Information: Framland
The Framish information sector is modern and well‐funded. Framish people avidly read print media; there are numerous publications, both dailies and weeklies throughout the country. Television is primarily satellite based except in the cities. International channels are readily available. Free speech is not only tolerated but encouraged. However, it is generally moderate in tone.
Extremist rhetoric exists, but many private providers refuse to carry it (newspapers won’t print it or allow it to be advertised, same will be with radio and television stations). The Framish freedom of expression is liberal, but that expression is not mandated. The media are allowed to exercise their own editorial judgement. There is no dominant private media organization in Framland although Torrike MediaCorp is a minor provider.
Framland has a modern digital system using cable and microwave radio relay. The system is privatized but dominated by a former state monopoly operator. Broadband internet is readily available in larger municipalities, but has been slow to penetrate rural markets. The government is slowly pushing broadband out from the cities in conjunction with increased computer education in the schools. Cellular networks are growing rapidly through free enterprise and some expect smart phones to leapfrog computer usage in accessing on‐line information, surpassing the government’s efforts to extend broadband.
Framland is a beneficiary of the global information market rather than a provider. It has a good reputation and often facilitates dialogue. It sets an example in the way it respects journalists, news media and protects them from judicial abuse.
Satellite Telecommunications
Framland relies on third party satellite services, leasing commercial Ku-band transponders from larger, more developed countries. This capability may also be used to support government and military operations. Framland continues to modernize its information capabilities and would eventually like to have its own independent space program designed to augment economic and commerce functions of the country.
Framland does not have its own navigation satellites and utilizes third-party navigation satellites primarily to support government and military operations, but also uses off the shelf commercial GPS receivers for navigation support.
Public Communications Media
Media regulation in Framland is performed in accordance with the Western principle of freedom of speech. Legislation is used only to set the outer limits of the freedom of speech. The responsibility for supervising media content rests with the mass media itself. Self‐regulation reinforces the independence of the mass media and emphasizes freedom of speech and freedom of publication. Self‐regulation refers to the voluntary cooperation of businesses in the sector aimed at preventing harmful and unlawful activity. Supervision of this self‐regulation is also carried out by the sector itself and is based on the various contracts and standards of those involved. The authorities only intervene in criminal cases. Alongside self‐regulation, it is necessary to provide security through legislation in order to ensure trust and confidence. Legislation provides the basic level of security that affords protection in the event of criminal cases and situations that are contractually or financially problematic. Self‐regulation is also appropriate for newly developing markets before any legislation in the sector is introduced.
The Internet has cast new light on a long‐running debate about the politics of journalism: when there are so many sources, does political objectivity become less important? News becomes more social, participatory, diverse and partisan, it is in many ways returning to the more chaotic, freewheeling and politically charged environment of the era before the emergence of mass media in the 19th century.
Network Licenses. Mobile communications operations, television and radio operations require network licenses issued by the government. Networks that require a license for public telecommunications include second‐generation Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) mobile networks, third‐generation Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile networks and national networks for wireless broadband. In television operations, a license is required for terrestrial digital transmissions, but not for cable or satellite‐relayed television operations. The licenses may include requirements related to the length of the license period, the geographical area and the quality of the network or service. Licenses are issued for short‐ term television and radio broadcasting, as well as mobile television operations. A radio license is issued for other uses of radio frequencies. Most frequencies, however, are shared frequencies that do not require a license.
Program Licenses. The Government programs do not require an operating license for television broadcasting on frequencies that have been allocated to it by the government. Other operators must apply for program licenses from the government. Television operation licenses concern the antenna network. Radio operation licenses are issued to local and regional radio services and for special radio broadcasting purposes. Special radio broadcasting operates across a broader area than regional radio, and this area is defined separately in the operating license.
Communications Market
The wireless telecommunications sector plays an important role in the Framish economy. Over 30,000 people are directly employed in the sector and at a conservative estimate, the economic contribution of the radio sector in 2006 amounts to approximately USD3 billion. This is equivalent to 1.67% of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for that year.
The process of allocating frequencies to radio services and the regulatory framework are largely determined by external factors such as public policy, legislation and international agreements or regulations. Public policy goals play a significant role in determining spectrum management priorities. Technical efficiencies may have to be compromised in order to safeguard the provision of certain public services such as safety, defense and public broadcasting services. Technical and economic efficiencies may also be constrained by international obligations related to spectrum use, especially restrictions on the amount of power that can be exported across national borders.
