ICT Policy: A Beginner's Handbook
Johannesburg: Association for Progressive Communications (APC) (2003), 140 pp.
Contains illustrations, glossary pp. 135-138, bibliogr. pp. 139-140
ISBN 1-919855-10-6
Other editions: also published in French and Spanish; 2nd revised ed. 2009
"This book takes the mystery out of ICT policy and makes it easier to understand. Key issues are presented and explained clearly and concisely, and a basis is provided for further investigation. Many concrete examples are given of recent events or debates, which the reader can explore further if so inclined. Having read it, you will be able to identify the main actors and issues in the field. If you wish to find out more about ICT policy, you will know where to look for the information, beginning with the extensive bibliography and list of organisations active in the field. In short, this book aims to build the capacity of interested persons to understand the issues around policy on ICT development and regulation, to grasp the policy process, and to become involved in it. It is a beginner’s handbook, which can help readers navigate their way through the varied terrain of ICT policy. It is not a map but a compass." (Introduction, page 5)
I. ICT POLICY
1 What are ICT and internet policies and why should we care about them? 9
II. THE INTERNET, MARKETS AND ACCESS
2 Internet basics, 19
3 Internet economics: What things cost (in different countries) and who pays, 23
4 Market structure, monopolies and multinationals, 30
5 Network interconnections and exchanges, 34
6 Regional differences: Africa, Asia, Europe, USA, 37
7 Technical infrastructure of the internet and how it shapes governance, 40
8 Market models for extending access, 42
9 Access and infrastructure: social models for extending the reach of the internet, 46
III. NATIONAL ICT AND INTERNET POLICY AND REGULATION
10 A short history of telecommunications reform, 53
11 ICT policy, legislation and regulation: tools for national development, 55
12 Involving key players at the national level, 57
13 The actors in international and regional internet and ICT policy, 60
14 Guiding and governing the internet, 65
15 Telecommunications regulation, 67
16 Policy and regulatory issues, 68
17 Decision-making processes, 71
IV. SPECIFIC ISSUES IN INTERNET POLICY AND REGULATION
18 Gender and ICTs, 76
19 Intellectual property, 85
20 Freedom of expression and censorship, 97
21 Privacy and security, 102
22 Cybercrime and anti-terrorism legislation, 107
23 Surveillance, 111
24 Visions of the right to communicate, 121
V. APPENDICES
25 Organisations active in ICT policy, 128
26 Glossary, 135
27 Bibliography, 139
1 What are ICT and internet policies and why should we care about them? 9
II. THE INTERNET, MARKETS AND ACCESS
2 Internet basics, 19
3 Internet economics: What things cost (in different countries) and who pays, 23
4 Market structure, monopolies and multinationals, 30
5 Network interconnections and exchanges, 34
6 Regional differences: Africa, Asia, Europe, USA, 37
7 Technical infrastructure of the internet and how it shapes governance, 40
8 Market models for extending access, 42
9 Access and infrastructure: social models for extending the reach of the internet, 46
III. NATIONAL ICT AND INTERNET POLICY AND REGULATION
10 A short history of telecommunications reform, 53
11 ICT policy, legislation and regulation: tools for national development, 55
12 Involving key players at the national level, 57
13 The actors in international and regional internet and ICT policy, 60
14 Guiding and governing the internet, 65
15 Telecommunications regulation, 67
16 Policy and regulatory issues, 68
17 Decision-making processes, 71
IV. SPECIFIC ISSUES IN INTERNET POLICY AND REGULATION
18 Gender and ICTs, 76
19 Intellectual property, 85
20 Freedom of expression and censorship, 97
21 Privacy and security, 102
22 Cybercrime and anti-terrorism legislation, 107
23 Surveillance, 111
24 Visions of the right to communicate, 121
V. APPENDICES
25 Organisations active in ICT policy, 128
26 Glossary, 135
27 Bibliography, 139
