Iran Joins Forces at 26th South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council Meeting: A Step Towards Enhanced Regional Connectivity

Iran Joins Forces at 26th South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council Meeting: A Step Towards Enhanced Regional Connectivity

TEHRAN – The recent participation of Iran’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) at the 26th Meeting of the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-26) highlights the nation’s commitment to advancing digital cooperation in the region. This significant event took place from November 5 to 7 in Islamabad, Pakistan, organized by the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) and hosted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

This gathering attracted policy experts and representatives from various member states, including Iran, Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Pakistan, focusing on enhancing regional digital collaboration.

SATRC-26 Overview

The primary agenda of SATRC-26 revolved around several key topics:

  • Reviewing policies and regulations in the Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) sector.
  • Enhancing spectrum management.
  • Expanding digital access across the region.
  • Promoting regional cooperation.

According to Seyyed Mohammad-Hasan Javanzadeh, the vice president of CRA, the meeting was instrumental in approving the outcomes of the SATRC Action Plan phase IX and adapting the SATRC Action Plan phase X.

Special sessions during the meeting included:

  • Chief regulators’ roundtable.
  • Industry-regulator dialogue.
  • Sharing regulatory experiences.

These sessions aimed to expedite the development of the telecommunications and ICT sector in South Asia.

Strengthening Collaborations

Throughout the three-day event, Iranian officials engaged in discussions with other South Asian regulators, aiming to:

  • Enhance technical collaborations.
  • Share expertise in global access to digital services.
  • Ensure service quality.
  • Promote healthy competition within the telecommunications market.

SATRC-26 served as a vital regional platform for dialogue and collaboration on key regulatory issues. A focal point of the discussions was the adoption of the Tokyo Statement 2025, which outlines implications for a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable digital transformation in South Asia. The Tokyo Statement identifies six strategic priorities:

  • Digital Connectivity.
  • Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
  • Trust and Safety.
  • Digital Inclusion and Capacity Building.
  • Sustainability.
  • Partnership and Collaboration.

Key themes discussed included emerging technologies, universal connectivity, spectrum harmonization, and regulatory innovation, all essential for the region’s digital future.

Status of ICT in Iran

The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology in Iran serves as the highest authority in the ICT sector. This ministry oversees all activities related to the information and communication technology industry, emphasizing its pivotal role in the nation’s digital landscape.

The government prioritizes plans and policies in this sector to maximize the use of ICT, aiming to enhance the quality of life for its citizens. A significant achievement in this regard is the successful design, construction, and launch of a satellite, showcasing Iran’s advancements in technology and science.

Space technology is recognized as a tool to:

  • Expand prosperity.
  • Foster peace.
  • Encourage scientific and cultural development.
  • Promote economic progress.

Globally, various nations utilize space technology according to their capacities, capabilities, and efforts. Currently, Iran boasts 13 universities and a research institute affiliated with the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology that offer aerospace programs. This positions Iran as a leading country in training specialists and experts in the aerospace sector within the region.

Access to telecommunication services in rural areas of Iran has significantly improved, with approximately 52,182 villages—about 93 percent of all villages—now having communication services. Furthermore, 47,837 villages have access to home landline services.

According to the CRA, the number of mobile users in Iran has reached nearly 135.89 million, resulting in a mobile phone penetration rate of 161.67 percent. However, fixed broadband adoption remains stagnant at 14 percent, with around 11.921 million customers accessing the Internet through these services.

This data indicates that fixed broadband internet growth has been limited to less than 2 percent compared to the previous year, while mobile internet usage has surged by 10 percent. Notably, the expansion rate of mobile internet is five times that of fixed internet, highlighting a significant shift in the telecommunications landscape in Iran.

As Iran continues to engage in regional dialogues and collaborations through platforms like SATRC-26, its commitment to advancing ICT and telecommunications will play a crucial role in fostering sustainable digital development in the South Asian region.

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