In preparing this strategy the ComReg, an independent body under the MENCR, has identified six key drivers. These are:
1. The demand by wireless consumers for all their business and entertainment requirements to reach them on one single device in any location.
2. Innovation demands for suitable spectrum in order to establish new wireless electronic communication services.
3. The imminent establishment of new government services (emergency and public safety networks) is driving demand for unused spectrum.
4. To harmonize Framish radio spectrum with European and international spectrum allocations to accrue the benefits of alignment with larger market economies.
5. Significant changes are expected in the European regulatory framework for electronic communications affecting the legal and regulatory environment in which ComReg operates.
6. To harmonize in line with European initiatives, Framland is employing Intelligent Transport Systems which will require appropriate spectrum and a licensing framework in the near future.
Internet
The latest figures indicate that broadband in Framland is nearly at 1.3 million households, an increase of almost 300,000 in the past year. It is estimated that approximately 61% of households have broadband access. Broadband is now delivered over multiple networks including fixed line, fiber, cable, fixed wireless, satellite and mobile with around 40 service providers in the market. A choice of speeds is now available, ranging from one Megabyte-per-second (Mbps) for residential customers up to 100 Mbps for high‐end commercial users and Gigabit (Gbit) capacity is available to large business users, who require unrestricted capacity. ComReg data shows that 69% of business subscriptions and 66% of residential subscriptions are in the 2 ‐9.99 Mbps range. This compares with 67.6% of business subscriptions and 47.5% of residential subscriptions in the same range this time last year. Higher speeds, up to 50 Mbps, are also available to residential and SME customers in urban areas.
In Framland today, consumers spend on average 13 hours a week on the internet. There are marked differences in which internet‐ based services are used most heavily by consumers in different age groups. There are approximately 40 companies providing broadband over a variety of platforms. 65% of broadband subscriptions are in the 2‐10Mbps category. A further 25% of broadband subscriptions are for products with download speeds of 10Mbps or higher. Mobile broadband subscriptions have been the biggest net broadband contributor in the recent years. However, it is notable that cable subscribers now account for over 10% of the broadband total. Framland’s fixed broadband population penetration rate currently stands at 22.4%. When mobile broadband is included, broadband population penetration rate stands at 33.9%. An estimated 61% of households in Framland have a fixed broadband subscription. There are an estimated 1,300 Wi‐Fi hotspots throughout the country in such places as airports, hotels, cafes and restaurants.
There are 1.205 million internet hosts and 2.383 million internet users. Despite the current economic climate, investments are being made in upgrading core networks which will benefit all Next Generation Broadband (NGB) technologies. There have also been recent announcements of investments which will offer speeds of over 100 Mbps within the next five years. The Government stated that the availability of NGB networks will underpin a transformation in the following areas:
- Economic Development. Information and communication techniques (ICT) is a critical determinant in Framland’s transition to a knowledge economy with an increased reliance on services traded over digital networks;
- Sustainability. ICT will advance sustainable development by encouraging distance working and the delivery of health and other local services to remote locations electronically;
- Social Inclusion. Universal access to broadband presents an unprecedented opportunity to foster a more participatory, cohesive society. It gives hitherto geographically dispersed communities and social groups the means of greater interaction and collaboration. The provision of services to disadvantaged and remote communities is vital in this regard to prevent a ‘digital divide’ between different sections of our society;
- Education. The creativity and skills that are a prerequisite of a knowledge economy can also be fostered through the creation of a world‐class e‐education system;
- Public Services. Digital applications will deliver more effective and efficient public services to every region and sector in society. More sophisticated online applications can be used to engage with Government clients such as those that experience difficulty interacting using more traditional methods;
- R&D. More collaborative models of engagement across a range of research topics will drive the Internet economy; and,
- Products and Services. It is envisaged that NGB services will include high‐quality video streaming. This will enable visual networking for more effective remote working, advanced e-commerce and remote access to powerful computing (cloud computing). It will also facilitate remote healthcare, education and entertainment.
