DNTA
David N. Townsend & Associates
Communications Economics, Policy, Regulation
Projects:
David N. Townsend has been the principal Project Manager and/or lead consultant for
numerous consulting assignments involving the issues of telecommunications sector
restructuring, regulatory policy development, tariff analysis, and market research, in
many different countries and regions. Mr. Townsend conducted many of these projects in his
role as Vice President and Director of International Consulting for Economics and Technology, Inc.(ETI), until 1996, and
also through collaborations with other major consulting firms.
Note: The executive summary or other information from certain reports is available by
following the relevant link. Also, the hyper-links for many of the clients will connect
you directly to the home page of that organization, where copies of publically released
reports can often be obtained. Contact us with further
questions or to learn more about David N. Townsend & Associates services and projects.
Service categories:
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU):
Case Studies on International Settlements and the Changing Telecommunications Environment
(1997-98)
Two Case Studies: The Bahamas and Colombia.
- These Case Studies were commissioned by the ITU to contribute to the development of
policies and analysis of the changing status of international telephone service
settlements. The studies examined the status of telecommunications development in the
Bahamas and Colombia, and the contribution of international settlements payments,
especially from the United States, to the sector. They then provided statistical models
and analysis of the impact of a range of alternative scenarios for changing the structure
and level of the settlements system worldwide. Results of the studies were presented
at the Second World Telecommunication Policy Forum (WTPF) in Geneva, March 1998.
Eurodata Foundation:
"Telecommunications Competition Policy and Industry Development in the United
States," report for the multiclient study, "Is Competition Working?"
(1998).- Develop a report on the evolution of telecommunications industry competition and related
policies in the United States. Study examined introduction of long distance competition
and FCC implementation policies, as well as movement toward local service competition, and
outstanding policy and implementation issues. Included statistics on the status of
competition in various markets.
Costa Rica, Instituto
Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
Study of Telecommunications Market Structure and Policy Options (1996)- Conducted a comprehensive study of the economic conditions and market structure options
for transforming the Costa Rican telecommunications industry, including potential for
competition, introduction of new services, expansion of markets, and tariff reforms.
Developed forecast model of sector economic potential. Worked with integrated team of
Costa Rican industry experts. Presented recommendations for policy and structure options
to ICE, Ministry, and Regulatory officials.
Iowa Utilities Board:
Study of the Impact of the Iowa Communications Network (ICN)
upon the Iowa Telecommunications Industry (1995)- Conducted a study of the market and economic impact of the state-owned Iowa
Communications Network, an advanced fiber-optic interactive video network for educational
and government communication throughout the state. Researched demand and revenue effects
of the network's deployment and future plans. Presented a report for the state legislature
evaluating ICN's market impact and long-term prospects.
Independent Study Report:
"Communications and the Household Budget: Where will the Markets Be?" (1995)- Developed an analytical model and database of U.S. consumer spending patterns for
communications related services over a 10-year period. Analyzed shifting trends in
allocation of disposable income across different categories of expenditure, and among
different types of communication activities. Developed a report examining the likely
impact of changing consumer spending trends upon the market prospects for new and
competitive communications services.
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD):
"Tariff Comparisons in Competitive Markets: The United States Example" (1995)
"The Potential for Competition in the Market for Local Telephone Services"
(1993)- (1995) Study of tariff changes under competitive conditions, including discounts,
special offerings, trends, based upon the U.S. long distance market. Recommend
methodological approaches to modeling tariff comparisons under competitive conditions.
(1993) Study of the presence and potential for competitive provision of telecommunications
services in local exchange markets in the United States, and the policy issues that the
subject raises for OECD member countries.
Eurodata Foundation:
Consumer Telephone Services in the United States,
Multiclient Product and Pricing Study (1994)- Conducted a survey and analysis of new and specialized consumer telephone services in
the United States on behalf of Eurodata Foundation members (European PTTs). Studied
representative service options, prices, marketing, and availability. Presented a report
and lead group assessment of options and potential for new services in Europe.
The World Bank, Asia Technical Department:
Telecommunications Sector Reforms in Thailand (1993)- Conducted a study and presented a report on the telecommunications reform process in
Thailand, from 1987 to 1993. Assessed the history and structure of the industry, the
policy context of the reform process, and the specific steps taken to introduce private
capital and competition in the market. Reviewed performance of the reforms to date, and
identify further challenges. Presented report to the World Bank for inclusion in a
published report on telecommunications reforms in Asia.
Independent Research Study Report:
"El Precio del Teléfono: A Comparison of Prices for Telephone Services in Latin
America" (1992)- Developed an independent mechanism for comparing telecommunications tariffs across
different countries, initially in Latin America; constructed a database of tariff
information and calculations; expanded and updated the database on an ongoing basis;
maintained contact with regulatory and operator officials in numerous countries.
Hawaii State Legislative Auditor:
"Telecommunications in Hawaii: Policy, Economics, and the Changing Industry"
(1989)- Conducted a study of the telecommunications infrastructure and policy challenges in the
state of Hawaii, including issues of competition, economic development, and new services.
