The Internet is an ecosystem in
which different components have different roles and
needs. So, in order to support the current growth in
Internet access, we need to look beyond the
traditional confines of telecommunications.
Even though an ecosystem is
stable by nature, it also evolves. And the Internet
ecosystem has an amazing speed of evolution. In
order to sustain the current growth and stability
there are certain principles upon which the Internet
ecosystem is based which should be preserved. For
example, a crucial element of the Internet’s
development and success has been the use of
multi-stakeholder, open, bottom-up, and inclusive
decision making processes, along with cooperative
and collaborative working arrangements.
The flexibility and openness of
IP-based networks, combined with the new service
opportunities brought on by more open markets, have
created a cycle of innovation between users, service
providers, and technology that influence and
transform society.
BALANCE
Open IP-based networks are
fuelling constant innovation between users,
services, and technology, challenging our ability to
predict future patterns of use, growth, and need
with any certainty. Effectively implementing
competition and choice, for both consumers and
service providers, remains key to ensuring the
system can continue respond to new ideas, services,
and needs. The continuing adaptation and balance
that comes from open networks and open systems is
not only beneficial from a market perspective but
also to the diversity of entities that participate
in Internet governance.
An example of such balance beyond
markets is IP allocations. Internet Addresses are a
key resource for Internet Access and the allocation
of these resources has evolved from a centralized to
a regionalized approach, based on the needs of a
growing system. An interesting article from the
Internet Society describes how this fine balance
works between distribution and centralization. (1)
Although initially centralized,
the processes of policy formation and resource
distribution have more recently been devolved to
regional organizations. In addition, technology
evolution has been embraced. IPv4 allocations have
successfully evolved to meet the needs of the global
community and IPv6 allocations, starting from a
clean slate, are now able to leverage this
successful global platform… Decentralization is not
an end in itself however, and experience shows us
that a careful balance and coordination are needed
to ensure that the over-riding objectives of
aggregation, conservation and registration continue
to be met.
COMPONENTS’ INTERACTION
Central to the ecosystem concept
is the idea that components interact with each
other. From a technological perspective, this is
achieved through standard protocols. The current
Internet standards and how they are produced, are
also examples of the required balance, and they have
been the seed for the technological evolution of the
Internet. Other networks existed before the Internet
and some are still used now. But those other methods
of networking shared a common limitation. Because
they were built to proprietary standards, they were
only available on certain products. Implementation
was subject to commercial restrictions and
development was dictated by closed, top-down
decision making.
Standard protocols are required
for interconnection and network interconnections are
the fundamental building blocks of the Internet, as
explained in the Interconnection Briefing paper (2).
The Internet grew from a need to collaborate and
cooperate, so open standards have been developed
through open processes, where all those with an
interest can participate. And, anybody who wants to
apply these standards can do so without having to
seek permissions.
Nothing is mandatory and, indeed,
there has been no central authority to enforce any
mandates. Operational responsibilities are
distributed, and decisions are developed by open and
documented processes of consensus where the complete
ecosystem comes into being. In short, the techniques
and standards that prove to be useful on the
Internet flourish, without mandating the use of
those that are less relevant or outdated.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
As in any ecosystem, on the
Internet, every component is vitally interlinked to
the health and sustainability of the whole. This
environment is enhanced when more components are
present and more interactions are enabled.
Government policy and regulation should aim to
create additional choices and opportunities for
service providers, vendors, software developers,
users, and other components of the ecosystem.
In order to promote Internet
access development in the context of these
realities, we have to remove barriers, thereby
creating more competitive opportunities. Governments
further need to proactively assess whether current
regulatory approaches create an environment for
innovation and continuing adaptation to new services
and needs. Indeed, the Internet has flourished where
rules have been more general and permissive in
nature, rather than narrow and restrictive.
ROBUST MULTISTAKEHOLDER
PROCESSES
In terms of Internet Access, each
country has its own unique conditions and
challenges. They have their own access ecosystem.
Effective policy and regulation to promote access
won't come from simply importing approaches from one
country to another. Open opportunities for dialogue
between government, industry, civil society, and
others, generate the information and partnerships
needed to address local access challenges and
opportunities and craft the required solutions
responsive to local needs and conditions. Robust
multi-stakeholder consultations are necessary tools
in crafting effective local responses and the
confidence needed for investment.
Regular and open engagement with
stakeholders is a sign of wisdom and not weakness.
It establishes the confidence and credibility in
regulatory processes needed to propel growth in
access networks and services.
MONITORING AND FEEDBACK
If we want this evolution to
continue, we need to constantly monitor the
effectiveness of government actions and the
regulatory environment. We have to evaluate them
against the objective of providing an open and
flexible environment that supports innovation and
growth for the benefit of all components.
Even though the Internet Model of
development has produced one of the most
extraordinary periods of technological development,
innovation, and creativity in human history, this
model has to be supported, accompanied, and promoted
with local and regional actions.
INTERNET MODEL OF DEVELOPMENT
The early pioneers of the
Internet were creating new technologies. But just as
importantly, they were creating a new way of
working. A new means of development. We call this
the Internet Model of development. Within this model
thrives a diverse ecosystem of stakeholders, with
different roles, different expectations, different
interests, but united by a common need for a global,
trustable, accessible Internet.
Today, one-fifth of the world's
population can barely imagine how life ever
functioned without Internet access, but for the rest
of the world, the Internet effectively does not yet
exist. This is what drives the Internet Society. For
we hold a strong belief that the Internet can help
improve the lives of people everywhere.
The Internet has created a fast
moving industry - with technology, applications,
business models, and market landscapes changing
rapidly. We have to keep changing, growing and
evolving the ecosystem, preserving the original core
values in order to reach those not yet online.
Internet Society
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