Security. Work commenced in spring 2004 on this initiative towards improving the awareness of risks arising from increased use of IT in everyday life. The first National Security Day was on November 17th 2004, with Press Campaigns highlighting the common IT security risks of hackers, viruses, phishing and modem hijacking. The campaign was conducted by a coalition of public and private sector organizations including the Ministry of Communication, Energy and Natural Resources (MCENR). The following year, the second National IT Security awareness campaign ‘MakeITsecure 2005’ was run by the MCENR in partnership with a larger number of private companies and representative organizations. The key themes of the ‘MakeITsecure 2005’ campaign were; spyware, ID theft, phishing, and child safety online. In late 2006 work began on a further wave of the campaign, with the an updated focus including risks associated with Social Networking sites as well as the themes from earlier campaigns of phishing, identity theft and security basics. This third campaign was launched on February 11th 2008. International corporations assist in enhancing the range and quality of the soft and hardware allowing for greater accessibility and self‐regulation.
Social media. Thanks to the rise of social media, news is no longer gathered exclusively by reporters and turned into a story, but emerges from an ecosystem in which journalists, sources, readers and viewers exchange information. The change began around 1999, when blogging tools first became widely available. The result was the shift of the tools of production to the people formerly known as the audience. This was followed by a further shift: the rise of “horizontal media” that made it quick and easy for anyone to share links with large numbers of people without the involvement of a traditional media organization. News organizations are already abandoning attempts to be first to break news, focusing instead on being the best at verifying and curating it. But like other aspects of journalism, this role is now open to anyone. The role of journalists in this new world is to add value to the conversation by providing reporting, context, analysis, verification and debunking, and by making available tools and platforms that allow people to participate. All this requires journalists to admit that they do not have a monopoly on wisdom.
All popular social media platforms are utilized within Framland.
Television
There are four television stations with 112 repeaters, one of which is already digital. Framland announced that it completed conversion to casting all television signals digitally in 2012; analog broadcasts via cable networks was until 2014. Media ownership includes Framland TV (FTV), FM Independent, FM Today, and Independent Media. Framland TV (FTV) is financed by license and advertising. It provides four national radio programs and four terrestrial TV programs. It has independent editorial rights.
Framland has four national (public) terrestrial channels owned by FTV. The details are:
- FTV One has various political and current affairs programs, such as Prime Time and The Frontline, as well as chat shows, such as The Late Late Show and The Saturday Night Show.
- FTV Two focuses on sport and imported programs, along with its youth strands FTVjr, TFTV and Two Tube.
- TV3 (and sister channel 3e) (Entertainment).
- TV4 (current affairs and documentaries). FTV is the country's public service broadcaster, with FTV News being the most popular news source among the public. FTV News Now is a free‐to‐air 24‐hour television news service also available online and on mobile phones. Subscription to multi‐channel networks, such as Sky, allows for hundreds of available channels.
TV is presently undergoing a transition from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting. This is probably the biggest change in TV since the transition from black and white television to color.
Radio
Framland broadcasts four public nationwide radio stations (FTV) and two independent national radio stations. There are four independent regional stations which aim for a younger audience. There are 25 local radio stations. Some regions are covered by only one station, but Freja has several. There are also many licensed community radio stations operating on a non‐commercial basis.
| National | Owners | Regional | Owners |
| FTV Radio 1 (Modern) | FTV | i102‐104FM | FM Independent |
| FTV 2fm (Classical/Blues/Jazz) | FTV | i105‐107FM | FM Independent |
| FTV lyric fm (Modern) | FTV | MusicAll 102‐103 | FM Today |
| FTV Radio 3 (Current Affairs) | FTV | FramRad | Independent Media |
| Today FM (Modern) | FM Today | ||
| Newstalk (Current Affairs) | Independent Media | ||
FM Independent is an Independent small media station that provides national and local radio services.
FM Today is an Independent small media station that provides national and local radio services.
Independent Media is an independent small media station that provides national and local radio services and print news.
Print Media
There are five national dailies and a number of daily county papers including the Framish Independent, The Framish Examiner, The Framish Times, Framish Daily Star, and the Evening Herald. Sunday newspaper includes the Sunday Independent, The Weekend Tribune, The Sunday Business Post, Framland on Sunday and the Sunday World. There are also numerous local and regionally based newspapers.
Framland News Media owns the Framish Independent, The Framish Examiner and the Sunday Independent. These follow a more liberal forum. These papers are mostly sold by subscription but available at retail outlets. They are in tabloid format.
News National owns The Framish Times, The Sunday Business Post and Framland on Sunday. These are conservative traditional papers supporting the Framland traditions. These papers are mostly sold by subscription but available at retail outlets. They are in tabloid format.
Independent Media owns The Evening Herald. This is sold through retail outlets after 10am daily, there is no subscription and is always in tabloid format.
