TRAI jointly organizes a Web dialogue along with ITU and GSMA

A web dialogue is being organized jointly by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the GSM Association (GSMA) today, which aims at engaging representatives of the National Regulatory Authorities and other stakeholders from South Asia to discuss on the regulation for digital transformation in the post-COVID-19 era.

Amidst an unprecedented crisis of COVID-19, digital technologies offer the only opportunity for governments, individuals and businesses to cope with social distancing, ensure business continuity, and prevent service
interruptions. This web dialogue will help regulators, policymakers and industry to better understand the digital transformation that is taking place and tools to create a policy environment that enables their economies and
societies to prosper in a world that is increasingly digital and data-driven.

A large segment of population, almost 25 % of the total world population, resides in South Asia and India is the largest and the most populous country in the region with a population of around 1.3 billion people. There is a dearth
of infrastructure and resources in most of the countries in South Asia, as compared to the developed world. This imbalance of percentage of population vis-à-vis available resources poses tough situation for governments to deal
with the situation and ensure the economy sustainability. Keeping this in mind, the sessions of this Web Dialogue have been dedicated to discuss seamless digital connectivity for all and collaborative regulatory tools for Digital Transformation and Digital Economy and the deliberations are expected to be interesting and relevant for the region.

The eminent speakers will highlight digital strategies and innovative solutions adopted in response to connectivity challenges and needs of all kinds that have emerged amid the crisis. An open discussion with all participants will explore the related challenges, opportunities and lessons learned in the form of an interactive discussion by eminent panellists and participants. The Chairman, TRAI will be delivering opening remarks, along with Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director of Telecommunication Development Bureau, ITU, Mr. Dan Sjoblom, DG of Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) who is also President of BEREC (Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications), Mr. Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific for GSMA. Many Heads of Regulators from South Asian region will be participating as Speakers, particularly from countries such as Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Mongolia etc.

-CT Bureau