During GSR-20, the Private Sector IAGDI-CRO Meeting emphasized on the urgency with which Universal Digital Access and Services need to be provided, enabled by better, connectivity-focused regulatory frameworks, massive public-private partnerships and increased public sector involvement
SAMENA Telecommunications Council, represented by its CEO, Bocar A. BA, participated in the 20th Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR20), which took place virtually on 1-3 September 202. Earlier, held back to back with GSR20, SAMENA Council led the Industry Advisory Group on Development Issues and the Private Sector Chief Regulatory Officers (IAGDI-CRO) Meeting on 31 August, under the theme “The Regulatory Wheel of Change: Regulation for Digital Transformation - An industry perspective”.
Under the chairmanship of Mr. BA, the IAGDI-CRO Meeting discussed critical questions and proposed ways to address and adapt to industry and regulatory challenges, including those stemming from transformational shifts catalyzed by the world's collective experience with the Covid-19 pandemic. The Meeting's Outcome Statement was presented by Chairman BA to the Plenary Session at the closing of the GSR20 as a proposal by the Industry to the Telecom Regulatory Authorities from around the world for consideration, and in support of the Private Sector's collaborative engagement with the governments.
The IAGDI-CRO Meeting noted that priority should continue to be given to ensuring meaningful, secure, affordable and sustainable broadband connectivity for all. However, as the Covid-19 crisis has become the “new normal”, the Meeting underlined the increased urgency with which Universal Digital Access and Services need to be realized. In this regard, the Meeting stressed the need for a better enabling environment, including Regulatory Frameworks that specifically enable connectivity and increased public-sector participation in non-economical areas. To adapt to the “new normal”, better preparedness and network resilience as well as an increased focus on connectivity and infrastructure investment were highlighted as key.
To enable Universal Digital Access and Services, the Meeting called for bold, new, and inclusive approaches that are technology neutral. Further, a need was identified for exercising approaches that take a long-term perspective; which are locally rooted yet cross-border in scope and are driven by stakeholders through commitment, collaboration, and partnerships. Moreover, such approaches should be non-prescriptive, provide the right balance between commercial and increased public sector involvement, and be supported by enabling regulation, and competitive market forces. The Meeting further stressed that a rethink was required on current financing and funding approaches and mechanisms, as well as existing business models.
A number of key focus areas were identified by Mr. BA in the Outcome Statement to help achieve Universal Digital Access and Services, including:
- the need for availability of sufficient and flexible spectrum
- the review and repurposing of USF funds and acceleration of USF disbursement to address gaps in connectivity and maintain and expand networks to ensure better preparedness and network resilience
- the review of industry fees and taxation, promotion of infrastructure sharing, and harmonization and standardization to enable secure and safe cross-border data movement
- and, the need for good governance and agility in regulatory measures to address issues emerging from the use of digital technologies
Ends
Source: SAMENA Press release