Summary - Y.2361 (04/2025) - Requirements for fostering telecommunication/information and communication technology services universalization in developing countries using open networks and artificial intelligence models

Service universalization is the process to provide telecommunication services to every individual or group of people irrespective of social, geographical and economical status. A total of 193 United Nations member states agreed to work towards reaching ICT Universalization by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Most existing networks are in economically attractive areas and this causes a digital divide in developing countries that requires the coordination of private and public entities to benefit sectors where investment incentives are not sufficient. The adoption of open network principles has the potential to improve the competitive environment for manufacturers and operators and altogether with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) models, has a strong potential to reduce CAPEX and OPEX. The aggregation of both technologies, AI and open networks, has a potential to reduce costs and provide affordable services with a higher quality than in traditional networks. Recommendation ITU-T Y.2361 identifies requirements of open networks and AI models and proposes recommendations for fostering universalization of telecommunications/ICT services by network deployment in developing countries.