Barriers to growth: International Access and Taxation MR02 14.00-15.00 Abu Dhabi B Ensuring universal, sustainable and affordable access to information and communication technologies and services for all global citizens is vital to stimulate socio-economic development, strengthen productivity and share equitably the benefits of globalization. In this context, understanding the role of taxation within the thriving telecommunications sector is critical. How can an appropriate balance be struck between raising revenues and facilitating economic growth through telecommunications, in particular broadband? How does government taxation in the ICT sector vary throughout the world in its scope, model and implementation within wider economic policy? How can the competing interests of operators, consumers and the public sector best be compared and evaluated? Initiatives such as National Broadband Networks do not in themselves ensure affordable and reliable internet access. Securing the international connectivity required to facilitate economic and social growth has become an imperative for many emerging economies, especially those in landlocked nations. Increasing competition in order to lower international backhaul costs, not just for incumbents but for all operators, is a necessary condition for affordable broadband. ministerial roun dtables 57