Framish Daily Star and the Sunday World are run by a family business. This is very traditional and has little international news, concentrating on regional issues and has a strong traditional religious editorial style. These papers are mostly sold by subscription but available at retail outlets. They are in tabloid format.
The Weekend Tribune, formerly the Sunday Tribune, is a socialist paper supported by the trade union and socialist movement. This is sold in retail outlets and by volunteers on Fridays and Saturdays. This is in tabloid format.
Telephone
There are 1.01 million main telephone lines and 2.22 million mobile telephones in use. Framland has submarine cables providing links to Estonia and Bothnia. There are satellite earth stations that provide access to Intelsat transmission service via a Torrikan satellite earth station. There is also an Inmarsat that Framland shares with the Baltic States.
The Framish communications market is characterized by rapidly increasing data traffic. The growth in the total number of computers and third‐generation mobile phones is reflected in the total number of broadband connections. The number of mobile connections has reached saturation point, and the number of traditional land line calls has decreased dramatically. There are 2.22 million mobile telephones in use.
Postal/Courier
Postal services have long been recognized as essential to the smooth functioning of the economy and society as a whole. This is reflected in the universal service obligation and other such safeguards for the interests of users.
E‐commerce and e‐ government generate a significant demand for postal services in fulfilment of the very transactions initiated electronically, e.g. delivery of goods purchased over the internet, renewal of motor tax on line. Research also suggests that promotion of goods and services on the internet is more successful if complemented by Direct Mail, rather than used as a single media. Not only is there convergence between electronic and physical communications, but their continuing development seems to go hand-in-glove.
The traditional competencies of postal operators were in sorting and delivery. Developments in the ICT sector now make it more efficient in many instances for the customer to undertake sorting as part of mail preparation rather than to pay a postal operator to do it. The business model of most new entrants to the postal sector takes account of this change. Door-to-door delivery of letters and direct mail items will continue for the foreseeable future but new ways of delivering more valuable items, such as goods ordered over the Internet, or legal documents requiring proof of delivery are already emerging. Kiosks accessible 24/7 and collection points at gasoline stations / convenience stores with delivery advice by email or Short Message Service (SMS) are just some of the options currently in use around the world.
Word of Mouth
Word-of-mouth is an important communications medium, especially in rural Framland. With mobile technology gradually reaching rural areas, younger generations will likely displace word-of-mouth with social media services; as mobile subscriber numbers grow, traditional word-of-mouth channels typically becomes less prevalent.
Information Control
Framland’s core communication policy is to contribute to sustained macro‐economic growth and competitiveness and ensure that Framland is best placed to avail of the emerging opportunities provided by the information and knowledge society, by promoting investment in state of the art infrastructures, by providing a supportive legislative and regulatory environment and by developing a leading edge research and development reputation in the information, communications and digital technologies.
Agencies. Information security policy is drafted by the MCENR before being legislated through the parliament. It refers to the administrative and technical measures that are designed to ensure the confidentiality and integrity and privacy protection of information and the usability of systems. The MCENR is responsible for legislation and strategy development concerning information security in communications networks. Information Security falls under the provisions of the State Classification Law, which defines roles and responsibilities of various state agencies with regards to information security including classification, handling, archiving of information, data ownership, definition of security levels and control. The law envisages a special regulatory body to act as a national authority for information security.
The Communications sector within the MCENR is divided into five divisions, namely the Business and Technology Division, the Communications Development and Electronic Commerce Division, Communications Policy Division, Knowledge Society Division and Postal Division. Each division has its own separate objectives and responsibilities, which enables the Ministry to continue to play a proactive role in the development of Framland as a globally competitive information and knowledge society.
The key role of the Communications Development and Electronic Commerce Division is the development of effective policies for the regulation of the electronic communications sector and management of the radio frequency spectrum. Responsibility for the implementation of policies rests with the ComReg.
The Knowledge Society Division’s role is stated as: “The Knowledge Society Division has two key areas of focus – the formulation of a new national policy and Action Plan to further advance the development of the knowledge society in Framland, and, to promote e‐Inclusion to maximize the number of people participating in and benefiting from the knowledge society in Framland.”
The Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a network of ducting and fiber-optic cable laid within a metropolitan area which can be used by a variety of businesses and organizations to provide services including but not limited to telecoms, Internet access, television, telematics and closed circuit television. The MANs are publicly owned, while allowing all telecommunication operators open access to the networks. They are fiber‐based and technology neutral resilient networks, which will ensure adequate capacity for generations to come. To date, 10 MANs were completed under Phase 1 of the program and 15 MANs have been completed under Phase 2 of the program. One further MAN is currently under construction.
