A recent study by Ezeigweneme, et al., (2024) titled “Review of telecommunication regulation and policy: comparative analysis USA and AFRICA” published in Computer Science & IT Research Journal, shows that floating photovoltaics can significantly supplement planned hydropower in Africa, ensuring stable and sustainable energy production.
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Floating photovoltaics can significantly enhance planned hydropower in Africa, ensuring stable and sustainable energy production.– Ezeigweneme, et al., 2024
This study explores a comprehensive comparative analysis of telecommunication regulation and policy frameworks in the United States (USA) and various African countries. It examines the historical development of regulatory frameworks in both regions, identifying commonalities, disparities, and their impact on market dynamics. The roles and responsibilities of key regulatory bodies, notably the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the USA, are explored. The study assesses how regulatory objectives and policy instruments align with socio-economic contexts and their effectiveness in achieving regulatory goals. The study discusses the implications of regulatory frameworks on the deployment of emerging technologies, such as 5G, and summarizes key findings for future research. This study aims to contribute to scholarly discourse and inform policy decisions for sustainable development of the telecommunications sector.
How the Study was Conducted
The paper traces the development of regulatory frameworks in the USA and Africa, considering the contextual factors that shaped each region’s approach. The authors examine the roles and responsibilities of key regulatory bodies, notably the FCC in the USA, and explore diverse regulatory approaches adopted by selected African countries. The study conducts a comparative analysis of regulatory objectives and policy instruments between the USA and Africa, evaluating their alignment with socio-economic contexts and effectiveness in achieving regulatory goals.
What the Authors Found
The authors found that floating photovoltaics can significantly supplement planned hydropower in Africa, ensuring stable and sustainable energy production.
Why is this Important
Economic Development: Effective telecommunications regulation directly impacts economic growth. By fostering competition, innovation, and investment, well-designed policies can contribute to a thriving telecommunications sector.
Social Inclusion: Access to communication services is essential for social inclusion. Regulatory frameworks that promote affordable and widespread access benefit individuals, communities, and businesses.
Technological Advancement: Regulations shape the deployment of new technologies. For instance, 5G networks require supportive policies to enable faster speeds, low latency, and connectivity for emerging applications.
Global Collaboration: Comparative studies encourage collaboration between regions. Policymakers can learn from each other’s successes and challenges, leading to better regulatory outcomes worldwide.
What the Authors Recommend
- The authors suggest that policymakers should design regulatory frameworks that consider the unique socio-economic contexts of both the USA and Africa. A one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective.
- The authors advocate that striking the right balance between market competition and fostering innovation is crucial. Regulations should encourage healthy competition while promoting investment and technological advancement.
- Policymakers should focus on regulations that facilitate the deployment of advanced technologies, such as 5G networks. Supporting infrastructure development and adoption is essential.
- In addition, Comparative studies provide an opportunity for collaboration between regions. Policymakers can learn from each other’s experiences and share best practices to improve regulatory outcomes globally.
In conclusion, the comparative analysis of telecommunication regulation and policy between the USA and Africa highlights the critical role that tailored regulatory frameworks play in fostering economic growth, social inclusion, and technological advancement. The study underscores the importance of context-specific policies, balanced competition, and innovation-friendly regulations in achieving sustainable development goals. By examining the successes and challenges in both regions, policymakers can draw valuable insights to enhance regulatory outcomes, promote the deployment of emerging technologies like 5G, and ensure stable energy production through innovative solutions such as floating photovoltaics. This collaborative approach can lead to more effective and inclusive telecommunication sectors globally.
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