Information: Otso
Otsan information systems are modern and well‐funded. It upholds the essence of freedom of expression. Otso has a free and extremely lively press which represents a wide spectrum of opinion. Only extremist publications are banned and some care is taken to ensure that opinions that are offensive to either Donovia or Bothnia are kept within reasonable bounds. There are a few major radio stations, most of which belong to one of the two major press groups; but there is also a significant number of small stations that cater to a wide variety of tastes. Information technology (IT) and internet infrastructure is extremely good in the southern half of the country, although broadband is not widely available in the far north. This picture is rapidly changing as mobile phone infrastructure is established throughout the country and mobile phone usage is expanding rapidly. Internet access in the north is currently available from government subsidized booths in libraries, Post Offices, etc. As the broadband network expands, these booths are slowly disappearing.
The idea that journalists should be impartial in reporting news is a relatively recent one. These days’ different countries have different preferences. In Otso overt partisanship in newspapers is widespread and state‐run television channels often have partisan allegiances.
Satellite Telecommunications
Otso does not own any satellites, but leases satellites for communications and entertainment from Bothnia and Donovia. The satellites use Ku-band transponders in a geostationary orbit and powered by solar array panels. Otso could use these commercial satellites to support military operations when necessary.
Otso does not have its own navigation satellites and utilizes Donovian navigation satellites primarily to support government and military operations, but also uses off the shelf commercial GPS receivers for navigation support.
Public Communications Media
Internet
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.
Around 79% of the population uses the Internet. Otso had around 0.673 million broadband Internet connections or around 287 per 1,000 inhabitants, having increased by approximately 15% connections. The growth is explained by the increase in the total number of mobile broadband connections. All Otsan schools and public libraries have Internet connections and computers. Most residents have a mobile phone. It is used mostly for contact and value‐ added services are rare. In the past couple of years, Otso's MT&C committed to ensuring that every person in Otso will be able to access the internet at a minimum speed of one megabit‐per‐second within the next two to three years. In a European comparison, the Otsan telecommunications market is small, advanced and competitive.
In Otso, monitoring of harmful Internet content is currently undertaken by the following bodies, each within its own sphere of operation: the Council for Mass Media in Otso, the Otsan Information Processing Association’s Ethics Advisory Committee and the Council on Ethics in Advertising, the Consumer Agency and the Consumer Ombudsman.
Otsan operators have together published a set of “netiquette” guidelines addressed to parents, for example, explaining how to act in the case of material that is unlawful or harmful to children.
Otso has an ambitious program of ensuring every citizen has access to the internet. This is achieved through funding from various departments of State with a common goal. The MT&C promotes the availability of fast data connection and services for all households and businesses. Promoting the building of optical fiber cables, other fixed network technologies and fast wireless connections in the offering of subscriber connections requires many strategic plans and investment. In content and service development, the Ministry focuses on information society projects in the public sector. The Ubiquitous Information Society Advisory Board is responsible for this work.
The current action plan states that:
· Cultural content and services are increasingly important in the information society. In further developing digital content and services, the most important focus areas include production, distribution and availability.
· The Otsan information society is based on full and equal inclusion and customer‐oriented service development with a life‐cycle‐sensitive approach. In other words, public administration and businesses must consider what services people need in different situations and stages of life and what services companies need in different stages of their life cycles. The action plan for the national information society strategy focuses on information society projects in public administration. Public administration promotes information society development by creating favorable conditions for business and by actively improving its own services and operating methods. Industry also contributes strongly to information society development. Accessibility, user‐friendliness and ease of use must be considered increasingly when devising the information society infrastructure, products and services. Special groups, children and senior citizens as independent actors and users of services in the information society must also be considered more carefully than they are now.
