The localization of OTT communication platforms, the development of the LEO frequency band, and responsible satellite operations were also covered in other topics.

The South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC) Workshop on Policy, Regulation and Services (PRS) successfully ended today after three days of discussions and deliberations on significant issues pertaining to the South Asian ICT regulatory landscape.

The workshop was attended by professionals and representatives from a range of industries, including academia, the telecom sector, ICT regulatory bodies, and the telecom sector. 45 experts discussing the workshop’s topics exchanged ideas and best practises over the course of ten sessions.

The workshop’s conclusions centred on the need for a national optical fibre backbone for 5G networks and how to use the Universal Service Obligation fund to build one. Regional cooperation was considered crucial for ensuring dependable connectivity and lowering telecom costs.

The localization of OTT communication platforms, the development of the LEO frequency band, and responsible satellite operations were also covered in other topics.

In his summary of the workshop, the chair of SATRC working group PRS, DG S&D, also emphasised the significance of cross-sector collaboration and digital transformation as well as ethical challenges related to deep fakes and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Mr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar, Member (Compliance & Enforcement), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), praised SATRC as an outstanding example of regulatory cooperation. According to him, the workshop is crucial for discussing the present and future trends in the ICT landscape in South Asia and elsewhere.

The diverse viewpoints and expertise at the workshop, according to Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Secretary General Masanori Kondo, widened perspectives and sparked fresh opportunities for ICT development. He expressed his gratitude to PTA for hosting the workshop and for the kindness shown to the attendees.

Delegates from the nine SATRC member countries, as well as representatives from domestic and international organisations, attended the PTA-hosted SATRC Workshop on PRS. The Workshop offered a forum for fruitful discussion and the exchange of ideas on significant issues pertaining to the telecom/ICT industry in the area.