Note: This section is based in large part on two discussion papers prepared for the 8th ITU Global Symposium for Regulators 2008. The first paper, entitled Extending Open Access to National Fibre Backbones in Developing Countries was prepared by Dr Tracy Cohen and Russell Southwood and the second one, entitled Mobile Network Sharing was prepared by Camila Borba Lefèvre.
This section explores policy and regulatory dimensions of sharing ICT infrastructure and capacity, with a particular emphasis on core infrastructure sharing and mobile network sharing. Infrastructure sharing is rapidly becoming an important means of promoting universal access to ICT networks and offering affordable broadband services by reducing construction costs. In light of under-developed markets and the high costs associated with network deployment, carefully crafted sharing policy measures can introduce new forms of competition into the market and stimulate demand for ICT services.
This section provides information related to key concepts and terms associated with sharing and the policy objectives frequently linked to sharing approaches. It provides a broad overview of various forms of sharing and a detailed examination of the sharing of national fibre core networks and the sharing of mobile networks.