Read this quarter’s Intermedia here

16th - 17th October 2023

International Regulators Forum 2023 – in person

Communications Policy & Regulation Week, International Regulators Forum

The IIC’s annual Communications Policy and Regulation Week comprised our flagship events:

International Regulators’ Forum
Annual Conference
Small Nations Regulators’ Forum

This year we were delighted that the International Regulators’ Forum was hosted by Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunication, Post and Railway (BNetzA) on 16-17 October 2023 in Cologne, Germany.

The IIC’s Small Nations Regulators’ Forum, followed the International Regulators’ Forum on the afternoon of 17 October 2023 from 14:00-17:00.

The IIC’s 54th Annual Conference, followed on 18-19 October 2023. Senior industry representatives joined regulators, academics and other stakeholders from the telecoms, media and technology stakeholder communities for two days of discussions on the big questions and issues facing the sector.

 

 

 

DELEGATE FEES
Prices are per person

All delegate fees include lunches, tea and coffee breaks. It also includes the opening reception and the gala dinner for those attending the Annual Conference.

All prices quoted are excluding VAT.  VAT will be applicable for all registrations made in the United Kingdom.

For the International Regulators Forum, there will be a limit of  two delegates per organisation.  Member Regulator organisations of the IIC will receive two free places to attend.  Additional delegates who wish to attend from an organisation will be at the discretion of the IIC.

 

STANDARD RATES for registrations FROM 1 September 2023

NON-REGULATORS
Members

Annual Conference ONLY – £890

Non-Members
Annual Conference ONLY – £1,200

REGULATORS
Members
International Regulators’ Forum ONLY – FREE
Annual Conference ONLY – £590
International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £590

Non-Members
International Regulators’ Forum ONLY – £690
Annual Conference ONLY – £890
International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £890

 

REGULATORS who are also Members of the Small Nations Regulators’ Forum
Members

International Regulators’ Forum ONLY – FREE
Annual Conference ONLY – £590
Small Nations Regulators’ Forum ONLY – FREE
Small Nations Regulators’ Forum & International Regulators’ Forum – FREE
International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £590
Small National Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £590
Small National Regulators’ Forum, International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £590

Non-Members
International Regulators’ Forum ONLY – £690
Annual Conference ONLY – £850
Small Nations Regulators’ Forum ONLY – FREE
Small Nations Regulators’ Forum & International Regulators’ Forum – £690
International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £890
Small National Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £850
Small National Regulators’ Forum, International Regulators’ Forum & Annual Conference – £890

The Hyatt Regency Cologne is the Headquarter Hotel.

Hyatt Regency Köln
Kenndy-Ufer 2A
50679 Koeln/Cologne
Germany
Tel +41 221 828 1234

The following hotels have special rates.  Please note the cut-off booking date for each hotel and any booking reference, to secure the special rates.

Hyatt Regency Köln
Kenndy-Ufer 2A
50679 Koeln/Cologne
Germany
Click here for more information

Availability of special rate: 15 – 20 October 2023
Price per night incl. VAT (EUR): 235,00 + 5% City Tax
Breakfast: Included

Booking Procedure:
via email (reservations.europe@hyatt.com)
via phone at +49 221 8281 234

Please quote the booking Code: IIC Cologne 2023
Bookings must be made by 31 August 2023 to get the special rate

MotelOne Koeln-Messe
Hans-Imhoff-Straße 3
50679 Koeln/Cologne
Germany
Click here for more information

Availability of special rate: 15-18 October 2023
Price per night incl. VAT (EUR): 104,90 + 5% City Tax
Breakfast: Included

Booking Procedure:
Booking form via email (koeln-messe@motel-one.com) or fax (+49 221 670027-10)
Please click here to download the booking form

Please quote the booking Code: IIC Cologne 2023
Bookings must be made by 21 August 2023 to get the special rate

ibis Koeln-Messe
Bruegelmannstr. 1
50679 Koeln/Cologne
Germany
Click here for more information

Availability of special rate: 15-20 October 2023
Price per night incl. VAT (EUR): 111,00 + 5% City Tax
Breakfast: Included

Booking Procedure:
via email: h3744@accor.com

Please quote the booking Code: IIC Cologne 2023
Bookings must be made by 31 August 2023 to get the special rate

ibis budget Koeln-Messe
Bruegelmannstr. 7
50679 Koeln/Cologne
Germany
Click here for more information

Availability of special rate: 15-20 October 2023
Price per night incl. VAT (EUR): 99,00 + 5% City Tax
Breakfast: Included

Booking Procedure:
via email: h3744@accor.com

Please quote the booking Code: IIC Cologne 2023
Bookings must be made by 7 August 2023 to get the special rate

Dorint Koeln-Messe
Deutz-Muelheimer Str. 22 – 24
50679 Koeln/Cologne
Germany
Click here for more information

Availability of special rate: 15-20 October 2023
Price per night incl. VAT (EUR): 169,00 + 5% City Tax
Breakfast: Included

Booking Procedure:
via email: reservierung.koeln-messe@dorint.com

Booking Code: IIC Cologne 2023
Bookings must be made by 17 September 2023 to get the special rate

Please click here for information on theCity Tax return”

The IIC accepts no responsibility for bookings made at any of the listed hotels and recommends that you check out the hotels on the internet before booking.

IIC International Regulators Forum report, Cologne 2023

Please login to access the report.

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Adeleke Adewolu Executive Commissioner (Stakeholder Management), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)

Mr Adeleke Moronfolu Adewolu is the Executive Commissioner (Stakeholder Management) of the Nigerian Communications Commission. A lawyer by profession, a seasoned administrator and project manager, Mr Adewolu has acquired extensive experience in legal practice, governance, reform and public administration. He is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (1986) and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1999).

