The information and communication technology (ICT) sector is in the midst of remarkable transformation fuelled by a combination of technological, market, policy and regulatory developments. These changes include unparalleled numbers of voice telephone subscribers, the rise of IP-enabled networks and Voice over IP (VoIP) services, initial - yet promising - deployment of fixed-line broadband and broadband wireless access (BWA) services and intelligent radio devices. The market and technological developments are exerting pressure on the current regulatory framework. How will regulation change?

One of the core functions of BDT is the collection, analysis and dissemination of information on telecommunication regulatory trends and practices, collectively known as the Regulatory Knowledge Centre. This site is an online one-stop-shop for the latest ICT regulatory information. The data is drawn from an annual regulatory survey, which dates back to 1994. Each year the survey is adapted in order to reflect changes in the sector.

Since the start of the survey, the number of countries with separate regulators has grown by over 200%; the number of countries that have privatized has doubled and the number of countries providing competitive basic services has grown by over 500%. To view the latest trends, select the desired reports from the right hand menu.