The role of the government in fostering the development of broadband technologies for economic and social development has been recognized as crucial, in terms of both strategy and regulation. In particular, the issue of deregulation of telecommunications has gone through a long learning curve in several regions of the world.

The new broadband revolution – wireline or wireless – is making changes to the telecommunications landscape which could be as important as those made by the advent of the Internet and mobile telephony, yet with an even greater impact on content development and dissemination, thus leading to accelerated socioeconomic development.

Broadband access is also drastically changing the economic model for operators. Boundaries are becoming blurred between categories of service providers that until now were separate, namely telephony operators, Internet service providers, and television content providers.

Broadband will trigger the creation of multi–service providers who will offer their services to subscribers any place, any time and through a variety of devices.

ARABCOM Summit aims to help stakeholders in the development of broadband in the Arab world region, including governments, regulators, operators, service providers and civil society at large.

Governments should support investment to deploy broadband services therefore giving all consumers the right to a broadband connection on reasonable demand at affordable prices.