Over a career spanning 30 years, Mr Adewolu has served in numerous private and public institutions of repute in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He served as State Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter Governmental Affairs in Ogun State from 2015 – 2019. Prior to that he was Special Adviser (Research & Documentation) to the Governor of Ogun State (2011-2015), where he coordinated the Fast Track Recruitment of 10,000 workers during the first 100 days of Senator Ibikimle Amosun led administration. Between 2005 and· 2007, he worked as a Special Assistant on Legal and Legislative Matters to the Senate President in the National Assembly.

An experienced project manager and legal practitioner, with vast, hands-on knowledge of the implementation of Reform and Social Investment Programmes, Mr Adewolu has direct experience managing multi-party stakeholders and high-level representation from the government, the private sector, multilateral agencies and international organizations including the Bureau of Information Communication Technology {ICT). He has served as liaison with the National Economic Council (NEC), Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), D.A.W.N Commission and the South West Governors Forum.

As Ogun State Commissioner for Special Duties, he managed the implementation and performance monitoring of the French Development Agency (AFD) funded Ogun Water Sector Reform project. In his capacity as the State Focal Person for the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Social Investment Programme (SIPs), he coordinated, mobilized resources and managed stakeholder relationships with partner institutions and engaged over 2000 women as Food Vendors under the Home Grown School Feeding Programme that provided a hot meal daily to over 200,000 primary school pupils. He also coordinated and monitored the placement of over 18,000 unemployed graduate youths under the Npower Graduate Employment programme.

A certified PRINCE2 Project Manager, Mr Adewolu also served in several roles for 13 years, as Senior Caseworker, Business Information System Team Lead and IT System Releases Manager at the Legal Services Commission of the United Kingdom where he oversaw the maintenance of IT systems, related training and guidance material, user management, configuration management, risk identification management and data validation.

Mr Adewolu attended Igbobi College, Lagos and Abeokuta Grammar School, Abeokuta. An alumnus of the University of I£e. (now Obafemi Awolowo University {1981- 1985), he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986 and began his legal practice in the Chambers of Prince Bola Ajibola S.A.N & Co. He undertook the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test for England & Wales at BPP Law School, Holborn, London in 1998 and was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales in 1999.

He has travelled extensively across four continents of the world and remains a staunch proponent of the global economy and believes that the continuous growth of the digital economy in Nigeria will be a major factor in the attainment of sustainable development for the country.

Aileen Chia Deputy Chief Executive - Connectivity Development & Regulation / Director-General - Telecoms & Post, Infocomm Media Development Authority, Singapore

Ms Aileen Chia is currently the Deputy Chief Executive and Director-General (Telecoms and Post) of the IMDA, a statutory board in the Singapore government which regulates the infocomm, media and postal sectors, and comprises the Personal Data Protection Commission. She has served as a Board member of the Singapore Network Information Centre (a subsidiary of IMDA) since 2009 and has been its Chairman since 2020.

Ms Chia seeks to create a competitive, internationally-connected and trusted environment to enable the development of the infocomm, media and postal sectors in Singapore through the formulation and implementation of policy and regulatory frameworks, and development strategies for these sectors.

Ms Chia holds a Bachelor Degree in Economics (Honours) and a Masters of Public Policy from the National University of Singapore.

Alicia Barin Vice-Chairperson, Broadcasting, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

Alicia Barin has over 20 years of experience in the Canadian media industry, Alicia has developed expertise in the fields of strategic planning, policy and regulatory affairs.

From 2000 to 2013, Ms Barin  served as the Vice-President of Strategic Planning at Astral Media. She had direct input in most major operational and regulatory initiatives, the launch of new services and corporate acquisitions.

In particular, Ms Barin successfully led the start-up of new pay and specialty channels and helped establish new business models for multi-platform television services as well as the coordination of Canadian content program and investment spending. During her time with Astral Media, she provided strategic planning support across the entire company.

Since 2013, she has worked in corporate affairs for a project management firm as well as an architecture firm to grow these businesses as they served a variety of private and public-sector clients.

Ms Barin has a Bachelor of Laws, McGill University and an Honours Business Administration, Western University.

Allyson Leacock OR (Dr. The Hon.) Chairman, Barbados Broadcasting Authority; Director, National Transformation Initiative, Government of Barbados; Board Director, International Institute of Communications

Dr Allyson Leacock, Chairman of the Barbados Broadcasting Authority and Director of National Transformation Initiative, Government of Barbados, is also an independent media and human development consultant. She led a coalition of 112 Media Houses in 24 Caribbean countries for 12 years and trained over 2000 Caribbean broadcasters. She served on the Executive Board of the Global Media AIDS Initiative (GMAI) and was elected for 2 terms as Chairman of the Global Steering Committee for the World AIDS Campaign. She was also Cultural Affairs Specialist at the US Embassy covering the Caribbean and Officer-In-Charge and Student Coordinator at the University of the West Indies Distance Education Centre (UWIDEC), now the Open Campus.

Dr Allyson Leacock was conferred with the Order of the Republic (OR) in Barbados National Honours on 30 November 2023. The award was given by the President of Barbados – In ‘recognition of sterling contribution to broadcasting, media relations, corporate communications, training, human resource development and educational technology, as well as distinguished service to Barbados as Head of National Transformation Initiative’.

Dr Leacock has a wide-ranging professional background including in executive management in corporate communications, media, needs assessment, training, human resource development and leadership, as well broadcast media including production and presentation as TV News Anchor, and as General Manager of the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation.

She holds Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Educational Technology, Concordia University, Canada and BA (Double First Class Honours) in English and Education and the Diploma in Education (Dip.Ed with distinction) from Stirling University, UK. Her training also includes Diplomas in Human Resource Management, Facility Management, Arts Management and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

A former national athlete, gymnast, dancer and actress, Dr Leacock is trained in sign language, is a volunteer with Special Olympics and Barbados Council for the Disabled.

