Over the past decade, most countries in Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Caribbean have initiated reforms in the telecommunication sector by establishing national regulatory bodies, introducing competition and at least partially privatizing operators. However, large sections of the population remain without basic access to information and communication technology (ICT) services. Key reforms have yet to be undertaken in many countries which would provide regulators with the tools and authority to effectively regulate the sector as a means of boosting investment, promoting innovation and building confidence in ICT markets.
The European Union has allocated Euro 8 million from the European Development Fund, to which ITU will add USD 500 000 of its own resources. The work will be managed and implemented by ITU.
