| NOTAS: | It is a promising sign that regulators worldwide are now starting to consider machine-to-machine (M2M) services as part of their agendas. However, most countries still have a long way to go to develop clear and comprehensive regulatory frameworks that include spectrum awards, clear rules on roaming, and the allocation of adequate numbering resources. In particular, the latter two issues are closely linked to each other, in that M2M service providers will be more likely to negotiate better roaming conditions if they have their own mobile network code and directly request blocks of numbers. This is particularly true where rules that prevent operators from excluding permanent roamers do not exist. Many regulators have already tackled the issue of scarcity of numbers, but much more has to be done in granting clearer roaming rules and in making more spectrum available, with a particular focus on the use of white spaces. |
