Universal Access
Because of the capacity to transmit voice, video and data at greater speed and clarity, broadband is widely recognised as an accelerator of economic and social development. It is a veritable engine of economic transformation, enabling businesses and governments to easily create and deliver services to local communities across vast regions. Broadband networks connect people to local, regional and global markets, greatly boosting the productivity of businesses, including SMEs and family enterprises. It drives job-creating innovations and expands access to education and healthcare. The entertainment industry is one of several that underscores the huge economic potential of access to broadband-enabled services. Hence, identifying and promoting regulatory changes which stimulates investment in broadband infrastructure and expands increasingly affordable access high quality internet to communities in all corners of West Africa is a high priority for WATRA.
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Spectrum Licensing
WATRA is keen to work with national regulatory authorities to ensure that West Africa fully migrates to a spectrum licensing regime marked by appropriate pricing that prevents cost being passed on to service users and by technology neutrality. -
Universal Access Funds
Universal Access Funds remain the primary means to expand service to excluded people and communities even in the most advanced markets. -
Local Content & Digital Skills
There is an “adoption gap” i.e. non-usage or under usage of ICT products and services even when they are available and affordable by segments of the population in rural as well as urban areas.
One of the most important roles of WATRA is identifying the regulations and practices that have been proven to accelerate the roll-out of high-quality network infrastructure and services and that promote their adoption.
Regulations and practices on Spectrum Licensing and Universal Access Funds are important in expanding access to broadband networks in West Africa. So are innovations promoting the creation of local content and their relevance to citizens of all socioeconomic backgrounds as well as initiatives to promote the acquisition of the skills required to benefit from digital products and services.
One of the most important roles of WATRA is identifying the regulations and practices that have been proven to accelerate the roll-out of high-quality network infrastructure and services and that promote their adoption. We create initiatives and avenues for West Africa to assimilate global best practices and for telecommunications national authorities to learn from fast adopters in the region.