ITU to look at convergence issues

Johannesburg, 23 Nov 2004

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will host a symposium for regulators that will focus on the topic 'licensing in an era of convergence`.

Due to take place in Geneva from 8 to 10 December, the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) will be open to regulators and policy makers from both developed and developing nations.

The main aim of the GSR is to reach consensus on ways to promote the development of low cost access to broadband and Internet connectivity, particularly in terms of the developing world.

According to the ITU, the ICT sector is currently undergoing a radical transformation as it shifts from an industry based on "plain old telephone service" (POTS) to one that provides voice, data and multimedia applications.

The organisation says that as this shift occurs, countries around the world are also working on updating their licensing and regulatory frameworks in order to address this convergence so as to better promote affordable Internet and broadband access.

To this end, the regulators are expected to issue a statement of "Best Practice Guidelines for the Promotion of Low Cost Broadband and Internet Connectivity".

The ITU will also release the 2004 edition of its annual publication "Trends in Telecommunication Reform", which focuses on the global trend towards reducing licensing requirements and adopting converged licensing regimes that enable providers to offer all services using the technology of their choice.

According to the ITU, more than 50 national regulatory bodies have already registered to attend the GSR, and it is expected that this symposium will help to foster open dialogue between regulators and key stakeholders, including the private sector, investors and consumers.