1	Should Internet Access be controlled? Veni Markovski veni@veni.com Global Internet Policy Initiative country: Bulgaria www.internetpolicy.net
2	Why Bulgaria? Country in transition Same experience like many countries here Have long Internet history (since 1989) Key years in rapid growth of Internet services: 1999 – case at Supreme Administrative Court 2001 – legalization of VoIP 2003 – new Telecommunications Act
3	What if... ...there is control? Licenses and Regulation causes corruption and sometimes abuse by the police Content control Internet access becomes expensive and not affordable Number of users grows slowly No new business opportunities
4	What if... ... there is no control? ISPs flourish People have access to information Freedom of speech bridging the digital divide right to speak – on the Internet
5	What is the right road? Bulgaria could have continued to be part of the problem Private businesses ensure high-qualified jobs PPP Civil Society – friend, partner or enemy? Why is this question important?
6	The Special Needs of the Developing Countries - I Investment in Internet infrastructure Investment in people – education, literacy Help building Internet exchanges Modern telecommunications legal framework Competition? Niches Internet Society chapters: make a difference, speak out, public awareness
7	The Special Needs of the Developing Countries - II Governments – listen to the people Businesses – start thinking long-term Affordable Internet cheap computers free/open source software support creation of wi-fi and LAN networks native language content – support it E-government FINANCING IT
8	Thank you! veni@veni.com Web sites: www.foss.bg www.internetpolicy.net www.cybersecuritycooperation.org
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