Connecting the world and beyond

ITU-D Study Groups Scope

WTDC-25 provisional final report extracts: Resolution 1 for working methods, Resolution 2 for study Questions and the terms of reference of all Questions.

Study Group 1

The mandate of STUDY GROUP 1 on Universal meaningful connectivity*for bridging the digital divide" is:

National policy and regulatory aspects of broadband telecommunication/ICT development
Economic aspects in the field of national telecommunications/ICTs, including facilitating the implementation of the digital economy and the provision of telecommunication/ICT services, including for rural and remote areas
National approaches for providing access to telecommunications/ICTs in rural and remote areas, with special focus on developing countries, including least developed countries, small island developing states, landlocked developing countries and countries with economies in transition
Access to telecommunication/ICT services to enable inclusive communications, especially for persons with disabilities and persons with specific needs
Migration and adoption of digital technologies for broadcasting for different environments
Use of telecommunications/ICTs for disaster risk reduction and management, particularly in developing countries
Consumer information, empowerment, protection and rights for telecommunication/ICT services, especially for vulnerable groups
New and emerging telecommunications/ICTs, including applications of artificial intelligence (AI), in delivering universal meaningful connectivity

Meaningful connectivity is a level of connectivity that allows users to have a safe, satisfying, enriching and productive online experience at an affordable cost.

Study Group 2

The mandate of STUDY GROUP 2 on Digital transformation is:

Telecommunications/ICTs for digital transformation, including e-health and e-education
Building confidence and security in the use of ICTs
Using telecommunications/ICTs for monitoring and mitigating the impact of climate change, and consideration of circular economy and safe disposal of electronic waste
Combating counterfeit telecommunication/ICT devices and theft of mobile telecommunication devices
Implementation of conformance and interoperability testing for telecommunication/ICT devices and equipment
Human exposure to electromagnetic fields
Challenges and prospects for developing countries in access to emerging telecommunication/ICT technologies, platforms, applications and use cases
Using telecommunications/ICTs to create smart cities and the information society
Adoption of telecommunications/ICTs and improving digital skills
Availability and affordability of user devices
Utilization of new and emerging telecommunication/ICT technologies