Caught in the web : an analysis of South Africa's response to the emerging global information policy regime
Master Thesis
2008
Permanent link to this Item
Authors
Supervisors
Journal Title
Link to Journal
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Publisher
University of Cape Town
Department
Faculty
License
Series
Abstract
This study provides a descriptive analysis of South Africa's response to the emerging global information policy regime. Compelled by a combination of hegemonic influences and its own self interest, this study argues that South Africa accepted the liberalising commitments of the emerging global information policy regime vis-a-vis the World Trade Organization Agreement on Basic Telecommunications. As a contribution to understanding inter-state cooperation in international relations, regime theory is utilised as the theoretical framework. The regime framework is used to explain the motivations behind South Africa's intention to liberalise its telecommunications sector as a result of power dynamics in the international system. The findings from the qualitative analysis note that South Africa's response is motivated by systemic and domestic factors. A willingness to enter the information economy and fulfil domestic social development means that South Africa has to balance its obligations to the WTO with the commitments to improve its domestic accessibility concerns. As a developing country with inadequate conditions for liberalisation, South Africa was unable to stop the strategic equity partners from capitalising on the poorly regulated telecommunications environment. The unfavourable result of high tariff charges and low fixed-line connectivity can be attributed to privatisation initiatives and lack of political will to promote competition. South Africa is in the midst of dramatic change in its telecommunications sector which is aided by technological convergence, further privatisation of the incumbent and the introduction of the Second Network Operator. The international scope of this study means that liberalisation is part of South Africa's broader commitments to the emerging global information policy regime. Entering the information economy is conditional on the successful implementation of international liberalisation policies so that the required investment and skills can assist in providing universal service to the majority of South Africa citizens. However, implementation requires a fair market structure, independent regulation and low interconnection charges. Without these important structures in place, this study notes that the goal of participation in the information economy and economic growth as a result of effective telecommunication utilisation is a distant reality.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 122-126).
Keywords
Reference:
Ranchod, Y. 2008. Caught in the web : an analysis of South Africa's response to the emerging global information policy regime. University of Cape Town.