Maximising Access to Broadband

A range of policy options are available to maximize access to broadband and to maximize its benefits. Policymakers must regularly review and revise regulatory frameworks to encourage the development of broadband and ICTs.

According to ITU’s Trends in Telecommunication Reform Report 2015, many countries have adopted or are in the process of adopting more flexible regulatory frameworks over the past decade. By now, a large majority of countries have moved to engage with market liberalization measures in their telecommunication sector. For example, by 2016, 151 countries had allowed private sector participation in their fixed-line sector, at least 147 countries had allowed private sector participation in their mobile (spectrum-based) operators, and there are now 164 regulatory authorities worldwide by 2016. As outlined in The State of Broadband 2016: Broadband Catalyzing Sustainable Development, today, regulatory frameworks should also include consideration of the emerging Internet of Things (IoT), data privacy and protection.