Problems of Infrastructure Markets with Particular Emphasis on the Postal Market in the Context of Digital Exclusion

Abstract

For many years, infrastructure markets have been treated as a strategic element of each country. Substantial technological changes forced postal and telecommunications operators to adapt their services to the information society, use new business opportunities, and take account of the emerging and rapidly developing direct and indirect competition. The aim of the presented article is developing a model of action to ensure access to information using the postal infrastructure which, until full digitization, will fulfil the constitutional needs of citizens. In order to achieve the indicated aims, the article refers to the nature of the regulation, which constitutes a point of reference to the examined problem. In addition, selected economic policy tools are presented, which allow the development of a model of action that will reduce the problem of digital exclusion. The article uses research methods such as critical analysis of scientific literature, synthesis and generalization, the Delphi method, multidimensional comparative analysis, and graphic visualization.

Using an Interval Type-2 Fuzzy AROMAN Decision-Making Method to Improve the Sustainability of the Postal Network in Rural Areas

“…The authors consider various factors, such as geographical diversity, population density, Internet broadband access, diversity of transportation modes, transit routes or parking regulations, quality of retail counter service/employee helpfulness, constraints related to the existing retail network, changes in population and employment over time, changes in the use of postal services over time, changes in demographic profile over time, changes in transportation networks and transit routes over time and accuracy of input data. For customers from underdeveloped and remote areas, the postal infrastructure is the only medium to ensure access to information [37].…”

“…The grouping is carried out as follows: the first cluster includes vulnerable groups and access for people with disabilities; the second legal entities, covered area, number of mailboxes, number of routes and number of norm minutes per month; the third efficiency, quality of postal services and waiting time in the line; the fourth employees, the expertise of employees and the kindness of employees; the fifth mobile and Internet network coverage; the sixth competition and the proximity of an alternative post office; and the seventh interior and exterior of the post office, appropriate working hours, range of services, and easiness of access. Budziewicz-Guźlecka, Drab-Kurowska [37] Competition-PC6 minimization…”

Digital Postal Operator as an Important Element of the National Energy Security System

“…While analysing the situation in the context of secure transmission of information [35] for energy critical infrastructure, the question arises which entity should be responsible for support and security. Such a role could be undertaken by the current designated postal operators who, subject to intensive digitalisation processes, could become an important link in the process.…”

Good Regulation in the Telecommunications and Postal Services Markets as a Necessary Tool in the Aspect of Sustainable Development and Society 5.0

“…The latter mainly linked to relations between human and technology. The fourth industrial revolution is based on the development of fully automated and intelligent production capable of autonomous communication with the main players on the market (Piccarozzi et al, 2018) Thus, the concept of "Society 5.0" has emerged as a reaction to "Industry 4.0", for the latter mainly focuses on technical (information) and possibly economic issues, whereas social and cultural factors are not considered (Budziewicz-Guźlecka et al, 2017;2020). The concept of Society 5.0 is linked to the fifth social revolution since the first hunting and agricultural societies transformed into industrial and information ones to reach the level of a super smart society, or Society 5.0.…”