ComCom Chairman Meets with the Heads of Regulators from Portugal, Croatia, Lithuania and Slovenia within the Framework of MWC

Chairman of the Georgian National Communications Commission, Goga Gulordava, and ComCom member Ekaterine Imedadze held meetings with the heads of the communications regulatory authorities of Portugal, Croatia, Lithuania, and Slovenia within the framework of the Mobile World Congress (MWC). In addition, Goga Gulordava met with senior representatives of the Ministry of Communication of Mali and the Smart Africa initiative.

During the meeting with the Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Communications Authority of Portugal (ANACOM), Sandra Maximiano, the parties emphasised the long-standing cooperation between their institutions. Goga Gulordava noted that ANACOM’s support and sharing of experience regarding the infrastructure sharing law and the digital infrastructure map project had been particularly valuable for ComCom. The discussion also addressed Georgia’s potential to develop as a digital hub for the region and issues related to submarine connectivity, with Sandra Maximiano expressing readiness to support these processes.

Goga Gulordava also met with the President of the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM), Tonko Obuljen. During the meeting, Mr. Gulordava expressed gratitude for HAKOM’s support on important matters such as telecom market analysis, the organisation of 5G spectrum auctions, and regulatory issues. The parties also reviewed prospects for further deepening their cooperation in the future.

A working meeting was also held between Goga Gulordava and the Chair of the Board of the Communications Regulatory Authority of Lithuania (RRT), Jurate Šoviene. During the meeting, Mr. Gulordava highlighted the significant contribution of RRT to the successful implementation of the European Union Twinning project. He also emphasised that the State Internetization Project of Georgia, which aims to eliminate digital inequality in the regions, is based on the Lithuanian model. At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed their readiness to further strengthen cooperation between the institutions, particularly in the areas of media literacy and digital literacy development.

Goga Guldordava also met with the Director of the Agency for Communication Networks and Services of the Republic of Slovenia (AKOS) and Chairman of the Board of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC), Marko Mišmaš. During the meeting, AKOS’s successful experience in regulatory matters was highlighted. In addition, the parties agreed to sign a memorandum that will include cooperation on important issues such as the digital infrastructure map, spectrum management, market regulation, and consumer protection.

A working meeting was also held with member of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) of Ireland, Robert Mourik, during which the existing cooperation between ComCom and ComReg, as well as future plans, were discussed.

In addition, Goga Guldordava met with the Minister of Communication, Digital Economy and Modernisation of Public Administration of Mali, Algamdou Ag Ilyene, and the Executive Director of Smart Africa, Lacina Koné. The meetings discussed the current trends in digital transformation and the role of regulators in promoting initiatives and innovation.

Smart Africa is an alliance of African countries that aims to accelerate digital transformation across the continent, improve the investment environment, and integrate digital markets. The initiative brings together government institutions, international organisations, and representatives of the private sector.

Within the framework of the Congress, Goga Guldordava also met with the Executive Director of the SAMENA Telecommunications Council, Bocar Ba, emphasising Georgia’s readiness to actively engage in international platforms and strengthen cooperation with partners from Africa, the Middle East, and the wider region.

The Mobile World Congress (MWC) is one of the largest events in the telecommunications sector, aiming to deepen cooperation among stakeholders and discuss the current trends in mobile technologies. The event also provides an opportunity to attend exhibitions by manufacturers of modern technologies from various fields, and to explore new developments and innovations. Key topics discussed at the event include the development of fifth- and sixth-generation mobile technologies (5G and 6G), connectivity, the challenges posed by artificial intelligence for the telecommunications industry and consumers, mobile network infrastructure, monetisation opportunities, the digitalisation of governance and industry, digital inclusion, strengthening network autonomy, mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), digital transformation, and others.