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:

  • Communications Market and Economic Studies
  • Telecommunications Policy and Regulatory Advisory Support
  • Regulatory Institution Development and Training
  • Expert Testimony, Regulatory Intervention
  • Management Consulting, Strategic Planning

  • David N. Townsend & Associates: Projects

    Communications Market and Economic Studies

    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.


    David N. Townsend & Associates: Projects

    Telecommunications Policy and Regulation Advisory Support

     
    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.


    David N. Townsend & Associates: Projects

    Telecommunications Regulatory Institution Development, Training

     
    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.


    David N. Townsend & Associates: Projects

    Expert Testimony, Regulatory Intervention


    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.)


    David N. Townsend & Associates: Projects

    Management Consulting, Strategic Planning


    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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