ITU Telecom World 2009 In Review 2009 Geneva 5-9 October conditions that cannot be addressed by blindly copying regulatory frameworks from developed countries that have completely different historical contexts and telecom infrastructures in place. Generally, the right regulatory environ-ment means finding a balance between creating competition, improving ac-cess (whether to basic services or to broadband) and attracting investment (in the case of developing countries, typically FDI). But emerging telecom markets typically differ greatly from mature markets. Usually the fixed-line penetration is substantially lower while mobile penetration is much higher. Yet, build-out of wireline infrastructures is seen by many as the most “future proof” solution for longer term ultra-broadband access. Particularly in a troubled global economy where capital markets are tightening up, finding the right balance means that regulators have to juggle between promoting investment in infrastructure ver-sus promoting service-based competition. This session considered whether a ‘rethinking on regulation’ needs to take place in developing economies, par-ticularly when a national ICT infrastructure has become an underpinning layer of networked economies and information societies. Summary of moderator’s statement In the current global environment of economic downturn, targeted and effec-tive regulation has a key role to play to ensure that investment flow continues to drive ICT growth. ICT regulators and policymakers need to carry out a dedi-cated balancing act between a hand-on or hand-off approach to regulation, one which can also guarantee that the two important objectives of regulations are met, promoting a healthy sector development and also ensuring that social goals are met. Fundamental policy and regulatory reform has been initiated in telecommuni-cations sectors by a majority of countries, and these have resulted in improving the daily lives of many: providing regulators with the tools to regulate the sector effectively and efficiently can boost investment promote innovation in the ICT markets. In the ICT sector, in times of economic crisis, effective regulation can help act as the stimulus plan, helping the sector overcome economic crisis. Neverthe- 138 Forum Summary Report