Abstract: Analyses the evolution of China’s telephone and cable systems, in terms of the public interest, discussing current bureaucratic conflicts and policy debates over convergence, and construction of an independent broadband cable network. Looks in depth at China’s problems and the different problems for its citizens with regard to poverty levels and access to the Web.

Abstract: Proposes three phases in the emergence of an information society. Identifies these as the previously dominant industrial society, the capitalist system, the Cold War and the emerging view of culture as information. Concludes the information society consists of two major processes: production and consumption.

Abstract: Shows that ISP final prices are lower, Internet usage is higher, and the number of ISPs per head of population is lower in New Zealand relative to Australia. Goes on to argue that ISPs pose competitive threats for telecommunications companies and that New Zealand’s open competition regime, relative to Australia’s access regulations, has invited more efficient facilities competition.

Abstract: Identifies differences between old and evolving new economy. Focuses on the emergence and growth of portals, defining the concept of portals and their place in the Internet. Concludes the portal market is a work in progress that starts with many competitors, but resembles the conditions of an oligopoly.

Abstract: Explores what the domination of commercial interests online means for the visibility of non‐profit content on the Web. Makes specific recommendations to site owners on ways of achieving greater popularity. Concludes with an old phrase by online media experts – If content is king, then distribution is King Kong!

Abstract: Examines Internet diffusion in the major academic institutions of China and the USA, by age, gender, occupation and educational attainment. Reckons similar data from other nations is needed t support the conclusion that diffusion of the Internet into general population is faster in developed than in developing nations.

Abstract: Questions the effectiveness of regulation and the openness of markets in telecommunications, when government has a vested stake momentarily in a telecoms provider. Looks at various countries’ways of handling such as global alliances, and gives recommendations to safeguard sales of public property, using a Figure to give extra emphasis and explanations.

Abstract: How do European policymakers and media companies react to the AOL‐TimeWarner merger? In this short provocation, Marsden asks whether the successful coupling of the world’s largest ISP and media content creator signal le defi americain in communications, for Europe and the rest of the world? In particular, he questions whether market actors should be permitted a similar role in Europe In competition policy terms, the question is whether creation of economies of scale and scope, particularly through vertical integration between carriers and content providers, now causes increasing redundancy of media‐specific ownership laws at a national level in favour of European industrial policy? The outflanking policy trend is demonstrated specifically in the merger of Vodafone‐Mannesmann, and the content alliances formed with Vivendi, and between Vodafone, Vivendi and variously BSkyB and Manchester United Even if symbolic debate continues to give primacy to democratic principle, European public policy may switch pol

Abstract: Recent developments in media technology have led some within the communications policy field to question traditional approaches to localism and its continued viability as a meaningful policy principle. In response to this potential turning point, this paper explores the underlying rationales for localism and examines the principle’s relevance in an era when media technologies are less restrained by geographic barriers. In terms of its underlying rationales, it is clear that the principle need not be entirely abandoned. The traditional “spatial” conceptualizations and applications of the localism principle still have relevance. If it can be expanded to account for alternative definitions of community, the principle will remain an important principle for communications policymakers and policy analysts.

Abstract: Analyses teen phone behaviour – regarding conversational skills among some boys with girls. Reveals some interesting household co‐ordination and parental supervision issues around the use of the telephone. Concludes that, as there is an advance in technology, more and more services will be used creatively to resolve conflict between social control and monitoring and individual identity.

Abstract: Sets out to debate the declaration “contest is king” in the context of the bid for Mannesmann by Vodafone AirTouch, discussing the somewhat imprecise concepts of convergence and multimedia. Concentrates also, on a previously unanswered question – with regard to rate of exchange between a cyberspace based company and a real economy company.

Abstract: Outlines the explosive growth of the commercial Internet and the meteoric rise in public attention give to e‐business, which is very important to the economy of the UK. Concludes that there are key business issues vital for e‐business strategy and not simply issues of information systems. Sums up that e‐business strategy is a vital concern for boards and not just information systems teams.

Abstract: Identifies the fixed/mobile communications convergence phenomenon, which characterizes the telecommunications market technologically and commercially, and analyses the regulatory consequences of convergence. Pinpoints the task of the regulator as being to be simultaneously defending the interests of the consumer and the industry. Concludes regulation should exceed its current tripartite role to enable the policy to be carried out.