Interviewed all relevant companies and players; evaluated market data; studied regulatory
and legal precedents. Presented a report to the state legislature on prospects for
competition in several different markets, and policy options for promoting economic growth
in the state industry.
Michigan Divestiture Research Fund: "Industry Structure and Competition in
Telecommunications Markets, An Empirical Analysis" (1988)- Developed an industry structure computer model of the Michigan telecommunications
industry, and analyzed long-term competitive potential in various state markets.
Researched statewide investment, operating cost, and demand data, and constructed an
empirical model of the industry's local, long distance, and private line segments,
assessing the prospect for competition to develop in the absence of regulatory
restrictions. Presented a report detailing the analytical framework and model results
under various scenarios.
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC):
"Study of Selected Impacts of Competition in the U.S. Long Distance Telephone
Industry" (1988)- Undertook a study of the impacts of the introduction of competition in the U.S. long
distance markets as part of a Canadian Task Force examining telecommunications policy
reform options. Identified impacts upon carrier performance, service availability,
technology, costs, prices, and demand. Recommended potential industry structure for
Canadian telecommunications.
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- South Africa, Department of Communications:
Consultancy for Specialized Policy Advice and Technical Assistance (1997)
- Provided extensive, in-depth policy and strategic support to the South Africa Ministry
of Communications and its related agencies on the long-term development of the
telecommunications sector in the country. Project included 6-month on-site
assignment, international research, review of legislation, regulation, industry structure,
and economic and technical development. Advised in areas of infrastructure,
services, Distance Learning, Universal Service, industry growth, Government Information
Technology, other issues.
Tanzania Ministry of Communications and Transport:
Options for Telecommunications Sector Structure and Policy in Tanzania (1997)- Conducted an analysis of the current telecommunications sector structure in Tanzania,
including economic supply and demand conditions, market structure, operators, policy, and
regulation. Provided assistance to the Minister in evaluating medium and long term
options for evolution of the sector. Presented a report and presentation on sector
structure and policy options.
International Telecommunications Union (ITU):
Regulatory Colloquium No. VI, "Regulatory Implications of Convergence in the
Telecommunications Industry" (1996)- Conducted a study and prepared an in-depth Briefing Report on the impact of Convergence
in telecommunications upon regulatory objectives, practices, and organizations. The Report
covered the trends of converging telephone, broadcasting, cable TV, wireless, and Internet
technologies, among others, and raised a wide range of general and specific policy and
implementation questions concerning the changing role of regulation due to these industry
trends. Mr. Townsend also participated in the Colloquium meetings in Geneva (December
1996) and helped prepare the Chairman's Report for the Sixth Colloquium.
Côte d'Ivoire, Agence des Télécommunications (ATCI):
Study of the Tarification of Interconnection Services (1996-1997)- Prepared a study of interconnection policy and tariff options for the regulatory agency
of the Côte d'Ivoire. The study included discussion of general methods and theories of
interconnection in telecommunications, between competing carriers as well as between the
public network and specialized carriers such as cellular operators. It also included a
general survey of interconnection techniques and tariffs in other countries around the
world. Finally, the project addressed the specific proposals and options for
interconnection tariffs in Côte d'Ivoire between the national telephone company
(CI-TELCOM) and three authorized cellular operators.
Costa Rica, Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad
(ICE):
Study of Telecommunications Market Structure and Policy Options in Costa Rica (1996)- Conducted a comprehensive study of the economic conditions and market structure options
for transforming the Costa Rican telecommunications industry, including potential for
competition, introduction of new services, expansion of markets, and tariff reforms.
Developed forecast model of sector economic potential. Worked with integrated team of
Costa Rican industry experts. Presented recommendations for policy and structure options
to ICE, Ministry, and Regulatory officials.
Estados Unidos de México, Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Desarrollo Tecnológico
(SCDT):
Strategic Development for the Mexican Telecommunications Sector (1993-1994)- Helped produce a strategic development plan for the telecommunications sector in Mexico;
assessed and analyzed the regulatory situation of Mexican telecommunications; diagnosed
the organizational capacity of the SCDT. Developed and produced regulatory options for
development of the sector in face of the prospects of opening markets to competitive
entry; generated organizational alternatives for strengthening the regulatory capacity of
SCDT. Provided expert assistance and training on various policy and regulatory issues,
such as competition and interconnection.
People's Republic of China, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications:
Policy Advice and Management Support and Training project (1994)- Assisted the Ministry's restructuring of its institutional and regulatory framework to
improve the arrangements for delivery of non-basic telecommunications services in a
multiple provider environment. Advised the Ministry on international experiences with
sector restructuring and policy/regulatory reforms; reviewed the Ministry's existing laws
and policies concerning non-basic services; conducted a series of presentations and
workshops on regulatory issues for the national and provincial-level authorities of the
Ministry.
State of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Communications:
Telecommunications Master Plan (1994)- Assisted in developing a comprehensive Master Plan for the development of the
telecommunications sector in the State of Turkmenistan; provided a plan for the evolution
of the national network, market, and policy and regulatory structures; made presentations
for training and feedback purposes concerning the structure, policy, and regulatory
options, and the role of telecommunications sector reform in national economic
development.
