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Broadband moves to the top of Mexico’s agenda
Government moves prioritize ICT development
Geneva, 15 March 2013 –The recent announcement by the
government of President Enrique Peña Nieto to restructure Mexico’s
telecommunications regulatory frameworks will help put broadband development at
the top of the country’s national development agenda, according to ITU
Secretary-General Dr Hamadoun I. Touré.
Dr Touré arrives in Mexico City on March 16 for the 7th meeting of the
Broadband Commission for Digital Development, the advocacy group he established
in 2010 in partnership with United Nations sister agency UNESCO. The Commission
comprises some 60 top-level representatives from both public and private sectors
and across a wide range of industry sectors, reflecting the transformational
power of high-speed technology to stimulate development in all areas of human
endeavour.
In 2011 the Commission established a set of four key broadband targets that
all countries should strive to meet by 2015, the target year for the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs).
Measured against the key target of affordability, Mexico has already notched
up solid performance, with an entry-level fixed broadband subscription
representing 2.5% of average monthly salary, against the target of 5%. New
government legislation should promote even broader competition, further driving
down the cost of access.
Commenting on the regulatory overhaul, Dr Touré said: “I welcome any
regulatory reform designed to increase access to the broadband networks that
will be the life-blood of countries in terms of accelerating progress towards
the MDGs and strengthening national competitiveness. I hope the focus will be on
equal treatment of all players, ensuring affordable access and protecting the
interests of the consumer. I am optimistic that new legislation will strengthen
the capacity of Mexico to deliver broadband to all its citizens. Broadband is
critical to enabling people, no matter where they live or what their means, to
access government services, and to reap the benefits offered by innovations such
as m-health and e-learning. Broadband investment will promote the convergence of
telecommunications services and promote interoperability and harmonization –
which is good for business and good for the consumer.”
Broadband is central to future social and economic development, and for many
parts of the world access to broadband will be over mobile networks. To realize
the full potential of this transformational technology, new models will
sometimes be needed. It has never been more urgent for all stakeholders to work
together to create solutions to drive broadband-enabled prosperity and ensure
universal broadband access.”
Through its Global Symposium for Regulators and other activities, ITU
supports ICT regulatory best practice, to ensure optimum quality of service,
maximize consumer choice, foster a level playing field that encourages
investment.
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Parkes
Chief, Media Relations and Public Information
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