"Changing Regulations for the Future: Technology and Public Policy"
"Changing Regulations for the Future: Technology and Public Policy"
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  • 승인 2005.06.01 12:01
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While technologies have been undergoing rapid development, telecommunications policy established by the government has largely failed to catch up. However, to Michael Powell, Former Chairman, Federal Communications Commission, U.S., who was the speaker for this session, appropriate telecommunications policy that fits the demand of the Information Age, is the key to a stronger global competitiveness, innovation and investment in the future. As the chairman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Powell led the commission to realize the changes that would enable FCC meet the challenges of new technology and outdated policy. Mr. Powell shared his insights on the changes that governments ought to consider to improve outdated telecommunications policy. "The forces of the digital revolution are very explosive these days. Government policy is in need of drastic change and must embrace this revolution moving forward. The government has a major role to play in this digital revolution, not just with regulation, but to assist in the further development of the communication industry. They need to be a partner of change and not an impediment to it. In the past, the industry began with analog technology and migrated to digital technology through Moore's Law and the invention of the microchip. Now, information through digital technology and convergence, new innovations have improved the world. Regulatory measures and laws are still outdated and are in need of massive improvement in the future. "There has been an explosion of innovative products and technologies through the development of the Internet. Consumers now have the power to demand quality products and improved technologies. This is essentially what drives the development of new technologies. Powell feels that governments must move on regulation dramatically and not in a slow manner. "They must adopt policies that allow for growth and not those that would only hinder development. For economic prosperity to continue, government must work together with businesses to maintain innovation and provide the products and services that customers demand. The development of the Internet and the broadband era has allowed for the development of many products and services such as DSL, cable modems, satellite, etc., that bring communications into the home." Key points for the future "Technology trends must drive regulatory change in the future. We must observe technology and create regulations that do not hinder. We must remember to simplify regulations in order to promote industry development. We need to rethink competition policy. Government needs to take a "hands off" approach and let the market determine who succeeds and fails. Entrepreneurs, customers and the marketplace must be empowered to choose and make their own decisions. The government must always be flexible and not create barriers. One area where the government should play a big role is in the area of Internet freedom. Customers must be able to choose applications, attach any and all personal devices and be free to choose service plans. Customers are not a group that needs to be protected, but empowered. The regulators must accept this and realize that this is what drives technology and the development of new innovative devices. We must work quicker and make better, timelier decisions. Powell states, "A good decision made too late is a decision that should not be made at all." In the end, the government should stand with this digital revolution and make the world a more exciting place to live. Q: How many regulators are required and what type of person should Korea's new regulatory commissioner be, and what kind of background should he or she have Powell: There is a need for a single regulatory body to promote change and efficiency. The regulatory authority needs to have independence from the government and not have too many people on the panel. The need for speed in decision-making is very important. I believe that five regulators is the limit. A good regulator must not only have a legal background, but must understand economics and business. This individual must be focused and resolute in nature to make the right decisions and then stand by them. Q: What types of regulation are needed in order to protect consumers Powell: The government's most important responsibility is to protect its citizens and consumers. I feel the main problem is that this can often be an excuse for the government to over-regulate. Consumers are intelligent and can make their own choices. In certain cases of monopoly or in cheating of consumers, then the government must come down hard. We must always listen to technology and not snuff it out before it matures. Disruptive technologies allow for the creation of new innovations in their wake.

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