Digital Regulation Handbook

Published in 2020

Digital Regulation Handbook 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…

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

Published in 2020

Guide to develop a telecommunications: ICT contingency plan for a pandemic response 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…

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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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ICT infrastructure business planning toolkit 2019

Published in 2019

Our increasingly digital society, built around high-speed always-on access to services, applications and content, depends on ubiquitous, affordable, modern, and resilient ICT infrastructure. Extending broadband Internet access to unserved and underserved populations to fast-forward progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals is one of the core pillars of telecommunication and ICT public policy and regulation around the globe. At the end of 2018 ITU revealed that, for the first time, more than half the global population now uses the Internet. While that figure is encouraging, we must remember that half the world connected also means half the world unconnected. Chronic…

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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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Global ICT Regulatory Outlook Summary

Published in 2019

This edition of the Global ICT Regulatory Outlook builds on its predecessor first edition. New this year is unique evidence from around the world charting the evolution of policy and regulation in ICTs and, by extension, in the digital economy. This is an exciting time for regulators and what they need more than ever, is detailed evidence to support their decision making, enabling them to lead the way in digital transformation with confidence. This report is based on inputs from 190 countries and offers an objective/neutral perspective on the latest trends driving ICT policy and regulation. Regulatory topics are explored…

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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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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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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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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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