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Girls in ICT

Question 3

​​Study of economic and policy factors relevant to the efficient provision of international telecommunication services​

(Continuation of Question 3/3)

Motivation

The economic and policy environment for international telecommunication services continues to evolve rapidly along with the regulatory environment. Developments of national and international scope require operators and administrations to keep under study the implications for international accounting and settlements arrangements, including development of appropriate cost models.

We should expect increasing emphasis on policy and economic issues that need to be addressed in reviewing the D-Series Recommendations. Recommendations or other policy positions must be developed which can be widely implemented and accepted, so as to fulfil the ITU’s basic task of promoting regional and international network development.

In addition, during this period, Study Group 3 will be expected to contribute to discussions on review of the International Telecommunication Regulations, and on the handling of policy issues generally.

Question

Study of economic and policy factors relevant to the efficient provision of international telecommunication services.​

Tasks

The study under this question should cover general principles and considerations that may apply to all international telecommunication services. Outputs could include recommendations and/or supplements to facilitate the application of recommendations or implementation of general principles of transparency, non-discrimination, cost-orientation and efficient development of international networks.

In studying this Question, special explicit considerations should be given to the needs of developing countries and in particular to the least developing countries.

In this context, the international and/or regional aspects of the following topics should be included:
  1. policy and economic issues - understanding the economic effect of changes in the market;
  2. network externalities;
  3. universal service obligations;
  4. impact of the choice of accounting rate currency;
  5. impact of convergence and globalization on pricing;
  6. impact, if any, of the revised International Telecommunication Regulations;
  7. revenue protection mechanisms;
  8. misuse of facilities and services (see WTSA Resolution 20);
  9. financial aspects of network security;
  10. taxation and impact of double taxation on the telecom market;
  11. financial data gathering from operators;
  12. mechanisms for pricing and valuation of telecom licenses (for mobile, fixed and broadband).​
Other topics may be studied as appropriate, based on contributions.

Terms and definitions for recommendations or studies dealing with this question.

Texts under development: D.Classification, D.datatariff, D.GVR, D.IoTpolicy, and D.Licensing.

An up-to-date status of work under this Question is contained in the SG3 work programme.

Relationships

Recommendations
Questions
Study Groups
Standardization bodies
WSIS Action Lines
Sustainable Development Goals