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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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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Governing Infrastructure Regulators in Fragile Environments

Published in 2019

Countries exiting situations of fragility face many urgent priorities and almost invariably suffer from substantial infrastructure deficits. During periods of fra- gility and conflict there is typically very little infrastructure investment, while existing installations are often damaged or destroyed. Immediately after the conflict, especially in poor, rural or peri-urban areas, small-scale providers often emerge to respond to pent-up demand for infrastructure services. While the services they offer, are often expensive and of uncertain quality, they fill a gap because private investment in infrastructure is limited at such times (Schwartz, Hahn, and Bannon 2004). Building or rebuilding infrastructure on a larger…

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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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