Secretary General of the ITU Mr. Houlin Zhao, fellow Heads of Regulatory Bodies and distinguished guests;  

I consider it a privilege to make a statement at the Sixth World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum, with an apt theme of “Policies for mobilizing new and emerging telecommunications/ICTs for sustainable development”, where I would want to focus on the key aspect of Mobilizing new solutions for connectivity which is key in unlocking and realizing the ITU Connect 2030 Agenda goals. With the advent of the black swan event in terms of the Covid 19 pandemic, further realization of the need for universal connectivity as the most critical infrastructure element in enabling the public with ICT solutions has been reaffirmed. Sri Lanka as an example has initiated its own universal service obligation fund project “Connect Sri Lanka” with a bold ambition of enabling Sri Lanka with 100% broadband connectivity across the country inclusive of rural and remote areas as well as connecting all state schools with fiber connectivity. However, the rapidly depleting USO funds would potentially be an impediment and would require a new policy discussion on new avenues of revenue generation for the universal obligations funds of the future.  

In terms of prioritizing digital inclusivity, affordability is yet another significant aspect that needs long term focus and policy considerations where in tandem with the improvement for accessibility through connectivity infrastructure development, affordable broadband services should be encouraged for achieving an impactful holistic digital inclusivity that would enable to reduce the existing digital divide that is having a negative impact on many demographics for example students lacking access to connectivity and affordable internet restricting education which is a mandatory human right. 

With the new normal created through the pandemic, rapid adaptation and creation of digital economies moving ahead from a traditional approach is going to define the future growth trajectory of countries affecting the quality of life of citizens. Sri Lanka’s own digital economy strategy is based on key aspects of enabling the tech services industry, enablement and empowerment of the local startup eco system, technology diffusion across non tech industries and capacity building to sustain the thrust of digital transformation which again would be critically dependent on how well we success in enabling universal connectivity. 

In terms of accessibility, it is equally imperative for us to consider device enablement that would enable citizens to reap the digital dividends. Today accessibility to mobile devices have become yet another impediment that must be taken into purview alongside connectivity enablement specially for the student demographic. In terms of creating future digital economies, the device enablement would be key in adoption of ICT solutions in tandem with focus on enhancing digital literacy and only then will we be able to create a truly inclusive model of digital economy. 

Furthermore, key aspects of technical deliberations that include the concepts of open RAN, RAN Sharing and spectrum sharing and spectrum re-farming to capacitate the growing demand for 4G broadband services to ensure further improvement of affordability and expansions should be considered and frameworks of implementation further enhanced to act as a guideline for emerging markets for considering such initiatives.  

It is time in terms of policy considerations to consider new paradigms of technology concepts such as non geo stationary orbit or NGSO systems in accelerating the future of connectivity. Key aspects of future regulatory landscape changes required for enabling such services would have to be prioritized ensuring a conducive long term and equitable environment for new challenges that may include future interference between satellite lineups, as well as creating parity for multiple entrants by ensuring the recalibration of existing licensing frameworks. With the advent of such technologies and the efficient alignment of environments to facilitate such services would indeed accelerate the impetus of solving the digital divide created predominantly by lack of connectivity. 

In conclusion I believe that a whole of government approach has to be set in place in achieving digital inclusivity as well as accessibility to connectivity which would ensure that the current digital divide that exists globally to acceptable levels thus ensuring the adoption of ICT services on an equitable note universally.  Continuous policy realignment and introduction of policy frameworks will indeed be a catalyst for embracing new technology on a sustainable long term approach which is certain to ensure that we achieve the Connect 2030 agenda goals across all countries. 

Thank you