During the reporting session, Dr. Saad el Barrak, as chairman of the GILF, summarized the main findings of yesterday’s panels. The general themes discussed were the allocation and assignment of spectrum, the fair, stable and predictable regulatory environment as well as the need for a light regulatory approach. On the other hand, Dr. Barrak mentioned the importance of avoiding over taxation which inhibits willingness of investors in networks and services. The last topic raised was the role of the ICT in the climate change solution.

Regarding the impact of the financial crisis on the development of the telecommunications, Dr. Barrak emphasized on the importance of harmonizing regulatory frameworks on a regional level and the essential need of long term stable regulations especially with respect to licensing regimes and frequency assignments.

Concerning Universal Service, the participants raised the importance of technology neutrality allowing investors to choose the most cost effective and reliable technology to serve underserved regions. Universal Service Fund is a good concept however transparency in spending those funds is mandatory for a successful universal access.

On the subject of IP telecom convergence, the industry needs a long term horizon view and considers that a significant amount of spectrum should be set aside to support future growth of convergent services. Also, lighter and more flexible regulations are necessary to allow for technology market evolution. “Innovation zones” of spectrum can be implemented to experiment on new technologies and approaches.

As a conclusion, the industry is ready and willing to work with regulators and ministries. Areas of common interest should be identified to optimize resources and focus on specific areas. The industry is aiming for a vibrant sector to help connected the unconnected.

In the second part of the reporting session, Mr. David Gomez, Director General, Agência Nacional das Comunicações (ANAC), Cape Verde, Chairman, Association of Communications and Telecommunications Regulators of the Portuguese Speaking Countries (ARCTEL-CPLP) presented the outcome of the informal meeting of Regional Regulators’ Associations (RRA) that was held yesterday in parallel to the GILF sessions and chaired by H.E Dr. Abdulrahman Bin Ahmed Al Jaafari, governor of CITC of Saudi Arabia. During this meeting, where 7 regional associations were present, regulators discussed the challenges, aims and objectives of the RRAs and identified the following drivers:

• Enhance regulation within the region and improve regulatory harmonization
  
  
• Promote the adoption of best practices, exchange of information and experts, joint studies and adopt a common position
  
  
• Create an active and harmonized regulatory environment to improve cooperation and encourage innovation and communications development
  

As a general outcome of this meeting, RRAs recommended to implement annual meetings in parallel with GSR, to establish a regional association secretariat network in collaboration with ITU and to use the G-REX forum as a platform for regional association secretariat networks.