![\"reguweb1\"](\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/latin-america-and-the-caribbean\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/reguweb1.jpg\")
The relation between mobile operators, internet players and users was the main topic of discussion at the second annual meeting of GSMA Latin America\u2019s Regulatory Working Group (REGU), held on 6 and 7 November in Cartagena, Colombia. Participants at the meeting included some 30 leading executives from Latin America\u2019s telecommunications industry responsible for regulatory, legal and public affairs matters.<\/p>\n
Encouraging the application of \u2018same rules for same services\u2019 was the message that united GSMA members in the face of the invasion by what are known as Over-The-Top (OTT) services. Although many of these services now function as direct competitors of, or substitutes for, traditional voice and SMS services, they are beyond regulations and national taxes. \u2018If the services or products are substitutes, then similar regulatory frameworks should apply, because otherwise competition would be distorted,\u2019 said Mat\u00edas Fern\u00e1ndez D\u00edaz, GSMA Latin America Regulatory Manager.<\/p>\n
Representatives from the regional operators agreed on the importance of less regulation for all parts of the digital ecosystem so they can compete as equals without innovation being affected. Without the same rules for the same services, there is no fair competition, posing a risk for quality, investment in networks and user experience. \u2018Regulatory asymmetries must be eliminated by applying the same rules to the same services, regardless of the technology used or the geographical origin of the provider. This will make user experience consistent with regard to quality of service, security, transparency and privacy,\u2019 Fern\u00e1ndez D\u00edaz said.<\/p>\n