World Dialogue on Regulation

As will be illustrated over the course of this dialogue, there are a number of innovative ways for regulators to promote universal access, in addition to simply enforcing good and fair practices around interconnection, pricing, creating opportunities for participation in policy development processes, and so forth.

Because of the range of solutions possible for achieving universal access, having clear information about the sector is essential. This should include indicators that reveal inequities across different sectors (rural and urban, uptake for girls and women); documentation of access and programmes for marginalised sectors; examples of productive uses of ICTs and best practices within the sector; overall growth and functioning of the sector – and so forth.

A key priority for the regulator should be to ensure that there is sufficient documentation of regulatory processes and that statistical information is collected and made available in a transparent manner.

First there is information primarily of use around consumer rights such as quality of service guidelines, complaint procedures and pricing. Because affordability can be a key barrier to adoption of ICT, not only is it important that the regulator maintain information on pricing, but also that operators be required to provide clear information on their pricing and service packages.

Secondly, there is information that will be critical for communities, small businesses or municipalities wanting to provide their own access using emerging technologies, for example, wireless networks and alternative business models. Spectrum use policies and regulation, interconnection regimes and agreements, and publication of licence conditions are the kinds of information that will need to be consulted.

And more generally, are universal service and universal access targets documented? Is there an action plan for which progress can be monitored? Does the regulator collect, maintain and make available statistical information about the telecom/ICT sector?

This kind of documentation will help highlight where concerted action is most needed and will show where progress has been made.