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Phone number
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ComCom Representative Takes Part in WTIS-26
Giorgi Kavtaradze, representative of the Competition Promotion and Market Regulation Department of the Communications Commission, took part in the 21st World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Symposium (WTIS-26), organised by the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Swiss Confederation. The ComCom representative also attended the 17th meeting of the Expert Group on Telecommunication/ICT Indicators (EGTI) and the 14th meeting of the Expert Group on ICT Household Indicators (EGH).
The main theme of WTIS-26 was “Guiding Digital Policy through Statistics.” The symposium focussed on the role of data and ICT indicators in decision-making in a rapidly changing digital environment, new measurement approaches for digital development, and innovative approaches to the use of data.
Within the framework of the events, Mr. Kavtaradze presented participants with an overview of the current situation in Georgia in the fields of telecommunications and digital connectivity, as well as the Commission’s work and progress in data collection and monitoring in the telecom market. The ComCom representative also received information on the activities of the ITU’s EGTI/EGH subgroups and actively participated in the development of new indicators and methodologies, which is important for planning the Commission’s future steps.
During the events, representatives of the regulatory authorities and experts working in the field of digital connectivity discussed a number of important issues, including the effective use of statistical data in a rapidly changing digital environment; ensuring the international harmonisation of indicators; the use of new data sources, indicators and artificial intelligence to measure digital inclusion and the sustainability of digital transformation; digital transformation strategies and priorities; improving the quality of data collection; attracting funding sources needed for digital development statistics; and other related issues.
The practical and thematic sessions held during the working meetings focussed on reviewing the Information and Communication Technology Development Index (IDI) report prepared by the joint EGTI/EGH subgroup, as well as EGTI subgroup reports on indicators for monitoring the national greenhouse gas emissions and satellite-based broadband connectivity. Participants also discussed measuring the use of artificial intelligence in households; updating the manual for measuring access to and use of information and communication technologies (ICT) by households and individuals; indicators for measuring device affordability; indicators for measuring AI infrastructure; regional data visualisation and GIS tools; and updating the manual for collecting administrative data on telecommunications and ICT.
Meanwhile, the EGTI and EGH meetings aimed to review the ongoing activities of the respective working groups and their 2027 work plan. These expert groups develop international methodologies and indicators used to collect and assess statistics on electronic communications and digital development.
The World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Symposium (WTIS) is the leading global forum dedicated to measuring telecommunications and the information society. It brings together representatives of governments, regulatory authorities, civil society, the private sector and telecommunications industry, academia, international organisations, as well as producers and analysts of ICT data. The symposium aims to discuss emerging and current issues related to ICT data and statistics, achievements of ITU Member States in digital transformation and data collection, key trends, challenges and opportunities, as well as the role of data and statistics in policymaking.
Participation in the event will help strengthen ComCom’s analytical and data-driven regulatory activities and ensure the compliance of Georgia’s statistical data with international standards.
Cooperation and the exchange of information and experience with fellow regulators and other organisations representing the sector is one of the key priorities of the Communications Commission.
