Emerging ICT Policies and Regulations

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