Andrea Sanders-Winter Head of Subdepartment Internet, Digitalization and Market Analysis, Federal Network Agency (BNetzA), Germany

Andrea Sanders-Winter has been heading the subdepartment “Internet, Digitisation – especially in SMEs, Market Analysis” of the Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Railway (Bundesnetzagentur) since August 2020.

Ms Sanders-Winter was previously responsible for the international coordination in telecommunications and railways where she was head of unit since 2010. In this function, she managed the activities of the Federal Network Agency in BEREC (Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications).

From 2005 until 2010 Ms Sanders-Winter was responsible for the European ICT Policy in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. From 1993 to 2005 she worked for the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in various units including “European Coordination”, “Twinning Programs” and “Posting of workers”. In 1997/1998 she joined the Permanent Representation of the Federal Republic of Germany to the EU in Brussels and in 1996/1997 she worked for the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group on labour and social affairs.

Ms Sanders-Winter holds a degree in law from the Westfälischen-Wilhelms-University in Münster, where she also completed her legal traineeship, including periods abroad and traineeships in Seville and Madrid.

Annegret Groebel (Dr) Director International Relations and Postal Regulation, BNetzA; Co-Chair BEREC Remedies EWG

Dr Annegret Groebel is Director International Relations/Postal Regulation at the German mul-tisector economic regulator Bundesnetzagentur (BNetzA), regulating the following network industries: electricity, gas, telecommunications, postal markets and railways.

Dr Groebel is also President of the Council of European Energy Regu-lators (CEER), a non-profit association representing 39 independent energy regulators.

Dr Groebel has worked for BNetzA since 1998. She has been CEER President since January 2019 and was a Vice-President of CEER as of 2012. She was appointed Vice-Chair of the International Confed-eration of Energy Regulators (ICER) in June 2020 which was con-firmed for a second term in August 2023. She has also chaired the CEER Market Integrity and Transparency (MIT) Working Group since 2013. She is a member of the Board of Regulators of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER). She has excellent knowledge of the European regulatory framework for electronic communications as well as the regulatory framework for the internal energy market and is actively involved in the work of the Body of Eu-ropean Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC). Since 2020 she has been Chair of the BEREC Office Advisory Group (BAG) and has been Co-Chair of the Remedies WG for many years. She is actively involved in the work of the European Regulators Group for Postal Services (ERGP) and IRG Rail. She is also a member of the OECD’s Network of Economic Regulators (NER) and its Bureau, a working group of the OECD looking at cross-sectoral governance issues of economic regulators. She has experience in advising public authorities on regulatory reform and sector specific regulation in nu-merous projects.

Apart from her professional duties, she has also been lecturing for a considerable time on various subjects in the fields of economics, fi-nance, social policy, trade policy and European Integration, as well as on the regulatory framework in the German and European tele-communications and energy markets at a variety of universities and vocational training academies in Germany, the FSR in Italy, and Switzerland. Dr Groebel is the author of various publications in the field of telecommunications and energy regulation.

Dr Groebel has a doctoral degree in Economics from the University of Mannheim, a M.A. (Master of European Administrative Management) from FH Bund (Bruehl) and a Diploma in Economics from the Univer-sity of Heidelberg.

Benoît Loutrel Member, Autorité de régulation de la communication audiovisuelle et numérique (Arcom)

Benoît Loutrel is an economist engineer, specializing in industrial economics, economic development, digital transformation and regulatory economics.

After working at the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee) as a research officer in environmental economics in 1993, Mr Loutrel was appointed in 1996 technical advisor to the administrator representing the France at the World Bank in Washington and then, in 1999, chargé d’affaires and head of the European office (in Paris) of the infrastructure department of the International Finance Corporation, a subsidiary of the World Bank Group until 2003.

In 2004, he joined the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts. (Arcep) where he was Director of Fixed and Mobile Market Regulation, then Deputy Director General. From 2010 to 2013, he was Director of the “Development of the Digital Economy” program of the “Investments for the future” to the Commissioner General for Investment. From 2013 to 2016, Mr Loutrel was Director General of Arcep. In 2017, Mr Loutrel became Director of Institutional Relations and Public Policy at Google France. From 2018 to 2020, he carried out various missions within the INSEE General Inspectorate, and in particular, he was General Rapporteur of the interministerial mission “regulation of social networks”.

Mr Loutrel joined the Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel in February 2021. He chairs Arcom’s “Supervision of Online Platforms” working group. He is also Vice-President of the working group “Televisions, SMAD, distribution and digital uses”.

Mr Loutrel studied industrial economics and regulation at Ecole Polytechnique, ENSAE, and Toulouse School of Economics.

Camilla Bustani Director, Director, International, Ofcom, UK

Camilla Bustani is Director, international at Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, where she oversees Ofcom’s programme of international engagement and activities in Europe and beyond. She has been actively engaged in the work of European and regional regulatory networks (including BEREC, ERGA and EPRA), and was involved in several EU legislative negotiations in the sectors Ofcom regulates. Ms Bustani has participated in a number of regulatory debates in communications sectors over the last 15 years, most recently around online regulation and the interaction between the different regulatory regimes that might be implicated. She has written on regulatory reform in developing countries and on the impact of institutional design on forms of regulatory cooperation.

Prior to joining Ofcom in 2006, Ms Bustani worked as a lawyer at Clifford Chance LLP in London for 8 years.

She obtained her bachelors’ degree from Harvard University, a masters’ degree from SIPA at Columbia University, and a law degree from Oxford University.

Chaucer Leung Director-General of Communications, Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA), Hong Kong, China

Chaucer Leung was appointed Director-General of Communications of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in July 2019.

As the Director-General of Communications, Mr Leung heads the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA), the executive arm of the Communications Authority (CA), and is the ex-officio member of the CA.