Abstract: Suggests an alternative approach based on a proper competitive market spectrum valuation, containing no hint of an additional tax on monopoly rents, and incorporating a comparative assessment of bidders. Emphasizes innovation does not always go hand in hand with deep pockets.

Abstract: Provides an introductory piece for a three‐day workshop (and this special issue) by the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers – United States Activities Board Committee of Communications and Information Policy (IEEE‐USA CCIP), held in Ithaca, New York, USA. Closes by stating the editors were happy to offer opportunities for reflection and debate on images of a broadband future and how that future will be shaped.

Abstract: Outlines the development of third‐generation (3G) mobile networks. Addresses the issues of licence methodology (allocation of licences). Concludes that WAP phones are likely to end up as a low‐margin basic product superseded by GPRs, thereby resolving the bandwidth problem.

Abstract: Looks at how software has attained incredible economic power, but recommends now is the time to break out from the current hold its creators have on the general public. Gives recommendations about “free” software (which means nothing to do with price – mostly freedom of usage), which is an “open source”. Concludes by looking at US and European information hegemony.

Abstract: Considers the future of telecommunications’ national regulatory authorities (NRAs), by way of analysing the European telecommunications regulatory framework. Examines the organization and functioning of NRAs, maintaining efficient performance of the required various tasks. Concludes an NRA is entrusted with “rule application” rather than with “rule making” tasks.

Abstract: States the expansion of nuclear power after World War II promised the abundant generation of electricity that would be so cheap, no one would have to pay for it. Posits that evolution of the telecommunications networks of the country took some of the same paths. Concludes care should be taken not to use the newness of the technology as an excuse for changing critical balances – especially with regard to the interests of the public.

Abstract: Discusses some views of the telecommunications sector in 2010, and some of the critical decisions that will shape it. Shows that any attempt to describe the state of competition in 2010 throughout the USA is doomed – the reality will be more complex. Concludes some parts of the USA may see a highly competitive telecommunications market emerge, allowing consumers to choose the communication services that work best for their applications.

Abstract: Considers the development of the content industry in Europe by 2005, with the anticipation of new applications such as tele‐education, tele‐medicine, tele‐detection and tele‐surveillance. Examines the interplay of the various political and industrial interests involved, using the technique of “scenario‐mapping” in particular.

Abstract: Creates a future history of the evolution of the US telecommunications network infrastructure, by combining a scenario approach with the tool of concept mapping to explain how optical fibre technologies became the dominant technologies in that infrastructure.

Abstract: Reports on a scenario exercise regarding the impact of digitisation on European media content industries, focusing on employment trends and changing skills. Concludes that the Internet will profoundly restructure but not destroy, existing industries. Highlights the needs for multidisciplinary and multimedia training programmes for the new digital age.

Abstract: Explores the impact of competition in mobile services using data on global systems for mobile communications (GSM) technology. States international experience shows that competition in any of the digital technologies brings substantial benefits to users. Sums up that increasing numbers of governments are taking specific steps to ensure that new cellular operators can compete with incumbent operators.

Abstract: Argues regulations should establish a geographically comprehensive lattice of competing, independently owned, network interconnection points from which telephony operators are required to provide zero‐price telephony call termination. Concludes that intrusive regulation of intercompany interconnection and access, such as mandatory co‐location, loop unbundling and line sharing, should be avoided or rapidly phased out.

Abstract: Addresses the issues of access and interconnection and establishes that their regulation is designed to ensure interoperability and effective competition, and therefore a new regulatory framework would contain common, but flexible, principles across all communications infrastructure. Uses a table to aid in giving added emphasis to the article.

Abstract: Argues, despite much criticism, that the recently completed auction of 3G mobile services was the best possible basis for successful and early exploitation of 3G technologies in the UK Discuses the benefits of auctions and the argument that high licence costs will lead to high service charges Contests whether the 3G‐auction process in the UK was a success

Abstract: States there is a need for a new social dialogue among the various stakeholders with regard to Europe’s media sector undergoing substantial change, from analogue to digital.