Page 16 - Trends in Telecommunication Reform 2016

Figure 4.0: Overview Diagram of interop

TECHNOLOGICAL DATA
Hardware and code that Ability of interconnected systems
allows connection to understand each other
INTEROP

Effective engagement Ability to understand and
of societal systems act on data exchange
INSTITUTIONAL HUMAN

Source: ITU
role that governments and regulators can play in Second, sector regulators have been thrust
shaping the interop landscape. Finally, the chapter into a multi- sectoral space, due to the cross-
concludes by identifying some of the biggest cutting nature of disruptive innovation. This has
questions and challenges for interoperability broadened their domain and capacity to influence
among future technologies. regulation and policy across sectors. But regulators
must reach out and collaborate proactively, not just
reactively, going forward. In addition, the multi-
Chapter 5: M-services and applications: sectoral entry has brought in new stakeholders,
Perspectives on regulatory which the sector regulator needs to identify and
measures to foster diffusion and engage in order to leverage for mutual benefit.
access Third, a flexible, transparent approach that
promotes competition will allow innovation to
Mobile services and applications are playing thrive and provide incentives for investment
a prominent role within the broader digital and, ultimately, consumer benefit. Greater
ecosystem to unlock economic opportunities consideration is, therefore, required in the
and provide critical services to citizens. As development of regulatory frameworks that will
consumer demands are placed on them, disruptive govern the growth of the digital ecosystem in
technologies and innovation are bringing about order to ensure that it continues to surprise the
new possibilities for the future. Governments, world and stretch the imagination with new ideas
regulators, consumers and indeed the world and innovations.
are only beginning to understand the true
development potential of mobile services and For this to happen, the regulator needs to adopt
applications. A few truths are emerging. a delicate balance. It has long been recognized
that regulation can have an impact on innovation,
First, the old telecommunication “rules of both positively and negatively. Regulators need
engagement” may not stand the test of time, an awareness to foster the inter-dependencies
and some aspects of regulations may need to be necessary to enable the digital ecosystem to
re-written to address the changing environment. evolve into a healthy environment. But they also
There is a need to depart from rigid rules and to have to deter and punish discordant players for
adopt a “light-touch” approach in order for the rule violations. This balance requires a resolute
regulatory framework to be more responsive to approach and stakeholder support. Otherwise,
the innovative ecosystem of m-services and apps. innovation can tend to take a backseat when
The regulatory scope of competition, universal straddled by complex issues and uncertain rules.
service, resource allocation, interoperability and
standards (among others) needs to be reviewed. This chapter seeks to explore regulatory
perspectives that can be considered in facilitating

xiv Trends in Telecommunication Reform 2016