The ICT Regulation Toolkit, produced by the Information for Development Program (infoDev) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is a practical, web-based tool intended for ICT policymakers and regulators around the world. Module 1 provides an overview of the Toolkit while Modules 2-7 cover a number of specific topics including competition and pricing; authorization; universal access; radio spectrum management; legal and institutional frameworks; and new technologies. The Toolkit also contains extensive practice notes and reference materials. Under each Module abstract below are links to the full text of the module, the executive summary, and a clickable table of contents. Translated versions are included where available.
Table of Contents 1 (html) | Full Module 1 (pdf) | in French l in Spanish l in Russian l in Chinese l in Arabic
This Module discusses some of the principal regulatory issues affecting the information and communications technologies (ICT) market. In particular, this module provides guidance on competition policy issues, including interconnection and price regulation. Services resulting from convergence, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), are also discussed in order to underscore the necessity of market flexibility and to emphasize the impact of innovation on market structure.
Executive Summary (pdf) | Table of Contents 2 (html) | Full Module 2 (pdf)
In an age of convergence and rapid innovation, a country’s authorization regime plays a critical role in determining whether it will reap the benefits of such advances or be left behind. Module 3 presents an overview of various licensing regimes and is intended to assist regulators and regulated service providers in growing the market.
Executive Summary (pdf) | Table of Contents 3 (html)| Full Module 3 (pdf) |
Module 3 in French | in Spanish
The concept of Universal Access and Service (UAS) has been evolving in recent years, primarily due to the growth of the internet and the mobile phone, in combination with market liberalization and explosive demand in the developing world. This Module introduces the concept, and explores a number of topics, such as marketing mechanisms and financial analysis. Availability, accessibility, and affordability are discussed throughout as fundamental requirements of universal service.
Executive Summary (pdf) | Table of Contents 4 (html) | Full Module 4 (pdf) | Module 4 in French | in Spanish
In the last decade, there have been significant developments in both technological and regulatory approaches to spectrum management. The main challenge today is to strike a balance between the certainty of administrative approaches and the flexibility of market-based regulation. This Module gives readers a solid foundation in spectrum management, and includes specific sections on authorization, organizational, and monitoring concerns.
Executive Summary (pdf) | Table of Contents 5 (html) | Full Module 5 (pdf) |
Module 5 in French | in Spanish
The convergence of telecommunications, broadcasting, and information technology is blurring previously distinct disciplines and technologies, requiring regulatory reform for the information and communication sector. This Module provides resources on various regulatory approaches for regulators, policymakers, and practitioners within the current ICT environment.
Executive Summary (pdf) | Table of Contents 6 (html) | Full Module 6 (pdf) | Executive Summary in French l in Spanish l in Russian l in Chinese l in Arabic
Regulators and policy makers examining the diffusion of technologies and services are encountering new challenges for the design and implementation of appropriate regulatory standards, models, and tools guiding telecommunications reform. The goal of this Module is to assist regulators, policymakers, and others involved in the reform process with increasing their awareness of new technologies and the associated regulatory and public policy concerns.
Executive Summary (pdf) | Table of Contents 7 (html) | Full Module 7 (pdf)
This project is proudly supported and funded in part by the European Commission.