Security. The current information security strategy was adopted in December 2008. The strategy focuses on three priorities: basic skills in the ubiquitous information society, information risk management and process reliability and competitiveness and international network cooperation. The action plan for the information society strategy was approved in November 2009. The plan included the launch of nine key projects that focus on new and topical information security issues and the improvement of existing operations and functions. The information security strategy and action plan were prepared by a working group operating under the Ubiquitous Information Society Advisory Board. The group consists of 20 information security experts from the public and private sectors.
Social media. Just as social media has opened a dialogue between businesses and consumers, its value is apparent to those in political office, whose work and very professional survival hinges on the needs and perceptions of their constituents. Major Service providers in social media have committed to promoting safe use of online services, especially for children and young people. Service providers are committed to offering age‐appropriate services and ensuring users’ compliance with age recommendations. In conformity with the guidelines, service providers also offer easily understandable information on the safe and appropriate use of their online services. The guidelines for social media were prepared by a working group operating under the Media Forum for Children and Young People, which is subordinate to the Ubiquitous Information Society Advisory Board. Regulations have been introduced to structure the net and clear guidance on accepted norms. Government departments have an extensive social media network which, as it is easy to monitor, the users confine themselves to socialist work orientated issues, which has resulted in a more informed group but limited in intellectual content. The Otsan Government is very aware of the benefits of a social network functioning within its society, but does overly concentrate on the negative aspects. Considerable resources have been put into developing an excellent public service, this increases the range of things that individuals can do for and by themselves and lifts many of the material constraints and costs of the industrial information economy. Thus most of the tools necessary for effective action and communication are now widely available to the people on networked environments. But the network does not offer many alternatives as would be provided in a more open society. However, this provides the impression of access whilst actually denying access. Organizations, companies and other groups have embarked on a very active social networking function to meet the expectations of an educated population.
Television
There are three TV stations. OBC has two television channels and 5 radio channels. OBC is funded through a mandatory license for television owners and fees for private broadcasters. All TV channels are broadcast digitally, both terrestrially and on cable. Otso announced that it would completed conversion to broadcasting all television signals digitally; analogue broadcasts via cable networks would be available for the next 3 years.
Otsan television stations include:
- Otsonian Broadcast
- OBC Channel 1
- OBC Channel 2
Radio
There are 13 commercial radio stations, with one nationwide, five national public service radio and three digital radio channels. There are two AM, 20 FM, and two shortwave radio broadcast stations.
International Radio
- OBC Radio International National Radio
- OBC Radio 1 (Modern)
- OBC Radio 2 (Classical/Jazz/Blues)
- OBC Digital Radio 1 (Modern)
- OBC Digital Radio 2 (Classical/Jazz/Blues)
- OBC Digital Radio 3 (Current Affairs) Provincial Radio
- OBC Radio Lappi (Lappi Minority)
- Radio Lappeenranta
- Radio Kouvola
- Radio Kajaani
- Radio Kuopio
- Radio Joensuu
- Radio Mikkeli
- Plus 13 Commercial Stations
Print Media
There are six national and seven provincial daily papers. Western newspapers rely heavily on advertising revenue whilst the rest of the world maintains a varied balance between circulation and advertising.
There are six national daily newspapers and seven provincial papers, having a total circulation of 400,000. In addition, there are more than 50 monthly magazines and weekly newspapers with a circulation of 625,500. Many periodicals focus on the special concerns of various professional groups. The publisher, Otsama, publishes the Otsavian News (the circulation of 212,000 making it the largest newspaper), the tabloid Eastern‐News, the commerce‐oriented Kymelaakso Economist, and the television channel Otsonian Broadcast. The other major publisher Gamma Media publishes over thirty magazines, including the newspaper Express Daily, the tabloid Telegraph and commerce oriented Economic Affairs. Otsans spend the most time in the world reading newspapers. The MT&C is responsible for matters concerning state subsidies given to newspaper publishing. The government’s budget includes an annual allocation for discretionary press subsidies. The discretionary subsidies are granted for newspapers published in national minority languages and for corresponding online publications.
