Session Speakers
Session Description
Digital connectivity is one of the most transformative and impactful technologies and is the foundation of economic growth and social development. In the Asia Pacific region, demand for high-speed, high-quality mobile connectivity continues to grow. 5G will account for more than two in five mobile connections by 2030, with adoption in advanced markets exceeding 90%. Mobile data traffic will rise fourfold over the period to 2030 and operators must continually expand network capacity to meet this demand.
Yet mobile network operators today face multiple challenges. Mobile operators are required to invest more and faster to improve coverage and quality of service. Data consumption is rising dramatically, driven by factors like the proliferation of smartphones, video streaming, and cloud-based services. Investments in network capacity are required to keep up with demand. At the same time, regulatory constraints, market dynamics, growing spectrum costs, and, in some countries, excessive tax burdens restrict their ability to do so. This has created an ‘investment gap’ to meet ambitious national digital policy targets.
Governments must create an enabling environment that incentivises network investment, reduces tax burdens, and provides spectrum at the right conditions to become true Digital Nations. This session will discuss the policy actions to secure investment in network infrastructure and the benefits of digital connectivity for everyone for decades to come.
Agenda:
Introduction: Jeanette Whyte, Head of Public Policy APAC, GSMA
Welcome and opening remarks: John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA
Keynote 1: APAC Digital Nations Report – Kenechi Okeleke, GSMA Intelligence
Keynote 2: Financing and futureproofing digital connectivity - Dr Mani Manimohan, GSMA
Panel: Strategies for incentivising investment in digital infrastructure
- What are the drivers and pressures facing connectivity investments?
- How can all market actors collaborate and contribute to building tomorrow’s networks?
- How can governments and regulators adapt the regulatory environment to attract private investment into future networks?
- Which actions can support the transition to more efficient networks?
- What can we learn from international policy debates and actions?
Moderator: Dr Mani Manimohan, Head of Digital Infrastructure Policy & Regulation, GSMA
Doors Open: 11:30