IT as a Utility and Its Regulation

This document is a technical report that discusses the concept of IT as a utility within modern societies, emphasizing the increasing reliance on digital systems. It outlines the characteristics of utility services, their provision, and regulation, arguing that digital services should be classified as utilities. The report details the expectations of utility services, including availability, quality, and continuity, and examines the role of regulation in ensuring universal access and competitive pricing. It highlights the unique regulatory needs of IT services, such as security and social costs of disruptions, and suggests that Service Level Agreements (SLAs) should be transparent to users. The report also addresses the evolution of utilities and the implications for the IT profession, particularly regarding skills and expertise required in this changing landscape. Overall, it presents a comprehensive view of the regulatory landscape for IT services as utilities.