Technical standards for upcoming technologies

20.04.2025

Introduction The widespread adoption of wireless technologies at a global scale depends on robust consensus over technical standards as well as on the access to the available spectrum. Technical standards are agreed upon through discussions at different international and regional organizations, as well as standard development organizations (SDO). For example, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) addresses radio aspects in the Radiocommunication Sector and network aspects of the different technologies in the Standardization Sector. Another example, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a group that publishes the specifications for mobile technologies, including those beyond 3G (3GPP 2024). Regulators need to…

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Spectrum management: Guidance on the regulatory framework for national spectrum management

06.03.2025

This article is excerpted from Report ITU-R SM.2093, Guidance on the Regulatory Framework for National Spectrum Management, and is reprinted here with the permission of the ITU. Society’s increasing use of radio-based technologies, and the tremendous opportunities for socio-economic development that these technologies provide, highlight the importance of radio-frequency spectrum and national spectrum management processes. Technological progress has continually opened doors to a variety of new spectrum applications that have spurred greater interest in, and demand for, the limited spectrum resource. Increased demand requires that spectrum be used efficiently and that effective spectrum management processes be implemented. Spectrum management is…

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Navigating Data Governance: A Guiding Tool for Regulators

31.10.2024

Introduction In today’s data-driven world, the importance of robust data governance is more critical than ever. As digital ecosystems rapidly expand, the surge in mobile broadband subscriptions, internet traffic, and the number of internet users, now surpassing 5.4 billion[1], has transformed data into a vital asset. This data—whether generated by businesses, governments, or individuals—fuels innovation, enhances decision-making, and accelerates the digital transformation of economies and societies. However, the immense volume of data being generated, collected, and processed brings with it substantial challenges for regulators. Ensuring the responsible use, protection, and governance of this data is paramount to safeguarding personal data…

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GSR-24 Best practice guidelines

09.07.2024

Regulators participating in the 2024 edition of the Global Symposium for Regulators adopted the following best practice guidelines to helping chart the course of transformative technologies for positive impact. “Helping to chart the course of transformative technologies for positive impact”  As telecommunication/ICT regulators, we play a key role in shaping a regulatory environment that enables the deployment and maintenance of cutting-edge infrastructure that support digital society of the future, including transformative technologies. Recalling the series of GSR Best Practice Guidelines since 2003 that capture established regulatory principles for a competitive, secure and inclusive enabling digital environment, we, the regulators participating in…

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Transformative technologies (AI) challenges and principles of regulation

08.05.2024

Introduction We are witnessing a remarkable transformation that is rapidly shaping the world as we know it. The pace of this change is exponential, driven by a wave of innovative technological trends that are changing how we live, work, and communicate. From the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, robotics, 3D printing, nanotechnology, augmented and virtual reality, these cutting-edge technologies are converging to usher us into a new digital era. This revolution is transforming every aspect of our lives, from how we conduct business to how we interact with one another,…

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National digital transformation strategy – mapping the digital journey

06.07.2023

Introduction The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated digital transformation across the globe. The lockdown situation pushed much of the world online, and the use of digital technologies became indispensable to guarantee the continuity of public, private, and social life. This acceleration has amplified processes that have been under way for decades, resulting in the pervasive impact of digital technologies on many domains: from the individual level (engaging in online learning, working, and shopping) to entire nations (shifting towards digital economies, governance, society), from companies (chasing new business models, new services, new ways to deliver) to entire industries (moving to process automation,…

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A case for ICT Regulatory Sandbox

03.04.2023

1. Introduction Digital innovations are conquering all fields of everyday life and business, faster than ever before. Similarly, digital innovators, researchers and digital developers are developing new technologies and business models and bringing them to market at a rapid pace. Policy makers and regulators need to not only keep abreast with the pace but also be able to anticipate shifts in the market. Regulators are keeping a close watch on these changes as they need to anticipate the regulatory changes that may be required to facilitate a conducive environment. Increasingly, regulators need to answer questions like “how can we make…

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ICT Market analysis and determination of dominance guidelines

27.10.2022

1 Market analysis process “Market analysis” means a review of the various existing markets for electronic communications services in a specific country, defined for the purposes of regulation. In an effectively competitive market, it is the dynamic interplay of several service providers that determines market outcomes, not individual competitors. In a market characterized by dominance[1], however, the dominant ICT operator or service provider will invariably make decisions that are to its commercial benefit, and which do not advance the economic welfare of customers. Dominance describes the power that enables one or more operator or service provider to make decisions and…

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The infrastructure sharing imperative

25.08.2022

1 Infrastructure as a societal asset People rely on network infrastructure almost every day, from the moment they wake up until the moment they go to sleep (and often through the night as well). Water, electricity, gas, roads, rail and telecommunications underpin modern societies throughout the world. But for most people most of the time they are so taken for granted as to be almost invisible. It is almost impossible to imagine a world without utilities: disparate, pre-industrial, subsistence communities with minimal interaction between them. Despite its ubiquity and critical importance, infrastructure is under threat. War, famine, a pandemic, climate…

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Towards gigabit networks – a few considerations from the United Kingdom[1]

06.06.2022

1: Introduction Many countries[2] agree that widely available gigabit-capable networks whether fixed or mobile will be needed and expected to increase competitiveness and productivity[3]. New telecommunication/ICT networks take a long time to build and expand and if economies are to benefit from gigabit-capable networks, significant investment will be needed. The following case study draws from the United Kingdom (UK) approach and sets out a few considerations that governments and ICT regulators may want to consider in moving their own economies onto the path of gigabit networks. The structure of the case study is as follows: Section 2 examines the investment…

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