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Program on International Communications Regulation & Policy

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Online Certificate in International Communication Regulation and Policy

 

Using advanced web-based technology, participants can earn the certificate from anywhere in the world. This 12-week online course, “Basic Principles of International Communications Regulation and Policy,” will take place at a date to be announced.

This course has special privileges for public officials who work with the governments of the member states of the International Telecommunication and Satellite Organization (ITSO). They receive from ITSO a special registration code they need to use when registering. These participants to not have to pay the registration fee nor the course fee. 

Through self-paced coursework and online lectures by world-renowned professionals in the field, the course explores current and emerging issues in communications policy and regulation, including licensing, competition, and universal access and service and internet issues. Participants will explore:

  • the issues and challenges that ICT policies and regulations need to adequately address, including the digital transformation, the digital divide, the importance of ICTs in fostering economic and societal development by contributing to the sustainable development goals (SDGs);

  • the policy and regulatory approaches to enable the effective use of ICTs, including effective National Broadband Plans, spectrum management, and universal access and service;

  • the financing models and mechanisms to make widespread access to affordable ICT services a reality;

  • emerging issues, such as new technologies, internet issues, and privacy and data protection.

Faculty for the course include Renata Brazil David, an expert in International Communications Regulation and Policy, and Maury Mechanick Adjunct Professor. Guest lectures will be provided, among others, by Kathryn Martin, Director, Access Partnership, Francois Rancy, former Director, ITU Radiocommunication Bureau, and other distinguished members of the Advisory Board of the Program on International Communications Regulation and Policy.

Course Syllabus

MODULE 1. INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS REGULATION AND POLICY
Lecture 1: General Overview – Setting the Scene
Lecture 2: The Basics of ICT Infrastructure Technologies
Lecture 3: Legal and Institutional Framework for ICT

MODULE 2. ICT REGULATION
Lecture 1: Licensing
Lecture 2: Competition
Lecture 3: Scarce Resources
Lecture 4: Access and Interconnection
Lecture 5: Universal Access and Service, and Universal Access Strategies

MODULE 3. ICTS FOR DEVELOPMENT
Lecture 1: ICTs in Global, Regional and National Frameworks
Lecture 2: ICT Infrastructure for Development Strategies
Lecture 3: Applications and Services for Sustainable Development
Lecture 4: Broadband Connectivity Initiatives and Projects

MODULE 4. ICT FINANCING
Lecture 1: Financing ICT Connectivity for Internet for All
Lecture 2: Financing Institutions

MODULE 5. EMERGING ISSUES
Lecture 1: Technological Trends
Lecture 2: Internet Issues
Lecture 3: Privacy and Data Protection