Government regulation of mobile carriers requiring infrastructure in rural areas can reduce digital divides. While early US and Norwegian telecom policies aimed for universal access, Norway's regulations specifying geographic coverage and minimum network speeds led to earlier mobile adoption across its population. In contrast, the US had fewer requirements, allowing urban-focused providers and delaying rural access. Overall, lack of regulatory requirements for high-speed coverage in rural areas risks increasing digital divides.

1. Effects of mobile network regulations

2. The big question Does government regulation requiring mobile carriers to provide mobile infrastructure in rural areas reduce a digital divide in rural areas?

3. Similar origins –different directions Both US and Norwegian telecommunications policies were based on universal service and equity AT&T was allowed to (and had to) post a profit, which could be then reinvested in infrastructure and extended service. The Norwegian telephone system was only able to expand when allocated money from the federal budget,

4. PENETRATION OF TELEPHONES Sources: Cohen 1992, Telenor 2009

5. Enter the mobile phone...

6. Early adoption – unified service Norway – first in the world to develop mobile networks; well-functioning system facilitated early adoption. Reduced barriers for major majority. US – several technologies, lack of interconnection, lack of coverage. Later adoption and poorer penetration.

7. Specific requirements Norway: geographic requirements, percentage of population, and network speed United States: Minimal – just cover 2/3 of population within 5 years. Allows providers to just serve urban areas

8. Conclusion Lack of regulation does increase digitial divide based on access to high-speed services Cost beyond personal – inefficient, expensive

9. Credits Presentation by Inge Scheve. MCDM University of Washington CC share-and-share alike, non-commercial use schevi@uw.edu, http://twitter.com/IngeScheve Flickr CC photos: Telephone lines 1942: Library of Congress - http://www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/2179061201/ Wireless telephone, Los Angeles, 1910: Library of Congress - http://www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/2765467596/ SIM card: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mroach/1481099272 Telenor lines:http://www.flickr.com/photos/bushman_k/2158630303/in/set-72157603614787097 Telenor handset:http://www.flickr.com/photos/asimzb/2140091503 Telefonkiosker: http://www.flickr.com/photos/iammadforit/3387884738 Modern pay phones in Stockholm:http://www.flickr.com/photos/vargklo/150563157 Old telephones:http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgroi/4270717569