ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that one possible strategy for mitigation-oriented policy is to encourage the introduction of third party, value-added service providers. Given the long-term trends of network evolution toward unbundled services and the growth of value-added information services, public policymakers might even consider ways to encourage the participation of third party service providers or seek to lure new entrants into the field to promote innovation. The important role played by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association Wireless E9-1-1 Working Group suggests that innovation in this kind of industry-directed forum may favour conservative problem-solving at the expense of permitting new entrants or high concept ideas that challenge current practices. In light of mitigation-oriented policy research, Mansell’s views suggest that an important area of study is that pertaining to innovation in network management and value-added services. One approach for mitigation strategies is to stimulate experimentation and testing of new services to support, for instance, business continuity planning and emergency response operations.
