The Industry Advisory Group for Development Issues and Private Sector Chief Regulatory Officers (IAGDI-CRO) convened today on the sidelines of the Global Symposium for Regulators 2025 (GSR-25) in Riyadh. The meeting, chaired by the CEO of the SAMENA Telecommunications Council in his capacity as Chairman of IAGDI/CRO, brought together private sector leaders to discuss and recommend practical actions to address the most pressing development and regulatory challenges facing the global digital economy.
With the theme "An Industry Perspective on Development and Regulatory Issues", the session focused on three core priorities:Expanding Inclusive Connectivity, Sustaining Investment and Innovation, and Strengthening Agile and Trusted Governance.
Participants emphasized the importance of combining satellite and terrestrial infrastructure, streamlining permits and rights-of-way, and accelerating infrastructure sharing to achieve universal and meaningful connectivity—especially for rural and underserved areas. The need to consider not just population, but also geographic coverage and connected devices serving critical sectors like agriculture and public safety, was underlined.
The meeting also addressed the persistent "usage gap" in digital access. Industry representatives stressed that connectivity alone is not enough—digital inclusion requires affordable devices, relevant content and services, digital skills development, online safety measures, and enabling infrastructure such as electricity and identity systems. Co-designing these efforts with local communities was highlighted as essential to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
In terms of investment and innovation, the group called for clear and predictable multi-year regulatory and spectrum roadmaps, rationalized tax policies, and supportive rules for infrastructure sharing and, where appropriate, market consolidation. The importance of phasing out legacy networks with minimal disruption to consumers was also noted.
To support long-term investment, participants encouraged the use of public-private partnerships (PPPs), blended finance, and infrastructure funds, along with commercial frameworks involving major beneficiaries of digital infrastructure.
The group also strongly advocated for agile, interoperable, and outcome-based regulation, including regulatory sandboxes, time-bound reviews, and collaborative approaches to address issues such as privacy, cybersecurity, online harms, and the growing risks posed by artificial intelligence. Support was expressed for exploring independent AI testing and voluntary certification for high-risk AI applications.
The IAGDI-CRO Meeting presented six priority recommendations to regulators and development stakeholders:
Develop and maintain multi-year spectrum and regulatory roadmaps to guide investment.
Accelerate digital rollout by integrating satellite/terrestrial solutions and prioritizing connections in underserved areas.
Close the usage gap through initiatives focused on devices, skills, content, safety, and basic infrastructure.
Source: SAMENA Council Press release
