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