International Conference of Telecom Regulators: A Step Forward in Global Telecommunications

On October 16, 2024, the Minister of State for Communications, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, inaugurated the International Conference of Telecom Regulators in New Delhi. The conference, organized by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), brought together key global stakeholders in the telecommunications industry. Among the prominent figures attending were Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Mr. Mats Granryd, Director General of GSMA, and Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of TRAI.

India’s ICT Growth and 5G Expansion

During the inaugural session, Dr. Pemmasani emphasized the rapid growth of India’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, highlighting the accelerated deployment of 5G services. He also touched upon the nation’s impressive adoption of digital technologies, attributing the success to a conducive regulatory environment. The Minister credited India’s robust digital economy to forward-looking policies that have bolstered innovation and paved the way for broader use of emerging technologies.

Addressing the Future of Telecommunications

Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Minister of Communications, in a message delivered by Shri Atul K. Chaudhary, Secretary, TRAI, stressed the crucial role that regulators play in safeguarding consumer interests. He emphasized the importance of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) in unlocking new opportunities in communication technologies, fostering innovative applications across various industries, and contributing to the global push towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also urged regulators to consider frameworks for regulating Over-the-Top (OTT) communication services to ensure balanced growth.

Global Participation and Collaboration

The conference, organized in conjunction with the ITU World Telecom Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24) and the India Mobile Congress (IMC-24), witnessed participation from ITU member states, policymakers, and technology partners from around the world. As the host, TRAI aimed to explore the theme of “Emerging Trends in Regulation,” focusing on regulatory aspects of satellite communications, NTNs, and OTT services. The presence of international telecom regulators and industry experts highlighted India’s growing influence in the global telecommunications landscape.

Strengthening International Cooperation

One of the key outcomes of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between TRAI and Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST). This agreement formalized the bilateral relationship between the two countries and opened doors for further collaboration on regulatory issues. TRAI already holds over 20 bilateral agreements with international regulatory bodies, enhancing cooperation and fostering mutual consultation on key regulatory matters. This latest MoU is expected to lead to new joint initiatives in the near future.

Regulatory Leadership in Telecom

The speakers at the conference, including Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin and Mr. Mats Granryd, reinforced the importance of collaboration between regulators, technology leaders, and policymakers to ensure the telecommunications sector’s steady and sustainable growth. Mr. Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of TRAI, highlighted India’s active participation in international forums such as the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC), and ASEAN. He noted that TRAI has consistently hosted international conferences, both in India and abroad, to foster a collaborative approach toward global telecom regulation.

Conclusion

The International Conference of Telecom Regulators reaffirmed India’s role as a leader in the telecommunications industry. The discussions and collaborations stemming from this event will likely influence regulatory frameworks and technological developments across the globe. By focusing on emerging trends such as NTNs and OTT regulation, the conference highlighted the need for progressive regulatory approaches to meet the challenges of an increasingly connected world.