For telecom regulators, government stakeholders and other industry watchers, the ninth edition of the GSMA Mobile Policy Handbook is now available for download and as a web-based reference.
This unique resource offers concise explanations of policy and regulatory topics affecting the mobile sector paired with industry recommendations for policy direction and reform — to maximise the benefits of mobile connectivity for society and economy everywhere.
Those already familiar with the handbook will notice that the new edition is leaner, with renewed focus on the essential topics and the collective view of mobile network operators worldwide. New positions have been added and longstanding topics have been refreshed with timely background information, up-to-date statistics and more recent resources for anyone who wants to go deeper.
The handbook is organised in four main sections:
- Business environment
This section details how a holistic policy framework that reflects the changing digital landscape, while reducing costs and barriers to network deployment, will deliver the best social and economic outcomes.
- The evolution of spectrum
This section explains how effective spectrum policies can help increase socio-economic benefits, address the digital divide and help reduce global carbon emissions. Licensing enough spectrum through planning and roadmap development, avoiding fragmentation, and guaranteeing technology neutrality in spectrum assignments are all important steps.
- Consumer protection
This section illustrates the work undertaken by the mobile industry to ensure consumers are appropriately protected and informed as they enjoy the full range of benefits made possible by mobile technology. Focus areas include everything from children and mobile technology to data privacy and mobile device theft.
- Environmental sustainability
This section offers a snapshot of the key aspects of climate action that touch the mobile sector and the industry’s perspective on how governments can, and must, take swift and meaningful action to:
- prioritise a just transition to economy-wide net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.
- lay out national policies and plans that enable these targets to be achieved.
- create and protect resilient green jobs and provide education, reskilling and retraining opportunities for the workforce, in dialogue with business and other stakeholders.
Collaboration with government stakeholders is at the heart of the GSMA’s mission, and the GSMA is committed to helping governments and regulators achieve positive outcomes for the digital economy and society through mobile connectivity. Our goal with the Mobile Policy Handbook is to signpost good practice and provide an index of resources for those who want to maximise the value of digital connectivity in their own market.