Toward Universal Broadband in Rural Alaska

The TERRA-Southwest project is extending broadband service to 65 communities in the Bristol Bay, Bethel and Yukon-Kuskokwim regions. A stimulus project funded by a combination of grants and loans from the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), TERRA-Southwest has installed a middle-mile network using optical fiber and terrestrial microwave. Last-mile service will be through fixed wireless or interconnection with local telephone networks. The State of Alaska, through its designee Connect Alaska, also received federal stimulus funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for tasks that include support for an Alaska Broadband Task Force “to both formalize a strategic broadband plan for the state of Alaska and coordinate broadband activities across relevant agencies and organizations.” Thus, a study of the impact of the TERRA project in southwest Alaska is both relevant and timely. This first phase provides baseline data on current access to and use of ICTs and Internet connectivity in rural Alaska, and some insights about perceived benefits and potential barriers to adoption of broadband. It is also intended to provide guidance to the State Broadband Task Force in determining how the extension of broadband throughout the state could contribute to education, social services, and economic activities that would enhance Alaska’s future. Results of the research could also be used proactively to develop strategies to encourage broadband adoption, and to identify applications and support needed by users with limited ICT skills.Connect Alaska. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration. General Communications Incorporated.Part 1: An Analysis of Internet Use in Southwest Alaska / Introduction / Previous Studies / Current Connectivity / Analytical Framework and Research Methodology / Demographics / Mobile Phones: Access and Use / Access to the Internet / Internet Useage / Considerations about Internet Service / Interest in Broadband / Sources of News / Comparison with National Data / Internet Use by Businesses and Organizations / What Difference may Broadband make in the Region? / Conclusiongs / Part 2 Literature Review / Reference

Next Generation Connectivity: A Review of Broadband Internet Transitions and Policy From Around the World

Fostering the development of a ubiquitously networked society, connected over high-capacity networks, is a widely shared goal among both developed and developing countries. High capacity networks are seen as strategic infrastructure, intended to contribute to high and sustainable economic growth and to core aspects of human development. In the pursuit of this goal, various countries have, over the past decade and a half, deployed different strategies, and enjoyed different results. At the Commission's request, this study reviews the current plans and practices pursued by other countries in the transition to the next generation of connectivity, as well as their past experience. By observing the experiences of a range of market-oriented democracies that pursued a similar goal over a similar time period, we hope to learn from the successes and failures of others about what practices and policies best promote that goal. By reviewing current plans or policy efforts, we hope to learn what others see as challenges in the next generation transition, and to learn about the range of possible solutions to these challenges

Next Generation Connectivity: A Review of Broadband Internet Transitions and Policy from Around the World

Fostering the development of a ubiquitously networked society, connected over high-capacity networks, is a widely shared goal among both developed and developing countries. High capacity networks are seen as strategic infrastructure, intended to contribute to high and sustainable economic growth and to core aspects of human development.

Sustainable Perspective of Electric Vehicles and Its Future Prospects

Vehicles running on fossil fuel are creating a threat to the environment by emitting pollutants such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulfur and nitrogen oxides into the environment. Electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles provide a perennial solution to this problem and since the utilization of renewables for charging, the market is on verge of electric vehicle revolution. Electric propulsion systems can also be used in heavy transport vehicles, thus transitioning them to electric. This paper puts forth an overview of the electric vehicles for transportation of masses and freight across the globe and emphasis on the battery charging infrastructures. Recent trends and advancements in electric vehicle batteries are discussed briefly, along with sustainability in Li-ion batteries and its materials; moreover, a comparative study of different electric vehicles available in the Indian market is done. Similarly, the incentives offered by government, challenges faced by these vehicles and future development areas are conversed at the end of the paper

The Critical Role of Public Charging Infrastructure

Editors: Peter Fox-Penner, PhD, Z. Justin Ren, PhD, David O. JermainA decade after the launch of the contemporary global electric vehicle (EV) market, most cities face a major challenge preparing for rising EV demand. Some cities, and the leaders who shape them, are meeting and even leading demand for EV infrastructure. This book aggregates deep, groundbreaking research in the areas of urban EV deployment for city managers, private developers, urban planners, and utilities who want to understand and lead change

Choice Internal report I-3: EU member state cooperation with China in ICT R&D&I

In this report EU member states bilateral programmes of cooperation with China in ICT R&D are reviewed. Conclusions are presented followed by recommendations targeted at organisations in EU member states interested in exploring the potential for bilateral collaborative ICT R&D with Chinese organisations

Assessment of International Economic Policy Models and Measures: Lessons for Canada

We consider a typology of four social and economic policy models each pertaining to different groups of countries. These four policy systems namely the Nordic model, the Anglo-Saxon model, the Continental model, and the Mediterranean model, are described individually and in terms of selected public policies. In particular, we review the Swedish economic experience in promoting flexible labour markets and reforming its education sector, the French regulatory reforms in telecommunications and health care sectors, the competitive compulsory tendering and best value reforms in the United Kingdom, and the recent economic growth led by trade in Chile. Finally, we draw important lessons for reforms in Canada. Nous analysons quatre systèmes socio-économiques qui représentent différents groupes de pays. Ces modèles socio-économiques incluant le modèle nordique, l’anglo-saxon, le continental et le méditerranéen sont décrits à travers quelques politiques publiques instaurées dans certains pays. En particulier, nous étudions les réformes de la Suède dans les secteurs de l’éducation et du marché du travail, de la France dans les télécommunications et la santé, du Royaume-Uni dans l’attribution des contrats dans le secteur public, et du Chili pour son expansion économique liée au commerce. Suite à cette analyse, nous identifions des leçons importantes et quelques avenues de réformes pour le Canada.Nordic economic model, Anglo-Saxon economic model, continental economic model, mediterranean economic model, economic reforms, Canada., Modèle socio-économique nordique, modèle socio-économique anglo-saxon, modèle socio-économique continental, modèle socio-économique méditerranéen, réformes économiques, Canada.