CRASA - IMPACT OF CONVERGENCE ON ICT POLICY AND REGULATION WORKSHOP

The ICT industry as a whole is undergoing a potentially disruptive phase of development due to the convergence between information and communications technologies and the rapid diffusion of internet-related applications. The need to address convergence through ICT policy and regulatory framework is pertinent as it is believed that adapting to convergence will expand access to ICTs and stimulate economic growth. The new ICT industry, therefore, requires new approaches to regulation that recognise the changed functions of telecommunications, broadcasting and media in this digital era.

The workshop aims at providing a platform where various stakeholders involved in the ICT policy making, regulation and operators in the SADC region will meet and be able to discuss and learn more on issues of convergence. The participants will be able to exchange ideas on how the issues of convergence should be addressed in the region and ensure that developments in the policy and regulations in the ICT market will allow SADC to enjoy the benefits of convergence and minimise instances of inefficiency in regulation of the converged markets.

Bring awareness and deepen the understanding of the convergence issues in CRASA members and other ICT stakeholders in SADC region;
Bring awareness and deepen the understanding of the impact of convergence on various policy and regulatory frameworks in the region;
Enhance the quality of policy-making and regulations for the ICT market in SADC region; and
Facilitate a smooth transition of CRASA from TRASA in addressing the issue of convergence that the new Association aims to address.

Workshop Brief

Current challenges brought in by convergence to the existing Communication Acts (Bills) in various SADC ;
Challenges brought in by convergence to various existing policy and regulatory frameworks;
Determination of a model convergence legislation; and
Impact of Convergence in the structure of CRASA.

In the new era of convergence are incumbents still dominant players in the market and are the existing Laws being fair to the incumbent?
Since convergence of networks and services will absolutely bring in changes in the scales of competition among operators, will the market be competitive enough to relax the stringency of price regulation?
Which licensing regime will facilitate favourable environment for investment in the converged era?
Is there need for review of ICT Policies?
Considering that some of CRASA members are not converged regulators. How should CRASA approach the issue of convergence in order to effectively facilitate the building up of an effective regulatory environment for the converged networks and services?

The workshop will be of interest to: Government Policy Makers, ICT regulators, telecommunications industry senior executives and strategists.

NetTel@Africa is a network for capacity building and Knowledge Exchange in ICT Policy, Regulation and Applications whose overall goal is to make the provision of ICT more efficient and ubiquitous to the citizens of targeted countries. NetTel@Africa seeks to strengthen the capabilities of policy making and regulatory bodies, private sector operators, consumer advocacy groups and academic institutions that can assist with sustained capacity building in the ICT sector.

Communications Regulators' Association of Southern Africa (CRASA) is an association of ICT Regulators and other Stakeholders in the ICT industry. One of CRASA goals is to remove real and perceived obstacles to domestic and foreign direct investment in Southern Africa with the knowledge that a critical component to a favourable investment climate is an affordable and accessible information and communication infrastructure. The objectives of CRASA are designed to contribute towards achievement of the aims of the Member Countries by supporting positive Policy and regulatory environments for ICTs in Southern Africa.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is the regulator of telecommunications and the broadcasting sectors in South Africa. ICASA is one of the CRASA Members as well as the host of the workshop.

Judith Simukanga is our contact at CRASA Secretariat
Telephone: +267 3158468 EMAIL: crasa@it.bw

IMPACT OF CONVERGENCE ON ICT POLICY AND REGULATION WORKSHOP

25-29 June 2007

Johannesburg - South Africa