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5.3.5.3 Numbering and addressing resources Internet access or broadband. The quality of
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service on a wireless connection will depend on Chapter 5
Every mobile device connected to the Internet other uses of the same access network and the
requires a unique “IP address” to route data backhaul capacity from the relevant base station to
packets globally across the web. The current the core network. The need to uphold high quality
addressing system, called IP version 4 (IPv4), of service is critical in order to achieve seamless
was deployed on 1 January 1983 and uses 32 connectivity and optimal traffic management.
digital bits to represent addresses, generating
a theoretical total limit of 4.3 billion addresses. 5.3.6.2 Compliance and Enforcement
Given the significant growth of connections,
numbering ranges will soon be in short supply, The success of regulatory initiatives depends
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requiring the transition to IPv6. Regulators entirely on achieving compliance thresholds
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must anticipate the needs for huge quantities for various regulatory parameters: quality of
of numbering and addressing resources with service, type approval, licensing, network rollout
the advent of the digital age, and provide those obligations, competition, consumer protection,
resources in advance.
etc. The planning, compliance, monitoring and
enforcement functions, therefore, constitute
critical success drivers within the digital ecosystem.
5.3.6 Protecting the Consumer

The explosion of mobile services and apps has 5.3.6.3 Promoting choice
created tremendous choices for consumers,
who can now use services from a variety of Regulators have at their disposal certain
providers. These changes have come in the wake mechanisms – both old and new – to employ
of disruption of the old regulatory constructs, in order to promote consumer choice and
creating a complex landscape for the consumer competition. Consumers’ ability to choose one
to maneuver through. Regulators have a service provider over and to transition effectively
responsibility to create consumer awareness is a hallmark of consumer enablement. Earlier
and act as custodians for the consumer, ensuring consumer-protection efforts tended to focus
compliance with regulatory standards such as on providing adequate information on service
quality of service. descriptions, prices and complaint mechanisms.
The digital ecosystem presents new opportunities
and, alongside them, significant threats.
5.3.6.1 Quality of service
New concerns have arisen on the asymmetry of
Consumers are continually seeking enhanced information between those who hold data and
user experiences online. High broadband upload those who unintentionally or inadvertently supply
rates facilitate a collaborative online environment it. It is therefore imperative for a consumer to be
by encouraging user contributions, while high well aware of privacy and data protection concerns
download rates enhance the accessibility of arising from the treatment and management
content. High bit-transfer rates enable interactive of consumer information. Consumers are key
functions such as real-time feedback and video stakeholders, and they usually are open to the
calling. Some services like telemedicine and benefits of innovation. They can be useful
e-learning require access at up to 100 Mbit/s, in upholding performance within the digital
while standard applications such as email and web ecosystem if they are aware of their rights and
browsing can function with speeds as low as 0.5 obligations, as well as those of other pertinent
Mbit/s. parties.

Evolving consumer needs demand higher speeds
and reliable quality of service in order to ensure 5.3.6.4 Dealing with lock-in arrangements
the secure transmission of sensitive data, such
as for m–banking and m-health services, across Today, regulators need to respond to situations
networks and borders. The rise in consumer needs in which service providers may try to lock in
is prompting the re-definition of public policy goals customers by imposing long-term contracts with
for universal service from basic voice to include their customers, forcing them to pay termination

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