The CA is an independent unified regulator for both telecommunications and broadcasting sectors in Hong Kong.

Mr Leung provides support to the CA in the exercise of the CA’s statutory functions under the relevant Ordinances. These mainly cover licensing matters for both the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors, management of radio spectrum and enforcement of the provisions safeguarding market competition and fair trade practices, as well as giving advice to the Government with regard to telecommunications and broadcasting matters.

Mr Leung is also appointed as the Director of Films, Newspapers and Articles Administration and is responsible in that capacity for enforcing the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance (COIAO) and overseeing the work pursuant to COIAO, as well as acting as the Film Censorship Authority and the registrar of newspapers.

Chris Chapman Former President, International Institute of Communications 2016-2024; Chairman, Nihilent Australia Pty Limited

Chris Chapman was appointed President of the International Institute of Communications on 1 April 2016. He is also Chair of the IIC Nominations Committee.

Mr Chapman previously held the position of Chairman and CEO of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). He was appointed in February 2006 and was re-appointed for a 2nd five year term in October 2010 until April 2016. He was appointed an Associate Member of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in September 2007.

Mr Chapman is a seasoned executive with experience in the media, broadcasting and film, internet, telecommunications, sports rights and infrastructure development worlds.

Before joining ACMA, Mr Chapman held a number of senior management positions with the Seven Network, Stadium Australia Management, Optus and Babcock & Brown. He has also been the Chairman of Film Australia and Sports Vision Australia, and a previous member of the National Film and Sound Archives’ Advisory Council.

Mr Chapman has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of New South Wales and has completed the Harvard Business School AMP program.

Creina Chapman Deputy Chair & CEO, Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)

Creina Chapman has held a number of senior executive and strategic adviser roles at commercial media companies; Southern Cross Austereo, News Corp, Publishing & Broadcasting Limited and the Nine Network. Her experience in the media and communications sector is gained from organisations spanning television, radio, print, mobile services, podcasting and online services which serve metropolitan, regional and remote Australian markets. She has also been a senior policy adviser to Federal members of Parliament including; Senator Richard Alston, Minister for Communications and the Arts and Treasurer Joe Hockey MP.

Ms Chapman has been appointed Deputy Chair and CEO at the ACMA for five years from 11 June 2018 until 10 June 2023.

Dick Christophe Ng Sui Wa Chairman, Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA), Mauritius

Mr Dick Christophe Ng Sui Wa was appointed Chairperson of the Information and Technologies Authority (ICT Authority) in February 2020. He has been a practising barrister since 1991, is partner in the legal firm De Castelnau-Sui Wa and has extensive experience as legal adviser and advocate.

Mr Ng Sui Wa intends to steer the Authority to meet the complex challenges of ICT regulation in an age of convergence and technological advancement. Under his Chairmanship, he believes that ICT regulation can be a nexus for sector transformation, His vision is to promote Mauritius as a strategic leader for ICT regulation in Africa.

Mr Ng Sui Wa holds an LLB Honours from the University of London, United Kingdom; was called to the Bar at the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, United Kingdom after succeeding in the Bar Professional Qualification of the Council of Legal Education. He also obtained a Diploma from the United Nations Research Institute, Geneva and a Certificate in Good Governance from the Commonwealth Association for Corporate Governance. In 2021, he completed his Master of Business Administration in Innovation and Leadership with Merit from the University of Mauritius in collaboration with Ducere Global Business School, Australia.

 

Ekaterine Imedadze Commissioner, Georgian National Communications Commission

Ekaterine Imedadze has been a commissioner of the Georgian National Communications Commission (ComCom) since March 2021. Prior to taking up her position, she headed the Telecommunications Market Regulation Department at ComCom.

Ms Imedadze has 15 years of professional experience in the telecommunications field, including international experience. Ms. Imedadze occupied several leading positions at international telecommunications group company VEON Ltd., where she headed global project management and was the head of internal control and risk management. Further, Ms Imedadze was Head of Finance for several leading private companies.

Ms Imedadze holds an MBA from the University of Bradford School of Management and completed the Innovation Leadership program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She earned a master’s degree in physics as well as a postgraduate diploma in artificial intelligence and fuzzy logic from Tbilisi State University, and she is currently pursuing an LL.M. in competition law and economics at the Brussels School of Competition (BSC).

 

Elisa Giomi (Prof) Commissioner, Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni (AGCOM)

Elisa Giomi is an Associate Professor at Roma Tre University, Department of Philosophy, Communication and Performing Arts, where she teaches Sociology of Media and Communication, Television Narrative, and Advertising. Prof. Giomi also teaches at the MA course in Cultural Leadership Research, a double postgraduate degree programme (University of Groningen and Roma Tre University) and coordinates the Media and Communication module of the MA in Gender and Political Studies.

Prof. Giomi is the author of more than 60 publications for major italian and international publishers and peer-reviewed journals.  Her latest publication is “Male and Female Violence in Popular Media” (Bloomsbury 2022) and “The Media today. Technologies, markets, socio-cultural issues and regulatory responses” (forthcoming).

Prof. Giomi has coordinated national and international scientific projects aimed at studying the media and identifying good practices in the sector, on behalf of various bodies and institutions including: European Parliament, EJC-European Journalism Center, EIGE-European Institute for Gender Equality. She has coordinated television content analysis projects on behalf of italian broadcasters, including monitoring the representation of women in public programming.

Prof. Giomi has collaborated with the “Commission of enquiry on feminicide, as well as on all forms of gender-based violence” of Italian Parliament; she is a member of the board of the “Gender Studies” section of the AIS-Italian Association of Sociology and of the magazine “AG.About Gender-International Journal of Gender Studies”.

By decree of the President of the Republic, Prof. Giomi was appointed on 15 September 2020 as a member of the Board of AGCOM- Authority for Communications Guarantees.

