NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

ICT Markets Around The World Become More Competitive

Effective regulation of the information and telecommunications technologies (ICTs) is crucial for overall economic growth, the United Nations telecommunications agency said today.

A report released today also stressed that setting rules and standards creates an enabling digital environment.

In its 2010-2011 report on "Trends in Telecommunications Reform", the UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU) notes that a robust and complex regulatory landscape has emerged in response to the tremendous influence ICTs have on the shape and growth of other economic sectors.

At the beginning of this year, for example, more than 80 per cent of markets worldwide had separate ICT regulatory agencies, bringing the total to 158 ICT regulators worldwide, up from 106 just one decade ago, according to the report.

"Because ICTs touch all aspects of society, when setting sound policies and regulation, the link between ICTs and major social issues like climate change, economic growth and digital lifestyles has to be taken into account." Director Brahima Sanou, ITU

The reports points out that ICT markets around the world are becoming more competitive in every respect, from international gateway services to wireless local loop and 3G. In 2010, for example, more than 93 per cent of countries worldwide allowed competition in the provision of Internet services, and 90 per cent in the provision of mobile cellular services. A further 92 per cent have competitive 3G mobile broadband markets.

Source: United Nations