>> Kind regards
>> Mwende
>>
>>
>>
>> Disclaimer: These comments are the author's own
>>
>>
>>
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