A guide to developing a national emergency roaming framework

01.07.2026

(Extract, to access the full ITU report, click here) Introduction In recent years, the frequency and intensity of natural hazards, such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and wildfires have increased significantly, causing disasters that leave communities and entire countries devastated. These events often result in loss of life, destruction of livelihoods, and severe damage to critical infrastructure, with the telecommunication sector often being the hardest hit. Damage to mobile network systems, such as base stations, transmission facilities, and power supplies, can leave large areas without connectivity, delaying emergency communications, hampering response efforts and putting lives at risk. Mobile connectivity is a…

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GSR-26 Best Practice Guidelines

15.05.2026

Regulatory governance essentials: The new core kit regulators need to make digital markets deliver We, the regulators participating in the 25th Global Symposium for Regulators, have collectively contributed to and endorsed these Best Practice Guidelines to support digital markets and ecosystems in delivering public-interest outcomes in an inclusive, trusted, and sustainable manner. Building on the series of GSR Best Practice Guidelines developed since 2003, this edition does not revisit established principles that remain valid. Instead, they focus on the priority regulatory capabilities, institutional arrangements, and practical tools regulators now need to navigate increasingly complex digital ecosystems with coherence, adaptability, and…

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Monitoring sustainability: Incorporating ESG into ICT policy making and regulation

12.09.2025

Introduction[1] The consideration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) information has become increasingly important to investors, companies, policymakers, governments, stock exchanges, non-governmental organizations, consumers and other stakeholders. The analysis of any sector of the economy is no longer considered solely from a financial and operational sense but also encapsulates sustainability risks and impacts. Given this growing interest, ICT regulators should consider developing an ESG framework that measures the sustainability of the sector. Many ICT regulators and policy makers already collect operational and financial data on the ICT sector. They also have regulations related to ESG such as e-waste, universal service,…

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GSR-25 Best Practice Guidelines

04.09.2025

EMPOWERING REGULATORS AS DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM BUILDERS As digital technologies transform how societies connect, trade, learn and are governed, telecommunication/ICT regulators are being called to do more than oversee markets. They must adapt, embed innovation at the heart of their institutional mission and help shape resilient and future-ready digital ecosystems. This transformation demands a continued evolution in regulatory approaches and mindsets, the adoption of new tools, and deeper collaboration across sectors and borders. Building on two decades of GSR Best Practice Guidelines, which have helped define sound regulatory principles and foster enabling environments, we – the regulators participating in the 2025…

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A guide towards collaborative AI frameworks

02.09.2025

Introduction Artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformational technology rapidly reshaping governance, economies, and societies. From predictive analytics that inform public health interventions to the smart automation of service delivery, AI provides governments with unprecedented tools to enhance efficiency, inclusion, and innovation. However, alongside these transformative benefits come significant risks. Without proper safeguards, AI systems can reinforce bias, compromise rights, and exceed the capacity of institutions to govern them effectively. As governments and regulators are faced with the dual challenges of harnessing AI’s potential and mitigating its harms, this Guide serves as a practical, globally informed resource for policymakers, regulators, and…

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Evidence-based approaches in digital policy, regulation and governance

01.09.2025

Introduction to evidence-based decision making As the digital economy expands rapidly in many parts of the world, policymakers and regulators face ongoing challenges in keeping pace with innovative technologies and services that impact ICT markets. The governance of the digital ecosystem represents one of the most complex and dynamic challenges facing policymakers. The rapid pace of technological innovation, the global scale of digital platforms, and the profound societal impact of new technologies demand a regulatory approach that is both robust and adaptive. To address these challenges, many countries are assessing their current regulatory principles and practices to align them with…

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Sustainable models for infrastructure expansion and public facilities connectivity

01.09.2025

Expanding telecommunications infrastructure is a priority to foster socio-economic development, particularly connecting essential public facilities such as schools, hospitals, and police stations. In today’s digital society, robust and inclusive connectivity serves as a cornerstone for access to e-services, digital education, telemedicine, and advanced public safety systems. Enhancing strategic planning and implementation of future public policies in this field is essential to fully harness connectivity’s benefits. In this context, a thorough and up-to-date review of good practices in policies aimed at the expansion of access to telecommunication/ICT infrastructure provides valuable insights to policymakers. This article[1] provides a snapshot of the outcomes…

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Financing universal access to digital technologies and services

01.09.2025

Over the past two decades, as the digital sector has become increasingly central to daily life, universal access funding approaches have undergone major transformations. These changes span both the broader development finance landscape and the specific realm of digital infrastructure. Public funding strategies must now reflect this shift—prioritizing the pooling of financial resources, promoting open-access infrastructure, and using public capital to catalyze private investment. The overarching objective is to maximize the impact of limited financial and non-financial resources, ensuring that digital inclusion keeps pace with digital transformation. To that end, key trends include: a) Using a combination of monetary and…

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Country case studies: Good practices in EBDM

01.09.2025

Theme: Regulatory governance Type: Section Date: 2025-08-26 To provide further insight into how policymakers and regulators may incorporate EBDM and RIAs into their decision-making processes, five country case studies are highlighted below as they represent good practices. Canada and South Africa provide examples of good EBDM practices while Australia, Brazil, and the United Kingdom show how regulators may approach RIAs. EBDM case studies: Canada and South Africa Canada and South Africa have taken an “all-of-government” approach to implementing EBDM across sectors by adopting regulations that apply to all ministries and regulators. The fundamental principles represented in the national regulations on…

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National approaches to RIA: Australia, Brazil and United Kingdom

01.09.2025

Theme: Regulatory governance Type: Section Date: 2025-08-26 As with policy initiatives and regulatory regimes, there is no “one size fits all” approach to conducting RIAs. While basic principles and processes apply in all cases, each country adapts these practices to their own unique needs, capacities, and legal frameworks. The following case studies from Australia, Brazil, Rwanda, and the United Kingdom showcase the similarities, difference, and outcomes of RIA processes around the world. In each instance, governmental authorities have published written, comprehensive guides, procedural rules, or statutory instruments requiring RIAs specifically (and potentially EBDM more broadly). Whether adopting government-wide or agency-specific…

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