3.5 Other Parties to be Involved in the NIG
The central party in making the NIG work is the NIG operator company
itself with its technology and human assets. Its roles are as those
described in The NIG Concept chapter.
In the future however, if the NIG is implemented, various other local parties will also be involved in their daily operations, each having a contributing role in delivering information through the NIG operator’s assets. The co-operation of all parties is essential to the success of the NIG and it will also provide profit-making opportunities for those from the private sector.
The Government: To provide the initial leadership and guidelines for implementing the NIG and to offer their services through the NIG as well.
Telecommunications Companies: To provide the reach and range of information delivery to the users, through the “channels and highways” of telecommunications. Telcos will also be providing users with delivery mechanisms like touch-tone telephone set (for the present), and data- or video-phones (in the future).
Computer and Electronics Companies: To provide components such as computers and related hardware are needed by users as delivery mechanisms, and as information storage and processing equipment, telecommunications equipment and delivery mechanisms such as touch-tone, data and video phones, fax machines, television sets and Interactive TV equipment in the future, for the other parties.
Broadcast and Cable TV Operators: To provide the range and reach of information delivery through radio waves, satellite communications, land-based cables, or combinations of these, as additional information transportation networks for the NIG. With the introduction of Interactive TV, these networks will also enable two-way information flow.
E-mail and Information Service Companies: To provide user-to-user information exchange capability such as electronic-mail (e-mail), electronic bulletin-board capabilities, electronic forums for special interest groups (SIGs) and access to information databases within their service scope.
Publishers and News Agencies: Providers of reference material, electronic versions of paper-based publications and multimedia material, on-line archived material e.g. news articles and reports, laws, policies, announcements, etc.
Educational Institutions and Medical Sector: To provide reference and educational material, remote conferencing, lecturing, guidance and consultancy, and other related programmes, through the use of video-conferencing and multimedia.
Other Information Providers: To provide and make available databases and information within their scope of business or activities, as a commercial or public service.