Some key points discussed during the last Internet Day
At the most recent Internet Day held in Buenos Aires, several highly important topics for our industry were addressed. Among them, perhaps the most prominent was CMR-2027, WISIS+20. The challenges posed by the region and how to address them in a constantly changing context were discussed in a panel featuring Celedonio von Wutenau, Director of Government Relations for Latin America at Nokia; Ernesto Majó, Executive Director and CEO of LACNIC; and Rodrigo de la Parra, Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean at ICANN.
To summarize, the main highlights from the presentations were:
- The current challenge is to connect those who are not yet connected, but to do so in the right way; that is, not just providing a minimal service, but one that is sufficiently broad to allow development in their area.
- All available technologies (fixed networks, mobile, satellite, etc.) should be used to bring connectivity to everyone.
- 5G is already a reality in many parts of the world, so the challenge is to prepare for 6G, which is already being discussed for application, with the first networks expected to be operational by 2029.
- Therefore, our sector increasingly needs more spectrum to support faster, more reliable networks with lower latency and higher densification. These new technologies require new spectrum because the existing one is already being used for other technologies.
- Social inclusion and digital inclusion mean not only having access to technology but also being able to afford it. That is, costs should be accessible to users.
- A broad regulatory framework is necessary to integrate different sectors and solutions. In other words, moving from a scheme designed for large cities where big players solve everything, to one that allows for the integration of smaller or community-based services that address local needs.
- The challenge is to establish regulatory frameworks that support the development of these smaller services in an equitable manner, without distorting the business, and that help create new business opportunities.
- Efforts should be made to strengthen institutions that enable various sector actors (governments, companies, providers, technicians, etc.) to maintain the stability of Internet governance. Because the Internet should remain something that belongs to all of us, and in this sense, all actors should continue participating in decision-making processes.
Internet Day has been organized for over a decade by the Argentine Chamber of Internet (CABASE) and brings together the entire connectivity and telecommunications industry to discuss the current state and future challenges of this vital economic sector.
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