Realizing the Information Future The Internet and Beyond (1994) / Chapter Skim
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E International Issues
E International Issues
Pages 269-281
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From page 269... ...
networks to a robust and growing global networking infrastructure. An early national network project outside the United States was JANET Joint Academic Network)
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From page 270... ...
For example, DOE is working with European scientists in programs using telecommunications to conduct sophisticated experiments using U.S.-based science facilities. Telecommunications experts within that agency want higher transmission speeds to improve real-time response interactions involving scientists in Japan, Germany, and Russia, participants in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor program.
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From page 271... ...
But with the advent of optical transmission and the introduction of new technical innovations such as optical amplification and wave division multiplexing, capacity is increasing dramatically, and hence costs can be amortized over an enlarged user and application base. A second reason for the high cost of international communications has been the lack of competition.
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From page 272... ...
Rather, the telephone companies are promoting integrated services digital network and expensive narrowband 8.25-kbps services on the basis that raising the price for leased lines high enough will encourage everyone to move toward these services. Considerable evidence exists to question that this strategy is working.
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From page 273... ...
In the case of satellite technology, Intelsat remains the primary service provider for most of the nations of the world.2 In addition, a large number of regional satellites provide a range of broadcast and point-to-point services.3 A recent development in the satellite arena is the expected growth in deployment of very small aperture terminal dishes (VSATs) , which can facilitate the supply of connectivity to remote areas and significantly enhance local infrastructure (see "Local Infrastructure" below)
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From page 274... ...
Since that report was written a number of major changes have been initiated by the governments of most of these countries to improve their telecommunications infrastructures, such as the move from analog to digital circuits, the introduction of cellular radio, the passage of legislation to encourage investments by Western companies marketing products and services in telecommunications, and so on. But despite the gains being made, the finding of the State Department report remains valid; significant investments are required to bring these nations to "telco equality" with developed nations.
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From page 275... ...
In more advanced countries, such as Japan and some in Western Europe, the problems are mostly political, not based on a lack of underlying telecommunications infrastructure. In such countries, state owned or chartered PTTs control both domestic and international communications.
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From page 276... ...
Today some government agencies pick up the costs of the long-haul transmission channels and their international partners pay for the local distribution circuits within their own countries. For example, when DOE or NASA arrange international connections, they have typically provided the international circuit in exchange for provision of distribution by the foreign partner.
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From page 277... ...
EXPORT CONTROLS AND INTERNATIONAL NETWORKING Achievement of full international connectivity hinges on reducing inequities in local distribution infrastructures. One dimension is broadening access to essential technologies- first those related to physical facilities, and then those related to information services.
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From page 278... ...
Inasmuch as export controls succeed in limiting the capabilities in foreign infrastructure, there is a possibility that traffic originating in the United States would have to be throttled for distribution in other countries, slowing the delivery of communications, and that certain applications (e.g., video, real-time communications) would be less feasible in other countries, militating against certain forms of research collaboration, for example.
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From page 279... ...
It urged reevaluation and some relaxation of controls. Demands from research and industry for high-bandwidth communications between countries suggest that there is a need to periodically assess existing export controls and to explicitly weigh and balance policy goals for protection of national security, promoting international research collaboration, and fostering foreign market development for U.S.-based producers of communications technologies.
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From page 280... ...
infrastructure technology should be reviewed and, as appropriate, relaxed. ~ , , A Many players are already addressing some of these issues (e.g., the Internet Society is addressing protocols; the State Department participates in international standards and coordinating conferences; the Department of Commerce addresses export controls through its Bureau of Export Administration and comparative national infrastructure development through its National Telecommunications and Information Administration; the National Institute of Standards and Technology (U.S.
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From page 281... ...
In the Pacific Rim the Palapa satellites provide services for Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. Eutelsat, a cooperative of 39 European nation states having the legal status of an intergovernmental organization, has seven satellites in orbit providing leased transponders principally for television and news gathering.
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