Page 5 - Trends in Telecommunication Reform 2016

Foreword

consultative and innovative approach to policy and
regulation is needed, more than ever before.

Across the globe, mobile broadband is growing
rapidly as 3G and 4G networks are deployed.
The “Internet of Things” will make our cities
smarter and our utility grids more efficient and
cost-effective. More interconnected networks
and interoperable systems will blossom into
greater network effects, boosting value for every
subscription. Greater capacity and localized
content will generate more demand, creating even
more incentives for greater investment, which in
turn will create even more capacity.

While interoperability brings the full value of a
The digital world of the 21 Century offers a digital ecosystem, it also entails vulnerabilities to
st
world of opportunities through apps and services cyber-crimes, malware and privacy abuses. This
in the fields of e-governance, telemedicine, edition attempts to identify solutions to these
mobile banking and online education. ICTs help challenges.
in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
by opening doors to economic growth, socio- I believe that the cross-sectoral nature of the
economic development and vast improvements digital world will require more versatility, more
in the lives of individuals and communities. To agility and more cooperation with regulators in
realize the full potential of the digital economy, other fields, such as health, education, finance,
policy-makers and regulators have a key broadcasting and law enforcement.
role to play in building policy and regulatory
environments in which new technologies can Regulators need more than ever to engage in a
flourish. That is why this 16 annual edition of balancing act through public-private partnerships,
th
Trends in Telecommunication Reform focuses on technology test-beds and new product incubation
the theme of “exploring regulatory incentives programmes.
to achieve digital opportunities.” I believe the
theme upholds the ultimate goal of regulators: ITU-D’s effort to engage and hold an inclusive
serving our citizens. This edition is a compilation dialogue for regulators to serve their citizens
of discussion papers presented at the 2015 edition continues. With this new edition, I invite you once
of the ITU flagship event, the Global Symposium again to take part in this inclusive dialogue, which
for Regulators (GSR) and seeks to explore ways to has been so fruitful over so many years. Let us
ensure that citizens can benefit from economic welcome each other again as partners in exploring
and social opportunities brought about by the how to open up the online world for all of us, for
digital economy, recognizing that for digital all the world’s digital explorers.
opportunities to fully materialize, an adaptive,

Brahima Sanou
Director
Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT)

Trends in Telecommunication Reform 2016 iii