Digital Regulation Handbook Conference edition

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. The digital economy comprising digital infrastructure, platforms, services, businesses and skills has become an essential means of reducing poverty and improving the quality of the lives of…

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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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Guide to develop a telecommunications/ICT contingency plan for a pandemic response

Published in 2020

The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of ITU and of the Secretariat of ITU concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by ITU in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished…

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Economic impact of COVID-19 on digital infrastructure Report of an Economic Experts Roundtable organized by ITU

Published in 2020

Around the world, COVID-19 has upended lives and economies. Global analysts predict that the world may be facing its deepest recession since the end of World War II. At the same time, the pandemic has highlighted the crucial role of digital connectivity in keeping our societies functioning, as online everything quickly became our new way of life. Despite the surge in digital demand, however, important parts of the digital economy may not have escaped the economic fall-out from the crisis. If the financial difficulties faced by some market players constrain much-needed investment in digital infrastructure, the societal and economic consequences…

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Global ICT Regulatory Outlook 2020

Published in 2020

The Global ICT Regulatory Outlook 2020 benchmarks regulatory progress across no fewer than 193 countries worldwide. In three years, the report has established itself as the go-to reference for regulators and policy-makers seeking to shape meaningful, regulatory change that will benefit all. There is much to navigate: the landscape is complex and fast moving. As mobile phones host ever more online services, regulators find themselves grappling with an ever-growing array of challenges including digital identity, data protection, blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI). There remains, too, the key challenge of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the deadline of 2030,…

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Digital Development Partnership Annual Review 2018: Moving the needle – digital technologies becoming a driver for development.

Published in 2019

The launch of the 2018 Annual Review of the Digital Development Partnership (DDP) is an excellent opportunity to look back at the milestones achieved and the numerous initiatives implemented during the second year of DDP. I would like to extend greetings and best wishes to all the clients, donors, and partners involved in this ongoing collaboration. In my previous role as World Bank s Vice President for Africa, I have witnessed and supported the rapid uptake of digital technologies in Sub-Saharan Africa. As evidenced by the emergence of mobile payments in East Africa, the expansion of smart grids in Central…

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Building confidence in a data driven economy by assuring consumer redress

Published in 2019

The Internet enables people to choose to live their lives, not in isolation or within a closed local community, but connected to fellow humans throughout the entire globe independent of location. The Internet provides humanity with a tool, shrinking distance, increasing scope and speed of connectivity and allowing access to information every where at any time. It is a tool for good, enabling a digital economy as well as social interaction. However, it is also a tool that can be misused by criminals and people who wish us harm such as hate speech, bullying, abusive images, targeted misinformation shaping decisions…

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ITU Background Paper: Preparing for WRC-19 – Understanding the issues at stake and the impact of decisions to be made

Published in 2019

The increasing use of wireless technologies, and the opportunities for social development that these technologies provide, highlight the importance of radio-frequency spectrum and national spectrum management processes. Increased demand requires that spectrum be used efficiently and that effective spectrum management processes and (computerized) systems be implemented to facilitate the deployment of radio systems and ensure minimum interference. Spectrum use must be coordinated and regulated through both national regulations and the Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). National spectrum management consists of the structures, procedures, and regulations whereby an administration controls the use of the radio spectrum within its…

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Economic contribution of broadband, digitization and ICT regulation: Econometric modelling for Africa

Published in 2019

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 study on the economic contribution of broadband, digitization and ICT regulation pro- vided 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 Americas

Published in 2019

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 study on the economic contribution of broadband, digitization and ICT regulation pro- vided 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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