| Newspaper | Circulation |
| Otsavian News | 65,000 |
| Eastern-News | 55,500 |
| Express Daily | 44,500 |
| Telegraph | 36,560 |
| Economic Affairs | 5,600 |
| Kymelaakso Economist | 4,500 |
| Newspaper | Circulation |
| Kainuu Newspaper | 15,340 |
| North Karelia Newspaper | 12,350 |
| Northern Savonia Newspaper | 12,500 |
| Southern Savonia Newspaper | 13,550 |
| South Karelia Newspaper | 10,350 |
| Kymenlaakso Newspaper | 15,560 |
| Ruka Daily | 5,450 |
| East Lappi Newspaper | 4,550 |
Telephone
There are 0.65 million main telephone lines and 0.83 million mobile telephones in use. The public switched telephone network (PSTN) is a modern system with excellent service. Domestic services are digital fiber‐optic, fixed‐line network and an extensive mobile‐cellular network provide domestic needs. Additionally, submarine cables provide links to Estonia, Framland and Torrike; while satellite earth stations allow access to Intelsat transmission service via a Torrikan satellite earth station, as well as Inmarsat which covers the Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions. Otso also shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Gulf of Bothnia states.
Otso’s mobile telephone 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.
Postal/Courier
The MT&C is responsible for the general guidelines on postal services and their development. OCRA, which is subordinate to the Ministry, is also involved in developing postal services. OCRA’s duties include monitoring compliance with the provisions of the Postal Services Act and processing customer complaints. Postal services also have an important role in the information society. In Otso, the law guarantees high‐quality and reasonably priced postal services for everyone throughout the country. The postal services market in Otso has been opened up for competition. Operating licenses are granted by the Government. The Postal Services Act took effect in 2002. Under the Act, regular postal services must be provided at reasonable prices to all users throughout the country, and each municipality must have at least one place of business providing postal services. The MT&C has appointed a working group to prepare a revision of the Otsonian Postal Services Act. 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.
Word of Mouth
Word-of-mouth is an important communications medium, especially in rural Otso. 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
In 1997 a Government decision on Information Management led to a draft National Information Society Strategy. In 1998 Otso developed a resolution on Electronic Transactions, the development of online services and reduction in Data gathering (including methods of authentication, signatures and encryption). Measures to improve the quality of life, knowledge and competitiveness within an e‐societal structure were also taken. It also provided a strategy for public services. In 1999, The Act of the Openness of Government Activities, Personal Data Act and Act on Protection of Privacy and Data Security in Telecommunications enabled the expansion of the internet space. The Act on Electronic Service gave the same legal status of an e‐signature to a handwritten one. In the early period of the millennium, Acts were passed on the e‐services, communications and management. Providing a structure, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, that allowed each ministry the responsibility to implement and monitor objectives within its sphere.
The Council for Mass Media in Otso has been set up by publishers and journalists to act as a self‐ regulatory body for mass media content. Its function is to interpret good journalistic practice and its decisions are based on journalistic guidelines, which cover all journalistic work in the press, television, radio and on the Internet, giving equal treatment to each of these media. Otso distinguishes itself by its Press Freedom Act, which has helped to create a particularly favorable climate for the work of journalists, by the strength of its institutions and by its respect for all those sectors of society including the media whose role in a democracy is to question and challenge those in positions of power.
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
Otso currently operates outdated equipment, such as counter-battery and battlefield surveillance radars. Otso jammers are likely relics of earlier buys from Donovians. The possibility exists, however, that improved relations with Bothnia and Donovia could result in newer critical equipment procurement in the future or perhaps limited samples of advanced equipment.
Computer Attack
Otso 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. Additionally, Otso is looking to increase their current cyber defense capabilities to better identify and deter threats to their national security.
