The Emergence of Regional ICT Regulatory Spaces

Abstract

This paper examines the role that existing Latin American policy institutions and regulatory coordination mechanisms (otherwise referred to as "regional regulatory spaces") play in innovation and development of the ICT sector. In doing so, it recognizes that sector regulation does not currently match regional development, thereby limiting its potential progress. In order to shed light on the role that the "regional regulatory space" could potentially play, the author addresses three main questions:

-- Is there a hierarchy of policies by which it is presumed easy to "coordinate within well-defined technical subjects" but extremely challenging to "agree in matters of public policy?"

-- What would happen if policy divergence became more important than convergence? Is it reasonable to consider creating "regional regulatory spaces?" Or should we focus solely on technological coordination?

-- Do institutions capable of serving as effective regional regulatory spaces already exist in Latin America or should we consider modifying existing institutions or creating new institutions?

After analyzing these three overarching areas of concern, this paper then discusses the need to create a regional space in order to harmonize ICT regulatory frameworks and public policies.

Keywords: Latin America, public policy, telecom, ICT, regulation, innovation, development