Accra, Nov. 11, GNA- A three-day International Forum on African Telecommunications Regulations opened in Accra on Tuesday with a call for the establishment of common laws for harmonisation on telecommunications policies within the African Union (AU).

"The formation of such a common regional laws is now imperative since the art of regulating the telecommunication, broadcasting and the information technology industries has become more complex than ever before due to their convergence into the main stream of the electronic superhighway or what is commonly referred to as cyberspace". Major Joseph R. K. Tandoh (rtd), Acting Director General, National Communications Authority (NCA), who made the call said the pace of development in the industry would continue to accelerate in leaps and bounds, and regulatory institutions in developing countries especially in Africa need to develop strategies to keep abreast with the trend. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the African Telecommunication Union (ATU) in conjunction with the NCA are organizing the Accra forum.

Major Tandoh said to bridge the digital divide gap, African countries have to consider the use of wireless technologies as well as the establishment of strategies necessary to overcome existing obstacles such as the institutionalisation of the appropriate Electromagnetic Compatability, Analytical Methodologies and National Radio Frequency Strategic Band Plans.

He said such developments would create the enabling environments favourable to broadband deployment of Wireless Technologies for last mile connectivity to the Internet.

The NCA Director General said: "we urgently need to reach a clear understanding of Wireless Internet's development potential, identify the obstacles and develop a realistic Plan of Action that would bring together all Governments, Stakeholders and Private Sector and Civil Society in a coherent and sustainable endeavours."

The main objective of the forum is to prepare a Regional Action Plan for 2003 and 2004 to enhance regulatory activities in Africa and also provide a pivotal role in the preparation of the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR), scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland in December.

The Accra Forum also aims at providing the opportunity for African Regulators to deliberate on the African inputs to the GSR, taking into account, that regulators in the region are facing major challenges due to the transformation of the sector and technological development. About 50 Executives of Telecommunication Operators and Regulation Officials from Africa and other international telecommunication bodies are attending the forum.