Connectivity and Convergence 2011: Alternative Regulatory Strategies for Telecommunications Programme Summary Successfully offered through the UCT GSB in association with Research ICT Africa and LIRNE.net, this programme is designed to enhance the strategic thinking of a select group of senior decision-makers in telecom and related sectors in developing countries and emerging economies. The aim of the programme is to address the many challenges posed by the current stage of telecom and ICT reform to governments, regulatory agencies, operators and other stakeholders.  The certainties of yesterday are no more: traditional approaches to the licensing of networks and services is being challenged by converging technologies services and innovative business models; individual assignments of frequencies are being questioned in the light of new standards such as Wi-Fi and WiMax; the distinctions between wired and wireless are being blurred; classic price regulation is becoming less central to the missions of regulatory agencies; new pro-poor business strategies are challenging conventional universal service models; and all industry players are being challenged to address content issues at various levels. Delegate profiles Decision-makers in telecommunications and related sectors in Africa including government; regulatory agencies; operators; unions, ICT journalists, consumer groups and NGOs active in the sector Programme Benefits  

• Delegates will learn how to respond more effectively to the growing demands on the regulatory process and agencies, with the same resources
• Policy makers will gain the knowledge of developments within the sector from current and relevant research to think in alternative ways about creating an enabling environment for development and growth
• Regulators will be provided with alternative approaches to regulation, particularly in developing countries with resource constraints, to facilitate more effective regulation.
• Operators will gain a deeper understanding of the regulatory process so that they can navigate its complexities
• With telecom assuming a more prominent position in economies and societies, civil society and media can learn how to equip themselves to participate in its governance
• Knowledge on how to deal with these new challenges is vital
• The opportunity to reflect on these issues in the company of peers and away from the daily demands of the office environment is essential.
• As part of the University of Cape Town's Infrastructure Management Programme, the course will be offered by LIRNE.net, a global collaboration of applied research and training entities in the South in collaboration with prestigious institutions and emminent professional  in the North, specialising in ICT policy and regulation, led by Research ICT Africa

Dates: 4 – 9 April 2011 (Applications close 1 March)
Venue: Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa  
Tuition fees: R 16 800  
Contact: Alexandra Allem
Email: aallem@researchictafrica.net 
Tel: +27 21 447 6332 
www.researchictafrica.net

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