Information: Otso
Contents
Information Overview
The 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.
Public Communications Media
Otso’s Press Freedom Index rating is 9 of178.
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.
There are 0.673 million (2009) internet hosts and 0.662 million internet users. The Otso internet country code is .ot.
Around 79% of the population uses the Internet. Otso has around 0.673 million broadband Internet connections by the end of June 2009 or around 287 per 1,000 inhabitants, having increased by approximately 15% connections over two years. 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 October 2009, Otsan'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 beginning July 2011. 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 WWW. 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.
Broadband. Broadband refers to data connections that enable effortless use of online content and services. In international statistics, the minimum speed for broadband connections is usually 256 kb/s. In Otso, the typical broadband connection speed is 2 Mb/s. Broadband connections can be divided into two groups: fixed and wireless. Fixed connections are still more common, but the number of wireless connections is increasing rapidly. ADSL connections in copper access networks will be replaced gradually by optical fiber connections, which enable connection speeds of over 100 Mb/s. Optical fiber connections are symmetrical, meaning that the data traffic is fast in both directions: to and from the subscriber. This offers better opportunities for telecommuting and developing social online services. In December 2008, the Government established guidelines for the further development of data connections, setting two goals: making data connections with a transfer speed of 1 Mb/s available to every household and workplace by 2010 and making data connections with a transfer speed of 100 Mb/s available to every household and workplace by the end of 2015. The MT&C defined the minimum data transfer speed of 1 Mb/s as a universal service. As of July 2010, telecom operators defined as universal service providers must be able to provide every permanent residence and business office with access to a reasonably priced and high‐quality connection with a downstream rate of at least 1 Mb/s. Service providers are free to choose the technology through which they fulfil this universal service obligation. The last shadow zones were eliminated by July 2010, and wireless data connections with a transfer speed of 1 Mb/s are already available throughout the country. By the end of 2015, the goal is that virtually all permanent residences, business offices and permanent offices of public‐ sector organizations – in other words, over 99% of the population – are located within 2 kilometers of an optic fiber network or a cable network that enables data connections with a transfer speed of 100 Mb/s. Telecom companies are expected to build fast data connections on market terms, reaching a population coverage of approximately 95%. Public funding is required to make fast connections available to approximately 130,000 households in sparsely populated areas, which will raise the population coverage to over 99%.
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 and Radio
There are 13 commercial radio stations, with one nationwide, five national public service radio and three digital radio channels. 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. Chairman of OBC is Pekka Julin. There are 13 commercial radio stations, with one nationwide, five national public service radio and three digital radio channels. Each year around five feature films are made, 6,000 book titles published and two million records sold.
Radio. Radio broadcast stations in Otso (as of 2008) are two AM, 20 FM, and two shortwave.
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
Television. Two broadcast station (plus 201 repeaters) (1999); note ‐ on 15 November 2008, Otso announced that it would begin conversion to broadcasting all television signals digitally; analogue broadcasts via cable networks will continue until 2014. Otsan television stations include:
- Otsonian Broadcast
- OBC Channel 1
- OBC Channel 2
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. (USA 87% adverts/13% circulation; UK 50/50; Germany 55/45; Japan 35/65; Otso 45/55).
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 (2010) |
| 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 (2010) |
| 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 (2008) main telephone lines and 0.83 million (2008) mobile telephones in use. The Otso international dialing code is +451.
The public switched telephone network (PSTN) is a modern system with excellent service.
- Domestic: digital fiber‐optic fixed‐line network and an extensive mobile‐cellular network provide domestic needs.
- International: country code ‐ +451; submarine cables provide links to Estonia, Framland and Torrike; satellite earth stations ‐ access to Intelsat transmission service via a Torrikan satellite earth station, ONE Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note ‐ Otso shares the Inmarsat earth station with the Skolkan States.
Mobile Telephones. The Otsonian 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. Itella Oyj is solely responsible for the provision of mail services. The company serves consumers under the name Posti and businesses under the name Posti Oy. 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.
Postal Market. 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.
Technical. 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 petrol stations / convenience stores with delivery advice by email or SMS are just some of the options currently in use around the world.
Information Architecture
In critical infrastructure protection, the MT&C actively collaborates with security authorities OCRA, the National Emergency Supply Agency, communications companies and other authorities and businesses. Nearly all critical functions of society depend on the information and communications infrastructure. State information systems also depend largely on the general communications infrastructure. The functioning of critical infrastructures in the information society, as well as the security of information and communication systems and communication services, must be ensured in both normal and exceptional circumstances. The availability of services for citizens and the ability of companies to continue operating must also be ensured.
The Strategy for Securing Functions Vital to Society determines five focus areas for further development: crisis management in state administration, prevention of environmental disasters, health protection, electronic information and communications systems and reliable supply of energy. The strategy assigns the Ministry two tasks related to communications technology: Ensuring the functioning of electronic information and communications systems; Supporting the building and maintenance of warning and alarm systems.
Information Policy
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 competiveness 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. In 2009, Reporters without Borders ranked Otso 9 out of 178 countries in the Press Freedom Index, making it one of the best country among developed economies based on the Human Development Index.
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. The Chairman is Arvi Marila.
Government Regulation
The Otsonian Communications Regulatory Authority (OCRA) operates under the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MT&C), promoting the availability of diverse electronic media services. OCRA collects television and license fees, issues licenses for short‐ term television and radio broadcasting, monitors the content of television and radio programs and advertisements and monitors the level and quality of general postal services. The Director is Helena Frösén.
