Who should be responsible:  I (still) suggest a regulator, supported by requisite legislation. Trust, Confidence need to be created for e-comm to thrive. I do not think developing countries can afford to move in a direction different from the rest of the world – one – because they do not make up a substantial market of their own  and – two – they greatly depend on the first world. As has been said in the past, for e-commerce to thrive, there is need for trusted systems to exist, starting from CAs all the way to Governance structures supported by legislation.

How about politics? All economies need to have (strong democratic) political structures in place. Economics in the third world is dependent on politics, so having national legislation that may not be respected by governments may not make it any easier.

Sylvester

From: kictanet-bounces+skisonzo=gmail.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+skisonzo=gmail.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of mwende njiraini
Sent: 19 August 2008 11:27
To: skisonzo@gmail.com
Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 7 of 10:-IGF Discussion, Economic Issues

I agree, there is definitely a link between economics and interconnection.  For example, mobile operators have networks spanning across East and Southern Africa enabling users to communicate without incurring roaming charges thus encouraging commercial activity. 

Interconnection of telecommunication networks is supported by ongoing efforts to harmonize regulatory requirements in the region.  This is a great accomplishment considering that Europe has over a long time battled with the introduction of roaming regulation.  Though there are distinct differences between mobile and the internet interconnection, what is the limitation in providing connectivity been IXPs existing in the COMESA, EAC and SADC trading blocks? 

References:

1. The roaming regulation Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/roaming/regulation/index_en.htm [Accessed August 2008]

Disclaimer: These comments are the author's own

On 8/19/08, Michuki Mwangi <michuki@swiftkenya.com> wrote:

Hi all,

Well just to add on to this debate. We have various trading blocks - EAC, COMESA etc. I dont have the data on how much we trade against each of this blocks - but i would imagine that the level of trade carried out between the regions is almost equal to the amount of communications that  is conducted amongst the trading parties. If thats the case, what role should Governments, regulators etc play in ensuring that communications between the various trading blocks is efficient and cost effective i.e almost as the cost of local services. IMHO this would go a long way in reducing the amount of dependence on international connectivity for regional traffic. - This may as well be a point to review on the interconnection issue - but i sort of see the relationship between the economics and interconnection.

Regards,

Michuki.

mwende njiraini wrote:

Morning!!

Thank you all for your contribution to various aspects of internet
governance.  Today we start our discussions on economic issues.  The
internet is increasingly playing a critical role in economic development
specifically in facilitating international trade.



The economic issues therefore basically relate to the framework that makes
e-commerce possible. The participation of developing countries in e-commerce
is limited by the lack the appropriate legislation, authentication
technologies and electronic payment methods.  The main limitation however is
the lack of appropriate legislation that is essential in the protection of
consumers in relation to confidentiality, misleading advertising and
delivery of faulty products.


In your view, who should be responsible for protection of the consumer in
light of the fact that the national legislation may be faced with the
limitation of jurisdiction?  Given that mobile services are available to the
majority, should developing countries concentrate their efforts in enabling
m-commerce to overcome the challenges of e-commerce?  What private sector
initiatives are there in e-commerce particularly in e-Payments?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards
Mwende



Disclaimer: These comments are the author's own

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