The ITU/BDT organized the ITU Executive-level training for Heads of Regulatory Authorities on the strategic impact of cost modeling and dispute resolution mechanisms in collaboration with the Economics University of Vienna (Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien). This Executive-level training, was held at the ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, from 27 to 28 June 2011, immediately prior the 2011 Telecommunication Development Advisory Group (TDAG) meeting. It counted with the participation of 35 Directors-General, Chairmen, CEOs, Commissioners of Regulatory Authorities from 24 countries.

In today’s converged digital environment, pricing and cost modeling practices are central to ensuring a fair and healthy competitive environment. In addition, resolving related disputes expeditiously has emerged as a major challenge for regulators. Striking the right balance between different interests requires Heads of Regulatory Authorities to be well informed on current costing and pricing strategies, their impact and implications on the national competitive landscape and the related skills required by staff. Similarly, the nature and complexity of ICT dispute issues has significantly evolved and requires timely and efficient resolution mechanisms.

The purpose of this Executive-level training was twofold. The first objective is for Heads of Regulatory Authorities to understand the need to develop new cost models reflecting changes in the digital world and make informed strategic decisions that promote investment and development in the sector. The second objective is to understand various aspects, implications, mechanisms and possible outcomes of a dispute, focusing in particular on dispute resolution in the area of interconnection, access to wholesale services and essential facilities.

This Executive-level training had been led by Professor Heinrich Otruba from the University of Economics and Business Administration of Vienna (Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien), former Head of the Austrian Regulatory Authority for Telecommunication (RTR) and Advisor of the Director General for the Information Society, European Commission and Mr. Rory Macmillan, Founding Partner of Macmillan Keck, and Accredited Mediator by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR); WIPO listed arbitrator, member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and; member of the Electronic Media Panel of the Communications Providers Independent Alternative Dispute Resolution Service.