OCRA also centrally administers radio frequencies. This nationally and internationally important responsibility ensures effective and disturbance‐free use of frequencies. Furthermore, OCRA maintains situation awareness of communications networks and information security and informs the Ministry and the public of possible incidents. Related goals also include increasing information security awareness and skills among citizens and businesses through guidelines and consumer events, such as the National Information Security Day. As network technologies continue to develop constantly, OCRA also seeks to ensure the interoperability of communications networks and services.
The National Fund for Research and Development is the agency responsible for the Information Strategy. Chairwoman is Heidi Kalliala.
The Information Society Advisory Board is tasked to monitor and improve the information society strategy. Chairman is Arto Varis.
Network Licenses. Mobile communications operations and television and radio operations in Otso require network licenses issued by the government. Networks that require a license for public telecommunications include second‐generation GSM mobile networks, third‐generation 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. OCRA issues licenses for short term television and radio broadcasting, mobile television operations and other uses of radio frequencies. Most frequencies, however, are shared frequencies that do not require a license.
There is no specific licensing requirement for the provision of telecommunications services in Otso. However, radio communications licenses are required for the provision of services that use the radio spectrum. Radio spectrum licensing and registration is regulated under the Radio Communications Act. OCRA is responsible for issuing radio spectrum management rights. These are normally granted to exclusive right‐holders through a spectrum auction process. Ownership of management rights entitles the manager to issue spectrum licenses over the band of frequencies owned. Spectrum management rights auctions are conducted by the MT&C and rights are awarded to the highest bidder.
Spectrum management rights are tradable property rights that can be transferred, subdivided or aggregated. Licenses can be issued that relate to the management rights and fees may be charged by the right‐holders for such licenses. There are few conditions imposed on the trading of management rights, though they remain subject to competition law. However, to give effect to government policy, management rights are commonly issued with a condition prohibiting the manager from transferring their interest in the management right, or to issue any spectrum license, to any foreign government (or to any party on behalf of any foreign government) without first obtaining the written approval of the OCRA. OCRA has stated that the intention of such a provision is not to restrict foreign investment, but rather to deal with possible situations where the activities of a foreign government in Otso were prejudicial to Otso’s national or foreign policy interests.
As well as making Twitter, Facebook and Google part of the news ecosystem, the internet has also made possible entirely new kinds of specialist news organizations. It has allowed WikiLeaks, for example, to accept documents anonymously and publish them to a global audience, while floating in cyberspace above national jurisdictions, operated by a small, nomadic team. Other newcomers include a host of not‐for‐profit news organizations that rely on philanthropic funding and specialize in particular kinds of journalism. Many of these new outfits collaborate with traditional news organizations, taking advantage of their broad reach and trusted established brands.
Media Self-Regulation
Media regulation in Otso 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 Press Freedom Act, which took effect at the start of 2004, applies to publishing and program production. Communication via information networks forms part of this and is, therefore, subject to the legislation on the mass media. The new Act repealed the previous Freedom of the Press Act and Radio Broadcasting Responsibility Act. While the new Act lays down a number of special requirements for regular publishing and program production, the home pages of private individuals are subject only to the act’s provisions on ensuring that, where necessary, responsibility is borne for any crime or damage.
The Constitution of Otso guarantees the right to confidential communications. The secrecy of letters, telephone calls and other confidential messages is inviolable. No one is allowed to handle someone else’s message or identification information related to communications without permission. This also applies to messages transmitted in telecommunications networks and electronically stored messages that are protected from outsiders. The Criminal Code prescribes a penalty for the violation of the secrecy of communications. The right to confidential communications, however, can be restricted if deemed necessary, for example, for investigating certain types of crimes. The police have the right to intercept and monitor telecommunications when investigating certain petty offences related to communications. Authorities responding to emergency calls have the right to obtain information about the location of the caller and the person in distress. Telecommunications companies and other organizations transmitting electronic messages in their networks need to access some information related to the messages in order to ensure delivery. The Act on the Protection of Privacy in Electronic Communications prescribes the extent of the right to handle messages and access identification information when transmitting messages. Data protection in electronic communications is monitored by the Otsonian Communications Regulatory Authority (OCRA) and the Data Protection Ombudsman. The police are always responsible for preliminary criminal investigation. OCRA monitors compliance with the Act on the Protection of Privacy in Electronic Communications and with rules and regulations based on the act.
Communications Market
The wireless telecommunications sector plays an important role in the Otsonian economy. The economic contribution of the radio sector in 2010 amounts to approximately USD4 billion. This is equivalent to 2.13% of total GDP for that year.
Over 12,000 people are directly employed in the sector.
The trend in news sources has undergone a dramatic change since the internet was introduced. In 2000, Otsonian audience’s news sources were TV 65%, newspapers 55%, radio 25% and internet 15%, by 2008 the internet had overtaken newspapers and in 2010 the standings were approximately TV 70%, internet 45%, newspapers 40% and radio 15%. In all these statistics the young 18 – 34 are more likely to use the internet than the other age groups.
Changes in average circulation of daily newspapers were:
| Region | 2005-2009 Change % | |
| North America | -11 | |
| South America | 5 | |
| Europe | -8 | |
| Africa | 30 | |
| Asia | 13 | |
| Oceania | -6 | |
| World | 6 | |
| Selected Countries | 2005-2009 Change % | Social Media % of Pop (Max) |
| UK | -16 | 45% |
| Denmark | -15 | <50% |
| Otso | -10 | 40% |
| Dushman | 10 | <5% |
| Tolima | 21 | <10% |