The development of broadband markets, efficient and innovative supply arrangements,
and the effective use of broadband services, require policies that: promote
competition and liberalisation in infrastructure; network services and applications
across different technological platforms; encourage investment in new technological
infrastructure, content and applications; and promote technological neutrality
among competing and developing technologies to encourage interoperability and
innovation, and to expand choice. Extended public financial assistance to cover
under-serviced groups and remote areas could complement private investment
where appropriate (OECD, 2004). SMEs can also be encouraged to go online by
providing them with regulatory infrastructure that ensures trust, security, privacy
and consumer protection. This should be strengthened by cross-border co-operation
amongst all stakeholders to achieve these goals. Of particular relevance for smallsized
enterprises are low-cost online dispute resolution mechanisms between firms,
and between firms and consumers.