World Bank Background Paper – Policy Choices Can Help Keep 4G and 5G Universal Broadband Affordable

Published in 2021

The United Nations Broadband Commission has commit-ted the international community to accelerate universal broadband, but the cost of meeting these objectives in the context of rapid technological change are not well under-stood. Using scenario analysis, this paper compares the global cost-effectiveness of different infrastructure strategies for the developing world to achieve universal 4G or 5G mobile broadband. Utilizing remote sensing and demand forecasting, least-cost network designs are developed for eight representative low- and middle-income countries (Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, Senegal, Pakistan, Albania, Peru, and Mexico), which provide the basis for aggregation to the global level. The cost of meeting UN Broadband…

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The impact of policies, regulation, and institutions on ICT sector performance

Published in 2021

This study shows that ICT regulation has had a measurable impact on the growth of global ICT markets over the past decade. The analysis uses econometric modelling to pinpoint the impact of the regulatory and institutional frameworks on the performance of the ICT sector and its contribution to national economies. The modelling has allowed to capture fresh insights backed by authoritative data on the evolution of ICT regulation since 2007, the ICT Regulatory Tracker, and a global dataset on ICT markets economics. The new analysis points to regulatory features that can have a multiplier effect on ICT markets and consumer…

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The economic contribution of broadband, digitization, and ICT regulation Econometric modelling for the Arab States region

Published in 2020

The transformative power of digital technologies and connectivity is empowering people, creating an environment that nurtures innovation, and is triggering positive change in business processes and in the global economy. The recent ITU global study on the economic contribution of broadband, digitization and ICT regulation provided a global econometric analysis of robust and reliable data resources to measure the impact of fixed and mobile broadband and digital transformation on the economy as a whole. It also analysed the impact of institutional and regulatory variables to the development of the digital ecosystem. Based on the data and analysis to measure the…

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The economic contribution of broadband, digitization and ICT regulation: Econometric modelling for the ITU Europe region

Published in 2020

This study focuses on the impact of broadband, digital transformation and policy and regulatory frameworks on the growth of markets for digital services in the Europe region. It provides evidence of the importance of regulatory and institutional variables in driving digital growth and further illustrates how broadband technologies combined with effective ICT regulation can positively impact the growth of national economies and prosperity. The outcomes of this regional study may serve as key reference material to illustrate the impact of fixed and mobile broadband on the economy, where the regions stand in terms of digitization and the impact of digitization…

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Economic contribution of broadband, digitization and ICT regulation: Econometric modelling for the ITU Commonwealth of Independent States region

Published in 2020

This study focuses on the impact of broadband, digital transformation and policy and regulatory frameworks on the growth of markets for digital services in the CIS region. It provides evidence of the importance of regulatory and institutional variables in driving digital growth and further illustrates how broadband technologies combined with effective ICT regulation can positively impact the growth of national economies and prosperity. The results from this study could assist countries in conceptualizing the process of launching evidence-based digital transformation strategies.

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ITU Guidelines for national emergency telecommunication plans

Published in 2020

The following are the main recommendations the document offers to develop national emergency telecommunication plans: Recommendation 1: The NETP should take into consideration current capabilities, coordination challenges, planned resiliency requirements, with an understanding of the country s overall risk for telecommunication/ICT infrastructure and contingency planning, taking into account that hazards and vulnerabilities will vary widely between regions or even within countries. This overall risk analysis, developed jointly with telecommunication/ICT operators, should include geographic maps depicting the risk and telecommunication/ICT landscapes of the country. Recommendation 2: The NETP should include a description of the phases of disaster management based on the…

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The Last-mile Internet Connectivity Solutions Guide. Sustainable Connectivity Options for Unconnected Sites.

Published in 2020

It is now 35 years since the Maitland Report1 made a compelling case for universal connectivity as the essential foundation of economic and social prosperity. Yet today, 3.7 billion people remain totally unconnected to the power of the online world, and many hundreds of millions more lack the truly meaningful connectivity that would change their lives. COVID-19 has laid bare the realities of our modern world: in this post-digital age, not being connected means being shut out of employment, education, access to vital healthcare services and information in short, shut out of the full economic and social participation that every…

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How broadband, digitization and ICT regulation impact the global economy. Global econometric modelling

Published in 2020

As the global economy reels from the shock of COVID-19, decisions taken now that impact economic recovery and growth will be of the utmost importance for the decade ahead. For those of us in the global ICT community and for those in other industries charged with making strategic infrastructure decisions in the years ahead government policy-makers, regulators, influencers, operators and service providers this expert report is especially valuable at this time. Its findings are clear and its recommendations are specific, concrete and practical. The analysis looks at how fixed and mobile broadband as well as digital transformation impact the economy,…

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Digital Regulation Handbook

Published in 2020

Today’s digital technologies are transforming almost every sector of the economy by presenting new business models, introducing innovative products and services – and, ultimately, changing the way countries around the world harness socioeconomic development. Digital technologies, and the benefits that they bring, can connect citizens to services and opportunities, and help them build a better future. However, for markets to function effectively, they must be accompanied by an enabling policy and regulatory environment. Table of contents Foreword List of tables and figures Introduction Acknowledgements / About the authors Chapter 1. Regulatory governance and independence 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Policy and implementation…

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Connecting humanity Assessing investment needs of connecting humanity to the Internet by 2030

Published in 2020

For those living in the world s handful of highly-connected countries, it can come as a shock to learn that nearly half the global population aged 10 years and over equating to some three billion people has never used the Internet. Many of the unconnected live in rural and remote areas, where connectivity remains a challenge. A disproportionate number are women, particularly in Africa and South Asia, where the digital gender divide is particularly marked. And of course most are poor, lack basic literacy, and, with only limited digital exposure, see little value in getting online. In a post-COVID world,…

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