Page 84 - SAMENA Trends - November-December 2022

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

broadband. According to Facts and Figures middle-income economies. Low-income also continue to grow steadily, but low
2022, youth aged 15-24 years are the economies feature the biggest generation digital skills remain an obstacle that keeps
driving force of connectivity, with 75 per gap, with 39 per cent of young people individuals from fully realizing the benefits
cent of young people worldwide now able using the Internet, compared to only 23 per of being online, as well as limiting their
to use the Internet, up from 72 per cent in cent of the rest of the population. Among ability to avoid its dangers. Detailed global,
2021. Use among the rest of the population other findings in Facts and Figures 2022, regional, and country-level analysis for
is estimated at 65 per cent. Universality, mobile-broadband subscriptions continue five price plans tracked by ITU, as well as
defined as more than 95 per cent Internet to grow fast and are approaching mobile- the full 2022 country-level dataset for ICT
use, has already been reached among the cellular subscription rates, which are prices, will be released in 2023.
youth 15-24 age group in high- and upper- plateauing. Fixed broadband subscriptions

World Radiocommunication Seminar Shows How ITU Radio Regulations
Drive Global Communications

The biennial ITU World Radiocomm- is an excellent opportunity to become “The Radio Regulations provide an
unication Seminar (WRS) returned to familiar with the procedures that regulate international regulatory framework for the
Geneva for an in-person capacity building and govern the use of the radio-frequency introduction of new, innovative technologies
program. At the event, participants received spectrum and satellite orbits," said ITU while simultaneously ensuring that all radio
hands-on training on the application of Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “Capacity systems can coexist without receiving
Radio Regulations and the equitable building remains a key component of harmful interference. It is therefore critical
access to the radio-frequency spectrum ITU's engagement with all our members that countries understand how to apply
and associated satellite orbits for space so that they can leverage the benefits these regulations to build robust digital
services. For the second time, the WRS of information and communication systems that benefit people everywhere."
Plenary Sessions were open to everyone, technology and advance digital The WRS-22 Plenary sessions covered
including entities that are not members of transformation for all." The seminar covered radiocommunication-related matters,
the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R). topics related to spectrum management application of ITU Radio Regulations and
Overall, 427 individuals from 92 countries at global, regional, and national levels. trends in various radiocommunication
took part in activities offered during the Participants were presented with an services. Participants were also introduced
week-long event. Together with Regional overview of the ITU Radio Regulations to the activities and work of the ITU-R
Radiocommunication Seminars, World (2020 Version), to help them better Study Groups, the Radio Regulations
Radiocommunication Seminars provide an understand the regulatory framework for Board, the Radiocommunication Assembly
opportunity to gain deeper insight into the terrestrial and space radiocommunication (RA) and the World Radiocommunication
Radio Regulations as revised by the last services including frequency allocations, Conference (WRC). During the WRS-22
World Radiocommunication Conference in the filing process for obtaining new space and terrestrial workshops held over
2019. These seminars, held every two years frequency assignments, along with related four days, participants received hands-on
for ITU members worldwide, also aim to software and tools. Participants were experience with ITU notification procedures
provide participants with essential technical also updated on the current activities as well as with the software, databases and
and regulatory background information to and hot topics being undertaken by the electronic publications made available by
assist them as they prepare for the next ITU ITU Radiocommunication Study Groups. the Radiocommunication Bureau to the ITU
World Radiocommunication Conference, Regarding the importance of World and membership. Tailored sessions were also
to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Regional Radiocommunication Seminars, available for both beginners and advanced
from 20 November to 15 December 2023. Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU users of BR software tools.
“The World Radiocommunication Seminar Radiocommunication Bureau, explained:

84 NOVEMBER- DECEMBER 2022