Telecommunication regulators worldwide have urged collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society, telecommunication authorities, and citizens to achieve 100% connectivity and bridge the digital divide. This call to action was made during the 23rd Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR), organized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which took place from July 1 to July 4 at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme “Regulating for Impact.”
The symposium attracted approximately 800 delegates, including leading telecommunication and ICT regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders. It served as a platform for discussions on emerging issues aimed at enhancing the regulatory impact on the telecommunication and ICT sectors in the digital age.
Despite the centrality of technology in modern life, 2.6 billion people, predominantly in developing countries, remain unconnected. This figure represents one-third of the global population, with women and other vulnerable groups disproportionately affected by the digital divide.
George William Nyombi Thembo, the executive director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), emphasized the urgency of reducing the number of unconnected individuals through dynamic regulatory interventions. “Access to the internet is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. Denial of internet access equates to denial of essential services like education, medical care, and financial inclusion,” Nyombi stated. He underscored that connectivity impacts individual socio-economic development and national progress.
Nyombi highlighted that achieving the goal of impactful regulation and advancing sustainable development goals requires collaboration. “We need a collaborative approach to formulate inclusive policies and invest in infrastructure that connects unserved populations and empowers them with digital tools,” he said. “Our ultimate goal is digital inclusion and equity, ensuring everyone thrives in the digital era.”
Bocar Aba, CEO of Samena Telecommunications Council, who chaired the industry advisory group on development matters and private sector chief regulatory officers meeting, emphasized the need for collective actions to achieve universal connectivity by 2040. The discussions underscored intensified collaboration between terrestrial and non-terrestrial service providers and regulators to adapt regulatory frameworks, reduce sector-specific fees, and ensure affordable access to technology.
Participants also recommended promoting public-private partnerships to accelerate deployment in underserved areas and implementing regulatory sandboxes to test new technologies on a smaller scale. The creation of a technical advisory group was suggested to provide targeted expertise and avoid over-regulation.
“The meeting reaffirmed the private sector’s commitment to supporting governments and regulators in achieving common goals in both the near and long term,” Aba said. Participants agreed to support digital development actively, recruit more private sector members, and use existing networks to advance national digital transformation agendas.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Uganda’s Minister of Information and ICT, acknowledged the significant digital divide between the Global North and South, with Africa lagging behind. He stressed the importance of continental and global collaboration to integrate technology into programs effectively.
Uganda’s communication sector has grown significantly over the past 25 years, with the number of fixed and mobile telephone customers rising from 68,196 in 1998 to over 36.5 million today. Internet users have increased to 15.3 million, while mobile subscriptions stand at 40.6 million.
