Emerging ICT Policies and Regulations

Book excerpt: This book constructs both educational and research arguments on various dimensions of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy and regulation. There has been a paradigm shift in the ICT industry due to convergence of various technologies, the ubiquity of the Internet, the emergence of app economy and the pervasiveness of social media. These pose policy and regulatory challenges in the areas of industry structure, market power of firms, pricing of products and services, interconnection of networks, radio spectrum management, intellectual property rights, data privacy and security. The common thread throughout the different sections of the book is the massive adoption of digitization by individuals, enterprises, governments and societies and the critical role of associated regulation and policy for its success. The book addresses 13 important questions in the areas of: i) Telecom Regulation including bundling of products and services, interconnection, and radio spectrum; (ii) Internet Regulation including governance of the Internet, Net Neutrality, quality of service, and cyber security; (iii) App Economy Regulation including Over The Top communication and broadcast services, ICT platform intermediation, sharing economy, data protection and privacy; and (iv) Emerging Technology Regulation including Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property Rights. The book explains technology and related regulatory concepts in an easy-to-read format and includes brief case studies describing the regulatory approaches from different countries. Specific focus is given to the regulatory landscape in India surrounding these questions and the lessons for similar emerging countries. Written in the form of contemporary questions and answers, this unique book appeals to researchers in ICT policy and regulation, regulators and policymakers, as well as students interested in the subject area. "The book comprehensively covers the current and emerging policy and regulatory issues relating to ICT, especially as applicable to India. Further, it provides a theoretical framework for analysing each regulatory issue along with practical implications. A good reference for researchers, regulators and policy makers." - Dr R.S. Sharma, Chairman, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. “This book by Professor Sridhar provides an excellent overview of the challenges that the world faces in coping with the dynamic new emerging digital technologies that affect the way we work, play and communicate with each other. As the internet and mobile telephony becomes more ubiquitous and accessible to everyone regardless of socio-economic class, ICT can be used for good or for mischief. The book lays out the issues of regulating global ICT and policies that governments should adopt to enable its productive and positive use.” - Dr G Anand Anandalingam, Ralph J. Tyser Professor of Management Science, Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, U.S.A. “Using problem-centric approach successfully opens the complexity of ICT regulation to a wider audience. Through cleverly chosen topical case examples the book links the problems of Indian and international ICT markets.” - Dr Hämmäinen Heikki, Professor, Department of Communications and Networking, Aalto University, Finland. “Prof Sridhar is a Thought Leader in the Telecom space and I have enjoyed my interaction with him over the years. This book is an excellent compendium looking at the main regulations and policies with reference to the ICT sector. It serves as a ready reckoner for new entrants and professionals alike, providing global and local perspectives on topics that impact the growing Digital Economy.” - P Balaji, Chief Regulatory and Corporate Affairs Officer, Vodafone Idea Limited, India “Emerging ICT Policies and Regulations: Roadmap to Digital Economies is a must read for understanding essential questions regarding ICT Policy and Regulation as digitization develops locally and globally. With useful information on the case of India (and other countries), the book provides a clear, comprehensive, and cogent capture of relevant concepts and practices as well as emerging challenges. Powerful illustrations make concrete the nuance of regulatory approaches and provide added value for the reader.” - Dr. Nanette S. Levinson, Professor, Internet Governance Lab, School of International Service, American University, USA, “Reference books are usually an important source of information but they are often not very readable. I am glad to say that Prof. Sridhar has managed to produce a very-well written account of ICT regulation and policies with a focus on India, and the result is a comprehensive and interesting volume with a number of very useful chapters; many of them easily digested on their own. The book is highly recommended for members of the internet and telecommunications industries, regulators and researchers.” - Dr Jairo Gutierrez, Professor and Deputy Head, Engineering Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. “Professor Sridhar's book provides the required regulatory theory and framework on 13 most important issues of the digital economy and provides guidance for setting policies and rules. A comprehensive reference for students and practitioners in the area of ICT regulation.” - Dr S Sadagopan, Director and Professor, International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore, India "Emerging ICT Policies and Regulations puts together invaluable and timely research in mapping and analysing the various issues faced by digital economy in India. Prof Sridhar has captured the most pressing issues in it, pertaining to Competition Law and Policy, Intellectual Property Rights, net neutrality, data privacy, regulating OTT services etc., not just comprehensively, but in a reader friendly way. A must read for anyone wanting to get insights on the numerous challenges involved in optimally regulating ICT driven services". - Pradeep S Mehta, Secretary General, Consumer Unity & Trust Society International, India “The Book is a very exhaustive and excellent collection of contemporary issues & challenges on Policy & Regulation that the Digital Economy is likely to grapple with in the coming years. The research on each of these issues which precedes the suggested outcome ( by the author ) is very comprehensive and includes detailed analysis of the pros and cons, global best practices in the area of Policy Regulation in other Regimes , how the Indian context differs from the others and therefore , how it could possibly be addressed. " - TV Ramachandran, President, Broadband India Forum, India “Whether it is spectrum auction or license fee; net neutrality or interconnection; cybersecurity or privacy; Sridhar peels off layers and presents underlying tensions within the fast-paced technological revolution and rather slow evolution of policy & regulation.” - Deepak Maheshwari, Former Secretary - ISP Association of India, Co-Founder - National Internet eXchange of India, Former Chair - IEEE Internet Initiative, India. “An encyclopedic mapping of regulatory challenges and solutions for the sector by the always insightful Prof. Sridhar. Through a single book, he provides an accessible guide to a plurality of regulations impacting the various layers of the OSI model.” - Sunil Abraham, Executive Director, Centre for Internet & Society, India