Elmar Zilles Head of Legal Telecommunications Regulation Issues / Spectrum Department, Federal Network Agency (BNetzA), Germany

Elmar Zilles is Head of the Legal Telecommunications Regulation Issues / Spectrum Department, Federal Network Agency (BNetzA), Germany. He has many years of experience in all matters of frequency regulation. For example, he brought about the European harmonization of Digital Dividends 1 and 2. Prior to his current position, he was head of the “Information Technology and Security” department at the Federal Network Agency. Elmar Zilles holds a degree in mathematics.

Emmanuel Gabla Membre du Collège and Board Member, Autorite de Regulation des Communications Electroniques et des Postes (ARCEP), France

Emmanuel Gabla was nominated as Membre du Collège at the board of Arcep at the beginning of 2019. He was previously the Head of the Economic Section of France’s embassy in Norway from 2016 until his appointment at Arcep.

Mr Gabla began his career in 1993 at the Ministry of Post & Telecom, which developed the 1996 Act that opened the telecoms sector up to competition. Starting in 1999, Mr Gabla served as an advisor on telecoms, the information society, postal affairs and industrial aspects of the internal market to the Permanent Representation of France to the European Union, as Technical Advisor to the Prime Minister, Jean Pierre Raffarin, in charge of telecoms and postal affairs, industrial property and space, and the head of the Technologies and Information Society department at the Directorate-General for Enterprise.

From 2009 to 2015, Mr Gabla was a member of the Board of the French broadcasting authority, CSA, and a member of the General Council for the Economy, Industry, Energy and Technologies from 2015 to 2016.

Mr Gabla is a former student at the Ecole Polytechnique, a graduate of the Ecole nationale supérieure des télécommunications (ENST), and a Chief Telecommunications Engineer.

Geoffrey Starks Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Because high-quality broadband is essential to participating in our economy and society, Commissioner Starks has been a champion for the millions of Americans who lack access to or cannot afford a home internet connection. As a native Kansan, he understands the communications needs of rural America. He has consistently advocated for broadband deployment that helps rural communities tap into economic and educational opportunities that may not be close to home, which both encourages young people to stay and attracts new residents and employers.

Bringing a wealth of enforcement experience to the Commission, Commissioner Starks advocates for consumer protection and accountability, particularly in managing the Universal Service Fund. Before he was appointed Commissioner, Starks helped lead the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, handling a wide variety of complex investigations. At the Department of Justice, he served as a senior advisor to the Deputy Attorney General on a variety of domestic and international law enforcement matters and received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service—the highest honor award a DOJ employee can receive.

Commissioner Starks is also a leader on national security policy, working to eliminate untrustworthy equipment from America’s communications networks. His Find It, Fix It, Fund It initiative brought national attention to the urgent need to support small and rural companies as they work to make their networks more secure. With regard to personal data security, while Commissioner Starks fully supports the promise of advanced wireless service and other cutting-edge technologies—and works to ensure that all communities share in the benefits of these advancements—he also fully appreciates the potentially intrusive powers of some communications technologies and is vigilant to ensure against any uses of those powers that would promote illegal discrimination or compromise personal privacy.

Before he entered federal public service, Commissioner Starks practiced law at Williams & Connolly, clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit, served as a legislative staffer in the Illinois State Senate, and worked as a financial analyst. Commissioner Starks graduated from Harvard College with high honors and Yale Law School.

George Sarpong Executive Secretary, National Media Commission, Ghana

George Sarpong heads the independent National Media Commission established under Ghana’s constitution to ensure free, responsible and pluralistic media. In this role, he leads efforts to set and monitor media professional standards and coordinates processes for the recruitment and appointment of Chief Executives and Governing Boards of the state-owned media in order to insulate them from governmental control. George additionally manages the Commission’s complaints and settlement process.

Trained originally as a lawyer and a journalist, Mr Sarpong’s expertise spans the broad fields of communications law, policy and regulation; development statistics; peace building and governance legislative drafting. He took part in writing a number of critical governance legislations in Ghana including most recently the Local Governance Act, (Act 963).

Mr Sarpong has taught part-time at the University of Ghana School of Communication Studies, Accra Technical University and the Ghana Institute of Journalism.  He has also served on the boards of the National Communications Authority and the Allied Health Regulatory Council.

Mr Sarpong is a Reagan-Fascell Fellow of the National Endowment for Democracy, Washington DC.

Jeremy Godfrey Executive Chairperson, Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland

Jeremy Godfrey has over 30 years of regulatory, government and business experience in the communications, technology and online sectors, in Ireland and Hong Kong.

Mr Godfrey was previously Chairperson of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). He served eight years as a Commissioner and Chairperson of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). During that time, he also served as Chair and vice-Chair of BEREC, the coordinating body for EU telecoms regulators. In Hong Kong, he served as Government Chief Information Officer, as a management consultant and as a senior executive in the telecommunications sector.

Mr Godfrey has been involved in regulatory developments such as the EU’s Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act, and the Open Internet Regulation. As Hong Kong Government CIO, he had responsibility for the e-government programme and cloud computing strategy, as well as for Internet governance, digital inclusion and promoting online safety. As a consultant, he advised clients about online business strategies and on regulatory issues in the communications, energy, transportation and financial services sectors. While in the telecommunications industry he was involved in the launch of the world’s first commercial online video-on-demand service as well as in many regulatory issues.

Mr Godfrey started his career as a civil servant in the UK government. He holds an MA from Cambridge University, where he studied mathematics

Konstantinos Masselos (Prof) President, Hellenic Telecommunications & Post Commission (EETT); Board Director, International Institute of Communications

Professor Konstantinos Masselos has been appointed as the President of the Hellenic Telecommunications & Post Commission (EETT) in February 2018 and his mandate has been renewed in February 2022.

