Danbatta, Scott, others to speak at 2021 International Regulators’ Forum, Annual Conference

*UK’s International Institute of Communications says the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic era requires a fresh pact between public and private sectors regarding how cooperative and collaborative regulatory approaches are advancing across, and beyond the Telco, media and tech sectors of the global economy

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As part of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Telecoms cooperative and collaborative regulatory approaches in advancing the Telco, media and tech sectors of the economy, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is expected to discuss industry  issues at the 2021 virtual Communications Policy & Regulation Week, Annual Conference and International Regulators’ Forum holding in London, United Kingdom (UK).

ConsumerConnect reports the International Institute of Communications (IIC), based in London, has slated the forum to take place October 4-7, 2021.

Other global industry’s regulatory leaders to headline the forum are Ian Scott, Chairperson and CEO, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC); Melanie Dawes (Dame), Executive Board Member and Chief Executive, Ofcom, United Kingdom (UK); and Nerida O’Loughlin, Chair and Agency Head, Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

According to the Institute in an announcement via its Web site, the IIC’s annual Communications Policy and Regulation Week comprises flagship events, including the International Regulators’ Forum, Annual Conference and Small Nations Regulators’ Forum

The organisation stated: “This year, we are delighted that the International Regulators’ Forum will be hosted online by Bundesnetzagentur (BNetzA) on 4-5 October.”

It stated this year’s discussions at the International Regulators’ Forum Annual Conference will focus on Secure mobile network evolution, Connectivity and broadband access, Online platform regulation & intermediary liability, Creating a harmonised media framework, and Artificial Intelligence – regulatory initiatives & considerations for Telco/content NRAs.

The forum’s 51st Annual Conference follows online on October 6-7, 2021, when discussions will centre on the transition in converged communications.

According to IIC, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic calls for a new pact between public and private sectors, especially in respect of how are cooperative and collaborative regulatory approaches are advancing across, and beyond, the Telco, media and tech sectors of the global economy.

It is also expected to do justice to the optimum frameworks to protect the interests of individual consumers and the society while promoting innovation and investment.

The IIC noted keynote sessions will focus on how the Telco, media and tech sectors have pivoted over the last 18 months, what form their transition is taking, and what they hope for from regulators and policy makers to enable positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

Regulatory authority leaders will talk about the steps they are taking with cross-sector cooperation to meet the challenges of the digital world, it stated.

Similarly, focused panel discussions with sector experts will tackle the IIC’s key themes, including Privacy, safety and security; Content: innovation, regulation and markets; Competition policy; Infrastructure and spectrum: 5G and next generation networks; and Investment in a time of increased focus on sustainability and the implications of climate change.