The Colombian city of Armenia hosted last 21-23 September the 11th Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR), dedicated to the theme topic of ‘Smart Regulation for a Broadband World’, where discussion focused on the challenges facing regulators in efforts to boost broadband implementation via flexible regulation and innovative tools. This International Telecommunication Union (ITU) event gathers regulators and policymakers from developed and developing countries and fosters the sharing of ideas and experience regarding major and currently relevant issues affecting the sector.
At the end of the GSR session, which this year counted 504 participants, a set of best practices was approved, drawn up based on discussions at the symposium and prior member state contributions. Portugal contributed to preparation of this document. These best practices identify guidelines for finding innovative regulatory solutions which enable the development of broadband networks, encourage innovation and expand digital literacy.
The Global Industry Leaders Forum (GILF) was held the day before the GSR. The Forum is meant to foster high-level discussion to share experience and make proposals regarding regulation issues that affect business and the sector in general, thus promoting interactive debate between industry and regulators/policymakers.
The 2011 GILF specifically focused on theme topics such as the changing regulatory framework, telecommunications service charging and the growing importance of social networks and their eventual impact on the regulatory environment.