Information Attack
Otso maintains a limited information attack (IA) capability with the skill to deface websites or engage in basic tactics like distributed denial of service attacks or basic forensics. When compared to aggressive and capable Donovian information attack, it appears doubtful that Otso’s capabilities will have limited success to deter those of its larger neighbors. It remains possible that any IA will attempt to compromise similar unsophisticated regional country systems.
Deception
Otso deception operations involve an amalgamation of Donovian and Western operational conceptions, with a heavy Donovian-style emphasis on deception as a basis for operations. Deception operations will be based on decoys, extensive camouflage, and use of derelict equipment.
Physical Destruction
As Otso continues to modernize its military, it will target high value targets such as enemy INFOWAR assets and capabilities. Otso will use assets such as artillery, rockets, strike aircraft and special purpose forces to conduct operations to enable freedom of movement and protection from enemy targeting operations.
Protection and Security Measures
Due to close relations with Donovia, Otso protection and security measures (PSM) resemble Donovian PSM, along with additional capabilities derived from experience with NATO/US forces and some home-grown capability. Otso is also training employees, military and government workers, on better practices to secure classified information within facilitates and across all media domains, internally and externally.
Perception Management
Otso can craft a variety of excellent messages, especially for external audiences who reside in foreign countries. Otso will attempt to appear neutral in any regional conflict or to be a victim, however, are expected to downplay their links with Donovia.
Intelligence
Otso’s military intelligence branch is the Defense Intelligence Center (DIC) that is subordinated to ACOS Intelligence in the NDHQ. The majority of Otso’s intelligence activities lie outside the remit of the DIC and are controlled by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). Relations between the two establishments are close and there is a degree of common training and cross posting of staff. Following the reorganization of the national intelligence system, DIC has developed an effective system to fuse the information, provided by the National Intelligence Bureau and Police Security Agency, and acquired through open sources and tactical units and sensors.
Human Intelligence
The Human Intelligence (HUMINT) program is considered Otso’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. The focus for internal security is on opposition groups who see the government as not supporting the needs and wants of the populace. Otso’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, to gain an advantage over Otso. It is believed that although there are few Otsonian Defense Attachés, Otsan embassies around the world provide a constant flow of valuable defense intelligence. Those elements deployed on UN operations have won the professional respect of their UN colleagues for the efficiency and effectiveness of their human intelligence (HUMINT) operations in often difficult circumstances.
Military counter‐intelligence is the responsibility of the Counterintelligence department of the Police Security Agency. It includes exploitation of the police intelligence derived from multiple sources and agencies, security of military installations and materiel, personnel vetting and information security (INFOSEC).
Open Source Intelligence
Otso’s open source intelligence (OSINT) efforts generally focus on regional rivals primarily, but will also monitor other strong nations. Otso’s intelligence likely uses OSINT for strategic analysis efforts to obtain key information on other nations from multiple sources to exploit vulnerabilities and advancements of militaries and industrial companies. They will conduct research to support strategic objectives by reviewing reporting from multiple media agencies to determine intentions, significant new advancements and political agendas of nations which may pose a threat to Otso.
Signals Intelligence
Otso’s signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection revolves around a series of ground collection stations that use a variety Donovian-era hardware that is five to ten years old. As Otso continues to build its military capabilities, they will rely on assistance from other friendly countries to assist in this discipline as well as modernizing the current system that Otso possesses. As more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) enter service, Otso may to integrate the UAVs into the SIGINT collection architecture.
Imagery Intelligence
Otso’s imagery intelligence (IMINT) capability probably remains limited to air-breathing platforms, with UAVs as the most important. Otso maintains a small fleet of helicopters and aircraft capable of IMINT collection, though it is unlikely they will conduct this task. To further supplement its IMINT requirements, Otso purchases commercial imagery from other countries to further identify threats to their national security. In addition, Otso would likely contact its allies for support if needed to supplement its IMINT capabilities.
Measurement and Signatures Intelligence
Otso does not have a measurement and signatures intelligence (MASINT) capability and relies on third party countries for any such information.