Recently released market study: National digital strategies and universal service reform

Aug. 21, 2010 - PRLog -- The concept of universal service needs to evolve with the changing digital environment. Current policies and practices are already outdated when viewed in the light of technological developments and the dynamic broadband markets around the world. During 2009-10, Finland, New Zealand, and the US have proposed to reform their universal service obligations (USOs) and/or universal service fund (USF) systems, at the same time as announcing national digital strategies. The European Commission (EC) also proposed reform of the concept of universal service in its March 2010 consultation paper on reviewing the Universal Service Directive (USD).

This report presents some of the national digital strategies announced around the world and explores the evolution of existing universal service systems. It also identifies various barriers to the reform of universal service, and the associated costs and methods to fund it.

For more information or to purchase this report, go to:
-  http://www.fastmr.com/prod/76382_national_digital_strategies_and_universal_service_reform.aspx

Report Table of Contents:

Executive summary
In a nutshell
Ovum view
Key messages
An introduction to universal service
What it is and why it is important?
The EC is to amend the USD
National digital strategies and universal service reform
Digital strategies and universal service reform should be viewed as separate issues
Regulators need to reform universal service now
Radical changes to universal service policies are needed
Priorities for universal service are changing
Benefits of changes: universal broadband in the digital era
The impact of NGA deployment: two stages of universal broadband applied
Challenges for universal service funding reform
Change is required in the financing of universal service
Three complicating factors
The USF is a separate issue to the government's funding of national digital strategies
Country case studies
Finland
New Zealand
US

List of Tables
Table 1:  Comparison of national digital strategies and investments by government funds
Table 2:  The two stages applied in Finland and Germany
Table 3:  Current universal service funding scenarios

List of Figures
Figure 1:  Changing priorities for universal service
Figure 2:  Roadmap of universal service fund reform in the US

About Ovum

Ovum fully understands convergence across telecoms, IT services and software. They invest heavily in researching what is happening in a market that is dynamic and full of risk and reward, analysing the changes and identify the threats and opportunities ahead for their clients. Ovum's team has extensive experience in the sector and is dedicated to 'getting closer' - to the industries they advise on, to the people they work for, and ultimately to the real issues determining how ICT markets behave. Ovum maintains a fluid, highly collaborative structure that brings the right range of expertise to each situation.  View more research from Ovum at http://www.fastmr.com/catalog/publishers.aspx?pubid=1006

About Fast Market Research

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Fast Market Research is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. We represent the world's top research publishers and analysts and provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available.