To promote public and private sector collaboration, the GSMA has launched the tenth edition of the Mobile Policy Handbook. It gathers policy topics and global mobile industry positions under one cover.
Our aim is to help governments and regulators achieve positive outcomes for the digital economy and society through effective, forward-looking telecommunications policies. In this new edition, positions have been added and others refreshed with more recent statistics and resources, to bring a deeper understanding. Below, we take a first look at the new areas. To dig deeper, download the complete handbook or visit our dedicated website.
Artificial Intelligence
Few areas are garnering as much attention as artificial intelligence. In the light of technological progress at an incredible pace, governments must decide what they can do to ensure benefits are realised while also addressing potential risks.
Creating clear and consistent policies that encourage the development and use of AI is vital. For example, using shared governance frameworks based on internationally agreed principles for AI can support the global and inter-sector harmonisation of rules.
Governments should also prioritise research and development and incentivise partnerships across the AI ecosystem to ensure innovation and future competitiveness.
Artificial intelligence is included in the Business environment section, which also includes deep dives into areas such as competition, net neutrality and taxation. To learn more, please click here.
Fraud and scams
The growing harm caused by fraud and scams is felt across the globe, affecting victims in significant ways. In addition to financial loss, the emotional distress caused can leave many reluctant to engage in the digital space, thereby hampering digital transformation efforts in many vulnerable regions. Technologies such as AI allow criminals to use tactics such as social engineering to target diverse populations across multiple regions.
Mobile operators are investing significant resources in technical and other solutions that enable them to swiftly act on threats, including the use of firewalls, AI detection tools, intelligence sharing and regular employee training.
Governments worldwide are responding to this issue through new laws and regulations. However, to be effective, legislation should target the criminals who perpetrate illegal activities, while policies should be designed to promote investment in prevention strategies, foster innovation, and develop and deploy different technologies to combat threats.
Importantly, all participants in the mobile ecosystem – including banks, financial institutions, and technology companies – are responsible for protecting individuals, educating them about safe behaviours, and the importance of being vigilant.
The Consumer protection section contains more information on this topic, as well as other areas such as cross-border data flows, privacy and mandated government access. To learn more, please click here.
Spectrum for satellite direct-to-device (D2D)
D2D can provide a valuable supplementary technology for the mobile industry, offer new business for the satellite and mobile sectors, improve resilience and extend services for end users. The evolution of D2D capabilities has become a primary driver of collaboration between mobile and satellite network operators.
D2D may operate in mobile spectrum bands or satellite bands. Depending on the spectrum used, challenges include international and cross-border coordination and ecosystem development. Overcoming these will be critical for D2D’s operational sustainability and safe coexistence with terrestrial mobile and other services.
Ahead of a forthcoming international framework for D2D development, regulators must prioritise avoiding interference between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
D2D is included in the spectrum section, which also includes deep dives into areas such as pricing, harmonisation and licensing. To learn more, please click here.