The World Bank:
Case Study of Telecommunications Organizational and Regulatory Structures in Finland
(1992)- Assisted in the preparation and review of a comprehensive study of the
telecommunications industry organization of Finland. Assisted in developing the scope and
focus of the study, the structure of the report, and the issues to be addressed.
Participated in developing the analysis of Finnish regulatory structures and policies;
made a Seminar presentation on regulatory issues.
People's Republic of China, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications:
China Telecommunications Sector Seminar, Theory and Practice of Tariff Setting (1992)- Participated in the first Telecommunications Sector Seminar in China, organized by the
World Bank; offered a presentation on the theory and practice of setting
telecommunications tariffs; moderated discussion on these issues among attending Ministry
representatives.
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- Costa Rica, Department of Radio Control; InterAmerican Development Bank:
Technical Support for Modernization of Frequency Regulation and Institutional Reform
(1998).
- Provided assistance to the agency responsible for radio spectrum management in Costa
Rica in the development of proposed reform and institutional strengthening measures.
Studied the policy environment in Costa Rica with respect to radio communication
services and technologies. Developed recommendations for revised policies and
regulations in the context of overall telecommunications sector reform.
People's Republic of China, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications:
Policy Advice and Management Support and Training project (1994)- Assisted the Ministry's restructuring of its institutional and regulatory framework to
improve the arrangements for delivery of non-basic telecommunications services in a
multiple provider environment. Advised the Ministry on international experiences with
sector restructuring and policy/regulatory reforms; reviewed the Ministry's existing laws
and policies concerning non-basic services; conducted a series of presentations and
workshops on regulatory issues for the national and provincial-level authorities of the
Ministry. Arranged U.S. informational visits with state and federal regulators for
Ministry officials.
The Philippines, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC):
Strengthening the Regulatory Capacity of the NTC (1993-1994)- Provided several forms of assistance to the NTC to help increase its capabilities to
implement government policies relating to the regulation of telecommunications common
carriers. Developed regulatory software tools; assisted with refining carrier reporting
requirements; provided training of Commission staff in the techniques of regulatory
analysis; advised and assisted in addressing substantive policy implementation issues.
Estados Unidos de México, Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT):
Strengthening of the Regulatory Capacity of the SCT (1990-1991)- Assisted in the comprehensive evaluation and reorganization of the regulatory capacity
of the SCT in the wake of the privatization of Telefonos de Mexico (Telmex). Reviewed and
analyzed SCT structure and operations; developed specific recommendations regarding
organizational form, detailed functional requirements, and internal procedures for the
agency; created an implementation plan, initial training programs; helped design
regulatory support analytical software tools.
Texas Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPC):
Regulatory Advisory and Expert Testimony Support (1987 to present)- Mr. Townsend has served as advisor and expert witness to the Texas OPC for nearly a
decade. This role, in association with the consulting firm Economics and Technology, Inc.,
has included advising the OPC on regulatory intervention in more than two dozen
telecommunications policy proceedings before the Texas Public Utility Commission. Mr.
Townsend's analysis has covered the costs and revenues of Southwestern Bell Telephone,
pricing and regulation of new service introductions, infrastructure development, ISDN
services, and competition policy, among other issues. He has reviewed numerous cost and
demand studies, developed official OPC comments and filings, and presented expert
testimony in a variety of different proceedings. (See
testimony list.)
Various public and private industry clients:
Expert testimony on market structure, competition, tariff, and service issues- Mr. Townsend has also testified on behalf of numerous other public and private industry
clients in regulatory proceedings in the U.S. and Canada. He has presented expert analysis
of local exchange service costs, competitive market conditions, infrastructure and service
development, pole attachment pricing, and other issues. (See
testimony list.)
Canadian Cable Television Association (CCTA):
Economic Model and Strategic Analysis of the Evolution of the Canadian Cable TV Industry
(1995)- Developed a complete market evolution economic model of the strategic options for
evolution of the Canadian cable TV industry as part of a comprehensive review by the CCTA
of industry development. The model included investment and operating costs, demand
projections, and service options in the areas of Video-on-Demand, Telephony, and Internet
services over a 10-year planning horizon, and provided interactive capabilities for
adjusting assumptions and scenarios. The accompanying report analyzed industry
alternatives for expanding into new service areas.
A private telecommunications manufacturer:
Economic model of cable TV-based Internet services (1995)
Developed an economic model of the costs of cable TV company entry into the Internet
services market, including network investments, operating and marketing costs, and all
related equipment and system upgrade requirements. Presented cost assumptions to client
for its internal strategic planning.
Hungary, Hungarian Telecommunications
Company (HTC):
Development of HTC Strategic Plan (1992-1993)- Supported the HTC in the development of strategic planning in anticipation of possible
market changes; assessed the economic environment in which HTC operates. Analyzed the cost
structure of the company's telephone services; reviewed telephone service demand trends;
developed principles of cost allocation and tariff rebalancing; analyzed the legal and
regulatory environment.
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