Professor Masselos has been elected as Chair of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) for 2023 and also Vice-Chair for 2022 and 2024. Moreover, he served as Vice-Chair of BEREC in 2019.

He is a Professor in the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications of the University of Peloponnese where is also served as Rector during the period 2012-2017. From 2005 to 2008 he was a Lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Imperial College London. Also during the period 2010-2016 he was an Honorary Lecturer in the same Department. From 2001-2004 he worked in the telecommunications industry.
Since 2005 he has been collaborating as an expert with various units of the European Commission. Also, he was member of the Scientific Committee of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) from 2015 to 2017.

Luc Tapella Director, Institut Luxembourgeois de Régulation (ILR), Luxembourg

Luc Tapella is the Director of the Institut Luxembourgeois de Régulation, a multi-sector regulator (electronic communications, frequencies, energy, postal services, rail and air transport, and network and information systems security) in the Grand-Duché of Luxembourg.

He is the 2022 Chair of FRATEL, the global network of French-speaking regulators, which this year is dedicated to the themes of cyber security and network resilience. He was also Vice-President 2021 of the Independent Regulators Group in Europe.

He previously worked in finance and the space industry (Société Européenne des Satellites and member of the executive committee of SATLYNX) and CFO of Wagner Management in Luxembourg.

Luc Tapella holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University III of Aix-en-Provence (France).

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Luc Tapella est le directeur de l’Institut Luxembourgeois de régulation, régulateur multisectoriel (communications électroniques, fréquences, énergie, postes, transport ferroviaire et aérien et sécurité des réseaux et des systèmes d’information) au Grand- Duché de Luxembourg.

Il est président 2022 de FRATEL, le réseau mondial des régulateurs francophones qui se consacre cette année aux thèmes de la cyber sécurité et la résilience des réseaux. Il a été également vice-président 2021 du groupe des régulateurs indépendants en Europe.

Il a travaillé auparavant dans la finance et l’industrie spatiale (Société Européenne des Satellites et membre du comité exécutif de SATLYNX) et CFO de Wagner Management au Luxembourg.

Luc Tapella est titulaire d’un Master en économie de l’Université III d’Aix-en-Provence (France).

 

Masego M. Jeremiah Head of Broadcasting and Corporate Communications, Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA); Chair, IIC SNRF

Masego M. Jeremiah is Head of Broadcasting and Corporate Communications at Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA). Ms Jeremiah is a Broadcasting and Corporate Communications professional with more than ten (10) years’ experience in the industry. She was previously in the Digital Migration Task Force appointed to ensure a smooth transition from analogue broadcasting to digital platforms. Her roles and responsibilities have been developing, directing, and implementing industry codes, operation guidelines and licensing frameworks in the broadcasting industry. She is also responsible for monitoring and compliance of broadcasters with regulatory tools and licence conditions. Ms Jeremiah guest lectures at the University of Botswana on Media Regulation and also teaches Primary and Junior students Digital Transformation, Online Safety and Cyber Hygiene.

Possessing a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) as well as a Bachelor of Media Studies (BMS), with Majors in Video & Television Production and Public Relations, both attained from the University of Botswana. Ms Jeremiah also has a Diploma in Telecommunications Management, a Diploma in Economic Regulation and a Diploma in Broadcasting Regulation.

A dynamic, innovative and result oriented professional who has worked with decision makers in government institutions, regulators and operators across the Southern African region and experts in the field of regulation. Harnessed research skills and stakeholder engagement especially in developing regulatory instruments.

Ms Jeremiah is currently on the Communications Regulators Association of Southern Africa (CRASA) Working Group established to assess the impact of Online Broadcasters on Broadcasting Regulation and the Electronic and Communications Committee (ECC) to develop a template for data collection on broadcasting regulation requirements in SADC Region for the SADC TV Bouquet.

 

Melanie Dawes DCB (Dame) Executive Board Member and Chief Executive, Ofcom, UK

Dame Melanie Dawes joined Ofcom as an Executive Board Member and Chief Executive on 2 March 2020.

Prior to joining Ofcom, Ms Dawes was Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (2015-2020). She has held senior roles across the Civil Service, working in partnership across the public and private sectors. She became the overall Champion for Diversity and Inclusion in the Civil Service in 2019.

Ms Dawes started her career as an economist and spent 15 years at the Treasury, including as Europe Director. She was Director General of the Economic and Domestic Affairs Secretariat at the Cabinet Office between 2011 and 2015, and prior to that she served on the Board of HMRC as Head of Business Tax. Ms Dawes was Director General for Business Tax from November 2007, which involved responsibility for all the business taxes and duties as well as leadership of the department’s relationships with big business. From 2009, she also led the development of HMRC’s overall strategy as a department.

Ms Dawes has held non-executive roles including with the consumer body Which? and is a trustee of the Patchwork Foundation, which promotes the participation of under-represented young people in democracy.

Michel Van Bellinghen Chairman of the Council, Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT)

Michel Van Bellinghen, Master of Laws (UCL), started off at the university in 1990 as a researcher, then became an assistant under the supervision of Professor Françoise Tulkens, at the UCL Laws Centre for Criminal Law.

Mr Van Bellinghen became an assistant advisor at the Ministry of Justice in 1992 under the supervision of Professor Marc Bossuyt and joined the BIPT in 1997. From 1999 to 2003 he held the position of expert at the private office of Rik Daems, who was the Federal Telecommunications Minister at the time, and afterwards took up the function of Assistant Head of the Private Office. From 2003 until 2009 he was nominated Member of the BIPT Council for the first time. Following this mandate he remained closely affiliated to the Council and supervised the legal department of the regulator during a number of years. He has written scientific publications.

In 2013 Mr Van Bellinghen held a position on the Council as a Member. In January 2017 he was assigned Chairman of the BIPT Council.

