[kictanet] [APC Forum] Call for dialogue: Regulatory frameworks for improving access

[alice]

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Call for dialogue: Regulatory frameworks for improving access
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http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=5252920

What key actions could telecom and ICT regulators undertake to promote 
access to infrastructure at local, national and regional levels? Send 
dialogue comment for posting to dialogue at regulateonline.org

“Regulatory Frameworks for Improving Access” – Workshop presented by 
APC, IDRC, and LIRNE.NET

This dialogue is being undertaken in preparation for the “Regulatory 
Frameworks for Improving Access” workshop co-hosted by the Canadian 
International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Learning 
Initiatives on Reforms for Network Economies (LIRNE.NET), and the 
Association for Progressive Communications (APC), at this year’s IGF. 
The workshop will explore the key regulatory issues and imperatives in 
promoting equitable deployment and affordable access to internet 
(communications) infrastructure at local, national, regional and global 
levels.

Background

Regulation is how policies are put into practice. However, experience 
has shown that there is not necessarily a trouble-free transition from 
the conceptual to the real world. For telecom (and other sectors) 
despite expectations of market solutions to improve infrastructure 
development and deployment, there are still substantial access gaps 
beyond the reach of the market, especially in rural areas.

LIRNE.NET and APC invite internet and telecom practitioners, ICT policy 
and regulation experts, and other stakeholders to submit short (200-500 
words) statements on what they identify as the key issues and important 
factors currently facing regulators concerned with access to 
infrastructure. Statements can focus on local, national or regional 
access and can also highlight solutions that have been already 
implemented to resolve existing issues and challenges. Comments which 
address the following are particularly welcomed:

1. Whose jurisdiction? The role of regulation in addressing the 
international gap - international backbone infrastructure deployment and 
interconnection.
2. Issues and/or challenges in regulating regional (cross-national) 
communications infrastructure.
3. Trade-off or complementary objectives? Regulating for infrastructure 
investment and/or regulating for equitable access.
4. Access at the local level – definition of universal access and 
mechanisms for attainment.

Internet Governance Forum (IGF)

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF), a medium for multi-stakeholder 
policy dialogue, was set up in 2006 as a direct response to the 
deliberations of the World Summit of the Information Society (WSIS). The 
forum was created to (amongst other things) discuss public policy issues 
related to key elements of Internet governance in order to foster the 
sustainability, robustness, security, stability and development of the 
Internet. The second meeting of the IGF will be held in Rio de Janeiro, 
Brazil from 12 - 15 November 2007.

Association for Progressive Communications
http://www.apc.org

LIRNE.NET
http://www.lirne.net

IDRC
http://www.idrc.org