Regulatory System. ComReg is the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) responsible for the regulation of the electronic communications sector (telecommunications, radio communications and broadcasting transmission) in Framland. In carrying out its role in relation to radio spectrum management ComReg must, among other things:
- Ensure that measures taken are proportionate in ensuring the efficient management and use of the radio spectrum.
- Have regard to international developments with regard to the radio frequency spectrum.
INFOWAR
INFOWAR in the region contains a mixture of old and new technology. While older Donovian equipment forms the backbone for much of the region’s INFOWAR warfighting capability, the countries conduct advanced operations with dedicated INFOWAR units. Internet operations are frequently used as an adjunct to major combat operations. Most countries in the region focus their INFOWAR on their likely adversaries.
Electronic Warfare
Framland operates outdated equipment, such as counter-battery and battlefield surveillance radars. Also, Framland’s jammers are likely relics obtained from Donovia in the 1990’s. The possibility exists, however, that Framland’s relations with European countries and Torrike could result in newer critical equipment procurement in the future.
Computer Attack
Framland currently does not have a cyber-attack capability, but has been looking to develop this capability due to the increasing threat from countries in the region and worldwide. The use of third-party hackers is an option Framland could utilize while remaining anonymous. Additionally, Framland is looking to increase their current cyber defense capabilities to better identify and deter threats to their national security.
Information Attack
Framland possesses limited information attack (IA) capabilities and probably at a level below that fielded by other regional adversaries. Framland will have to request sympathetic non-state actors to provide hackers to increase their capability in times of increased tension or conflict.
Deception
Framland’s deception operations involve a mix of Donovian and Western operational conceptions. Deception operations will be based on decoys, extensive camouflage, and use of derelict equipment.
Physical Destruction
Since other regional countries presents an overmatch in physical destruction capability, Framland’s military is apt to only attack sensors in the most critical situations. Framland likely possesses few capabilities to conduct deep strikes against INFOWAR targets.
Protection and Security Measures
Framland’s government will exert maximum effort to defend it sensors, platforms, and systems from attack. Due to advanced capabilities from regional foes, Framland protection and security measures (PSM) will focus as much on the remediation of damage and the capacity to rebuild capability as avoiding an attack.
Perception Management
Framland’s perception management is mainly limited to attempting to craft a positive message about the government through soft influence of media and relying on traditional cultural norms that dictate not making problems public knowledge. Framland tries to appear neutral in order to attract support from all countries.
Intelligence
The small military intelligence organization, Military Information Bureau (MIB), is part of the central administration of the Ministry of Defense. This is closely linked to the national intelligence service, FFIS (Framish Foreign Intelligence Service) in regards to information sharing and personnel training. The Police Security Service of Framland provides services to the armed forces in the areas of military counterintelligence, information security and advises on personnel vetting as well as security of military installations, procedures, force protection and material.
Human Intelligence
The Human Intelligence (HUMINT) program is considered Framland’s most important discipline, and is well established and trained. The program focuses on internal security and external threats from regional nations. As with many countries that have a variety of local threat actors and large neighbors, the maintenance of a strong HUMINT cadre becomes important.
Framland’s counterintelligence service will most likely focus on threats from external agencies seeking to acquire information on government and military forces, as well as major industrial companies. The possibility also exist that Framland may have assets operating in other nations.
Open Source Intelligence
Framland relies on open source intelligence (OSINT) as its primary means of strategic intelligence that focuses on the collection of information from their regional neighbors, especially as it pertains to their relationships with the country. Framland’s OSINT likely focuses more on Donovia and Bothnia, with an emphasis on their activities in region that may pose a threat to the security of Framland.
Signals Intelligence
Framland’s signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection revolves around a series of ground collection stations that use a variety of Western and Donovian-era hardware that is five to ten years old. As Framland continues to build its military capabilities, they will rely on assistance from allied countries to assist in this discipline as well as modernizing the current system that Framland possesses.
Imagery Intelligence
Framland possesses limited imagery intelligence (IMINT) capabilities, mainly consisting of aerial photography from fixed wing and rotary wing assets. Framland also utilizes commercially purchased imagery to further enhance its IMINT capabilities to identify threats to their national security.
Measurement and Signatures Intelligence
Framland does not have a measurement and signatures intelligence (MASINT) capability and relies on third party countries for any such information.