Mr Van Bellinghen served as Chair of BEREC in 2021.

 

 

 

Nikolaiski Ali Board Member, Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT)

Bio coming soon …..

Philip Marnick General Director, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Bahrain; Board Director, International Institute of Communications

Philip Marnick is the General Director of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). He was appointed early January 2022 by the Members of the Board, to assume the position, paving the way for a more effective regulatory framework by continuing the evolution of the telecom sector liberalization.

Mr Marnick leads the TRA, including the development of consumer protection initiatives and resolving disputes. The TRA develops regulatory rules that promote competition, innovation, and investment in broadband services and facilities, as well as developing a more comprehensive and competitive framework that aligns with international best practices. Ensuring that Bahrain remains a center of innovation and that its telecommunications sector serves everyone while supporting Bahrain’s strategic objectives.

Before assuming his role at the TRA, Mr Marnick managed and directed at Ofcom in the UK, where he was the Group Director of Spectrum responsible for all aspects of UK national and international spectrum management – from strategy to delivery including awards, clearance and enforcement. Mr Marnick has worked in the telecommunications sector for over 30 years. He has served as a senior executive in technology, operations, and strategy. Mr Marnick has worked in both start-ups (from inception to sale) and major corporations, in firms such as UK Broadband, O2, Orange, BT, J-Phone in Japan (now Softbank Mobile), Extreme Mobile, and SpinVox (now Nuance).

From analogue to 5G, he has engaged across every mobile generation. Throughout his carrier he has been at the forefront of industry developments – in both fixed and mobile. He has collaborated on the first deployments of mobile networks utilizing new technologies and standards, this has also included innovative products such as the first camera phone and photo messaging service, as well as mobile internet and hosted voice services.

Robert Mourik Chairperson, Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), Ireland; Vice Chair BEREC 2024

Robert Mourik  is Chairperson, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).

Mr Mourik has almost thirty years’ experience in the telecoms sector, as an industry executive and as Government official.

Prior to joining ComReg, he worked for Cubic Telecom, a new entrant in the automotive IoT space, where he was responsible for all wholesale activities. Robert spent almost 10 years in Telefonica as the European Regulatory Strategy Director at their corporate HQ in Madrid and as Strategy Director in Ireland.

He also worked for Vodafone Group, as its head of the Brussels Office and in the regulatory department in Newbury, UK.

In 1991, Mr Mourik began his career in the Dutch Department for Transport and Telecommunication and from 1994 until 1999 he served, as Telecom Attache at the Netherlands’ Permanent Representation in Brussels. He was a Member and Chair of the Council Telecoms Working Group in 1998 when the first telecom regulatory package was adopted.

Mr Mourik studied Economics and Public Policy at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, and the University of Hull (UK).

Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck (Professor – Clinical) Chairman, The Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand (NBTC)

Clinical Professor Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck has served as Chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) since 2022. Under this role, he also serves an advisor for the Working Group on Universal Service for Public Health Service, and an advisor for the Working Group on Metaverse Ecosystem.

Prior to this role, he was a deputy dean, and a lecturer at Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. He also served as President of Cardiovascular Intervention Association of Thailand, and the Secretary General of the Heart Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of H.M. the King. In addition, he served as a former member of the National Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Boonbaichaiyapruck received both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Medicine from Chulalongkorn University. He trained as a Medical Specialist in Cardiac Intervention at the Hospital of the Good Samaritan in Los Angeles, California; Cardiology at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Los Angeles, California; and Internal Medicine at the Los Angeles County and the University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Medical Center.

Scott Shortliffe Executive Director, Broadcasting, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

As Executive Director of Broadcasting, Scott Shortliffe works with a diverse and talented group to provide Canadians with a wide range of Canadian programming that displays Canadian talent and serves the interests of Canadians across the country. This includes analyzing emerging trends in broadcasting, providing solutions to Canadian broadcasters and distributors, and working with all part of the Commission.

Mr Shortliffe joined the CRTC in 2017 as Chief Consumer Officer. In this role, he served as a focal point in ensuring that the interests and concerns of consumers are considered in the Commission’s decision making.

Before joining the Commission, Mr Shortliffe spent 23 years at the Department of Canadian Heritage, including as Deputy Director General of Broadcasting and Digital Communications. As an executive, his duties included creating the Canada Periodical Fund and managing $75 million in grants and contributions, dealing with complex and sensitive ownership and control issues, advising senior officials and Ministers on issues related to CBC/Radio-Canada policy issues, the Canada Media Fund, and petitions to Cabinet of CRTC broadcasting licence decisions. From 2011 to 2017, Mr Shortliffe was an observer on the Board of Women in Communications and Technology Canada (WCT) and the Canadian Heritage champion for the Jeanne Sauvé Professional Development Program.

Mr Shortliffe has a Bachelors of History, Carleton University.

Tim Ringsdore Chief Executive and Board Member, Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA)

Tim Ringsdore has over 15 years extensive experience as a Managing Director within the telecoms industry, working at Board level across the Channel Islands, London and the Caribbean.

Mr Ringsdore was Managing Director of Jersey Telecom and was pivotal in setting up Wave Telecom in Guernsey. He had responsibility for consumers and corporate clients across both Islands. Mr Ringsdore was also instrumental in developing JT’s global business with the acquisition of Worldstone in 2012.

Mr Ringsdore moved back to the Channel Islands to join the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) after leading Cable & Wireless as Managing Director based in the British Virgin Islands. He had jurisdictional and overall financial responsibility for the Cable & Wireless business in the BVI and was responsible for developing relationships with government, the industry regulator and corporate clients. During this time, he successfully restructured and rebranded the business to help improve credibility and the customer experience.

