An Analysis of Next Generation Access Networks Deployment in rural areas

Next generation access networks (NGAN) will support a renewed electronic communication market where main opportunities lie in the provision of ubiquitous broadband connectivity, applications and content. From their deployment it is expected a wealth of innovations. Within this framework, the project reviews the variety of NGAN deployment options available for rural environments, derives a simple method for approximate cost calculations, and then discusses and compares the results obtained. Data for Spain are used for practical calculations, but the model is applicable with minor modifications to most of the rural areas of European countries. The final part of the paper is devoted to review the techno-economic implications of a network deployment in a rural environment as well as the adequacy and possible developments of the regulatory framework involve

The mobile communications role in next generation networks: The case of Spain

Next generation access networks (NGAN) will support a renewed electronic communication market where main opportunities lie in the provision of ubiquitous broadband connectivity, applications and content. From their deployment it is - much - expected a wealth of innovations. Within this framework this paper reviews the technical architecture of a mobile network as a candidate for a NGAN deployment, derives a simple method for approcimate cost calculations, and then discusses the results obtained. Data for Spain are used for practical calculations, but the model is applicable with minor modivications to most ot the EU countries. The final part of the paper is devoted to reflect on the technical and economic feasibility of mobile communications as part of NGAN, as well as the adequacy and possible development of the current regulatory framework. --LTE,4G,Mobile communications,Next Generation Networks,Spain

Uso y valor de la información personal: Un escenario en evolución

Our modern information societies are also –and especially– personal information societies. The collection of personal data has become the key asset for the development of digital markets. Even more, the way in which now people perceive and manage their privacy totally contrasts with the situation just a few years ago. Although these social transformations have accelerated recently, the process of modification of the scenario contextualising the use and value of personal information is ongoing for half a century. By means of the analysis of academic literature on the topic, this article describes such an evolution as well as the current interests of companies, citizens and public administrations regarding the disclosure and use of personal information

Use and value of personal information: An evolving scenario

Our modern information societies are also –and especially– personal information societies. The collection of personal data has become the key asset for the development of digital markets. Even more, the way in which now people perceive and manage their privacy totally contrasts with the situation just a few years ago. Although these social transformations have accelerated recently, the process of modification of the scenario contextualising the use and value of personal information is ongoing for half a century. By means of the analysis of academic literature on the topic, this article describes such an evolution as well as the current interests of companies, citizens and public administrations regarding the disclosure and use of personal information

Uso y valor de la información personal: Un escenario en evolución

Our modern information societies are also –and especially– personal information societies. The collection of personal data has become the key asset for the development of digital markets. Even more, the way in which now people perceive and manage their privacy totally contrasts with the situation just a few years ago. Although these social transformations have accelerated recently, the process of modification of the scenario contextualising the use and value of personal information is ongoing for half a century. By means of the analysis of academic literature on the topic, this article describes such an evolution as well as the current interests of companies, citizens and public administrations regarding the disclosure and use of personal information

Volition versus feasibility: state aid when aid is looked upon favourably: the broadband example

The European Commission published on September 30, 2009, Guidelines for the application of State aid rules in relation to rapid deployment of broadband networks. These Guidelines are applicable to two markets that are connected, although somewhat different. In “traditional” or “first generation” broadband networks, public intervention mainly relates to rural communities or areas which are economically underdeveloped. Therefore, a corrective nature of the aid is maintained. However, the Guidelines are also applied to accelerate the deployment of next-generation access (NGA) networks, which implies a driving conception of State aid, as this is an emerging market and there are relatively few Europeans who have access to these networks. The analysis of these Guidelines thus seems relevant due to its novelty and, particularly, to the results that it can bring

Información personal: la nueva moneda de la economía digital

Technological progress has profoundly changed the way personal data are collected, accessed and used. Those data make possible unprecedented customization of advertising which, in turn, is the business model adopted by many of the most successful Internet companies. Yet measuring the value being generated is still a complex task. This paper presents a review of the literature on this subject. It has been found that the economic analysis of personal information has been conducted up to now from a qualitative perspective mainly linked to privacy issues. A better understanding of a quantitative approach to this topic is urgently needed

Jeux sur mobile: les développeurs et le rôle des plates-formes de logiciels

Les jeux sur mobile sont un exemple majeur à la fois d'une application réussie sur les mobiles et du nombre croissant de plates-formes pour les médias et les industries de loisirs. Explorant cette convergence, l'article analyse les caractéristiques principales du marché des jeux sur mobile et de son écosystème industriel, ses activités et acteurs principaux. L'article se concentre sur le rôle des différentes plates-formes de logiciels et sur les défis et opportunités futures pour les développeurs de jeux sur mobile dans un nouveau scénario dominé par les plates-formes de mobile

Are Central and Eastern European Countries managing to develop the information Society?

Taking the advantage of the opportunities offered by the advent of the information society is more and more often acknowledged as a sure path for future economic development. Moreover, this could be the only way for those countries with narrow domestic markets or limited physical resources. Many of the CEECs started at an early time the design and progressive putting into practice of programmes intended to adapt their societies and economies to the information society. This article reviews the evolution of these public policies, assesses the impact of the plans (using the most solid indicators published on the development of the information society) and, based on the results obtained, presents some critical analysis

Asymmetries and shortages of the network neutrality principle: What could neutrality achieve?

The debate on network neutrality has reached sufficient notoriety to eliminate the need for detailed explanation. A simple definition will suffice: “network neutrality” is understood as the principle by which the owners of broadband networks would not be allowed to establish any type of discrimination or preference over the traffic transmitted through the