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ITU released a major report on regulation in the
information and communication technology (ICT) sector on 4 September 2007.
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This report explores the move to NGN,
its technology, fixed-mobile convergence, interconnection, international
Internet interconnection, universal access, QoS and
consumer protection and the creation of an NGN-enabling
environment. Global ICT market and regulatory trends are also discussed and an
overview of the NGN regulatory framework is provided. |
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Highlights from the report |
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Growth in ICTs worldwide,
1996-2006, in billions
Note: Service
totals are cumulative
Source: Trends in Telecommunication Reform 2007: The Road to NGN |
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Over the past decade, there has been buoyant growth in the ICT sector, demonstrating the spectacular success of the mobile sector in particular.
More analysis in Trends 2007
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Level of competition in
selected services world, 2006
Source: Trends in
Telecommunication Reform 2007: The Road to NGN |
There is no doubt that effective competition leads to lower
prices, more choice and better quality of service and facilitates
the take-up of new services. As such, national regulatory authorities
have an important role to play in ensuring and maintaining
a competitive marketplace.
The opening of markets to competition has remained
steady. Mobile and Internet services continue to be the most
competitive markets, while fixed-line services are also becoming
increasingly competitive.
More analysis in Trends 2007
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Source: Trends in
Telecommunication Reform 2007: The Road to NGN |
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In 2007, the world counts 148 national ICT-sector regulators. Over three
quarters of ITU Member States have
established a separate regulator, although differences remain
between regions. Africa has the highest percentage of countries
with a separate sector regulator (over 90 per cent), followed by the
Americas and Europe. Since mid-2005, nine new regulators were
established: three in Africa, two in the Asia-Pacific, one in the
Arab States and three in Europe. This trend will
certainly continue, as more than five countries have indicated
their intention to establish an ICT regulatory body in the near
future.
More analysis in Trends 2007
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Next Generation Networks (NGN) |
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What is
NGN?
A packet-based network able to provide telecommunication services and able to make use of multiple broadband, QoS-enabled transport technologies and in which service-related functions are independent from underlying transport-related technologies.
It enables unfettered access for users to networks and to competing service providers and/or services of their choice.
It supports generalized mobility which will allow consistent and ubiquitous provision of services to users.
ITU-T
definition (2001)
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The road to NGN
The transition to NGN is underway and promises
to fundamentally alter the ICT landscape. It will bring
opportunities for operators and benefits for consumers, while
at the same time posing challenges for regulators and policymakers.
Regulation in this regard is a true work in progress.
There is much to be learned from those countries that have
gone further down the road of technological development and
policy analysis. As is the case in all ICT developments, there
will be world leaders in NGN development and regulation.
More analysis in Trends 2007
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NGN is still in an evolutionary phase and no country has
as yet developed a specific regulatory framework for it. However,
regulators in various countries are already considering the
best way to facilitate an NGN investor-friendly climate with
sustainable business opportunities. |
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NGN issues for regulators to consider
Will the migration to NGN require a complete review of
the current ICT legal framework? Will it require reorganization
and restructuring of regulatory authorities? What impact
will it have on regulators’ responsibilities and mandate? How
can regulations best address the converging ICT sector that
was previously separated and regulated in silos? How can regulators
continue to ensure fair competition, promote universal
access to ICTs and protect consumers in a fast changing environment?
Is there a need for a new regulatory paradigm? Some
countries are already in the process of developing
an NGN regulatory framework, while others seek to learn
from international best practices.
More analysis in Trends 2007
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Contents of the report
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Chapter 1: Market Trends -
Chapter 2: NGN - A Regulation Overview
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Chapter 3: Next-Generation Networking Technology
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Chapter 4: Fixed-Mobile Convergence
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Chapter 5: Interconnection in an IP-based NGN environment
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Chapter 6: International Interconnection, NGN and ICT Development
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Chapter 7: NGN & Universal Access
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Chapter 8: Consumer Protection and Quality of Service
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Chapter 9: Enabling Environment for NGN
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Chapter 10: Why NGN, Why Now?
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The Road to Next-Generation Networks (NGN) |
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The
2007 GSR Best Practice Guidelines promote regulatory
frameworks that foster innovation, investment and affordable
access to NGN while facilitating the migration to NGNs.
Because the deployment of next-generation networks will not
happen overnight, the 38-point roadmap encourages regulators
to define policies that allow for the coexistence of legacy and IP
networks, alternative voice services such as VoIP and bundled
services that provide voice together with TV and Internet access
(also called triple-play). |
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| Previous
reports in this series |
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| ITU-infoDev
ICT Regulation Toolkit |
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The
ICT Regulation Toolkit is a web-based tool, organized as a series of lined module to provide regulators, telecom service providers, policy makers, sector experts and the general public with latest on regulatory topics, best practices, and case studies. |
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