ITU calls on telcos to drive social and economic change

Operators must decide now on the strategies and policies that will drive the industry

Telecoms firms must work together to meet connectivity targets by 2015 in order to drive social and economic change across the world, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The rallying cry was issued at the opening of the ITU's World Telecommunication Development Conference in Hyderabad, which this year is seen as a crucial mid-term period in which to review the implementation of objectives outlined at the last World Summit on the Information Society.

ITU secretary general Hamadoun Touré explained that telecoms firms must use the event to decide on the strategies and policies that will drive the industry, and highlighted key areas where companies must concentrate resources, including broadband.

"Broadband will be absolutely critical for all nations in the coming decade. Broadband networks will change the way governments offer essential services from education and healthcare, to transportation, water and energy," he said.

The conference will also encourage companies to reach a consensus on the transition to digital broadcasting, combating the threat of cyber crime, and reducing the effect of information and communication technologies on the environment.

Sami Al Basheer, director of the ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau, insisted that addressing these issues requires a focused strategy from operators and better regulation designed to encourage development.

"We need to constantly innovate and keep up with dynamics in the marketplace. We need to invent better targeted and more positive regulation, focusing on incentives rather than obligations," he said.

The conference takes place every four years and runs until 4 June.