As CEO for the JCRA, Mr Ringsdore is focussing on delivering strong results which will support the economic strategic objectives for the Island and its citizens. He will help ensure that Jersey receives the best value, choice and access to high quality services in addition to promoting competition and consumers’ interests.

Tobias Schmid (Dr) Director, Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia; Commissioner for European Affairs of the German Media Authorities

Dr Tobias Schmid is Director of the Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia. He is also elected as the European Affairs Commissioner of the Conference of Directors of the German Media Authorities (DLM).

Dr Schmid is also Chairman of the Federal Media Committee of the German Music Council. Since 1st April 2021, he is also a Member of the Expert Committee for Communication and Information of the German UNESCO-Commission.

Dr Schmid holds a doctorate in law.

Tonko Obuljen BEREC CHAIR 2024 and President of the HAKOM Council, Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM)

Tonko Obuljen has been Chairman of the Council of HAKOM since 2018 and is the BEREC Chair 2024.

Mr Obulijn has been active in the field of electronic communications, which includes engineering and managing experience in the microwave, satellite and fiber-optic systems as well as the broadcasting. He has previously been appointed as the Director of HAKOM (2006-2008) and the Member of HAKOM’s Council (2009-2013). During negotiations on the accession of the Republic of Croatia into the European Union he was a member of working group for Chapter 10 – Information Society.

Mr Obuljen graduated from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Zagreb in 1993.

Usman Aliyu Head of International Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)

Bio coming soon …..

Wei-Ching Wang (Dr) Commissioner, National Communications Commission (NCC), Taiwan (ROC)

Dr Wei-Ching Wang is a Commissioner at the National Communications Commission (NCC), Taiwan (ROC),

Dr Wang is  Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor of the Graduate Institute of Mass Communication, National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU).  She is hold the positions of:  Taipei News Team Reporter, the Liberty Times;  Medical & Environmental Protection News Team Reporter, the Liberty Times; Director of the Graduate Institute of Mass Communication, NTNU;  Television Programs and Advertisings Advisory Committee Member, National Communications Commission; Core Expert Team Member of AI Technology R&D Guidelines, Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST);  Government Open Data Advisory Committee Member, Ministry of Labor; Culture Open Data Advisory Committee Member, Ministry of Culture; Apple Daily News Self-discipline Advisory Committee Member; Accompanying Inspector for Taipei City Mass Media Labor Conditions, Department of Labor, Taipei City Government; Vice Chairman for the Chinese Communication Society; Standing Director & Supervisor for the Chinese Communication Society; Director of Taiwan Academy for Information Society; Standing Director of Campaign for Media Reform;  Judge for the Excellent Journalism Award; Judge for the Wu Shun-wen Journalism Award.

Dr Wang’s major research areas are: Information Communication, Information Economy, Digital Network Platforms, Social Media, Political Economy of Communication, Artificial Intelligence, Academic Record/Education.

Dr Wang holds a  B.S., the Department of Economics, Tunghai University, 1996,  M.S., the Graduate Institute of Communications, Shih-Hsin University, 1999, and a PhD., the Department of Radio-Television-Film, University of Texas at Austin, 2004.

Dr Wang’s specialities are: Excellent Young Scholar Research Award, MOST;  Outstanding Academic Research and Excellent Teacher of the College of International Studies and Social Sciences, NTNU; Outstanding Academic Research and Excellent Teacher of the College of Social Sciences, NTNU
and Chief Special Project Host for the AI Research Center, MOST.

Wilhelm Eschweiler (Dr) Vice President, Federal Network Agency (BNetzA), Germany

Dr Wilhelm Eschweiler, one of the two Vice Presidents of the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur), is responsible for telecommunications and rail.

He was Chair of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) in 2016.

Prior to his current position, he worked in several senior positions in the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy. He was Head of Unit for the European ICT Policy from 2007 until April 2014 and Head of Unit for International Telecoms and Postal Services Policy from 2002 until 2006. Prior to that, he worked as an advisor for regulatory policy from 1998 until 2002.

After graduating from the University of Bonn with a degree in Law (Second State Examination) he started his career at the Federal Ministry of Post and Telecommunications from 1992 until 1994 including a mandatory secondment to the Directorate-General Information Society and Media of the European Commission in Brussels. From 1995 until 1997 he worked in the Office of the Minister Dr. Wolfgang Bötsch.

Dr. Eschweiler holds a degree in Law from the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms University in Bonn and spent two terms at the University of Lausanne.

Yolisa Kedama Acting Chairperson, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA)

Ms. Yolisa Kedama is the Acting Chairperson of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). She is a Specialist in the field of frequency planning, and research in new technologies in the satellite environment. She has served as a Spectrum Manager at Transtel, managing spectrum for Transnet.

She moved from Transtel to join ICASA as the Manager: Spectrum Licensing, managing the processing and approval of frequency spectrum applications.

Upon leaving ICASA, she served as a Telecoms Regulatory Manager at Transnet. Ms Kedama served as a Director at Ziko Business Solutions. She later moved to Telkom as the Executive: Technical Regulations where her role included advising, developing and managing the group on, among others, facilities leasing, interconnection, roaming, number source management and WOAN.

Ms. Kedama holds a Bachelor of Science degree, National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Certificate in Financial Management and a master’s in management in ICT Policy and Regulation.

 

Monday 16 October 2023

08:15-09:00 Registration & Networking
0900-0930 Welcomes

Chris Chapman, President, International Institute of Communications
Dr Wilhelm Eschweiler, Vice President, BNetzA

0930-1100 Session 1: Future regulatory structures and models – progress with recent ‘experimentation’ globally

Moderator:
Dr Annegret Groebel, Head of International/Postal Regulation Department, BNetzA

Panellists include
Michel Van Bellinghen, Chairman of the Council, Belgian Institute for Postal services and Telecommunications (BIPT)
Ekaterine Imedadze, Commissioner, Georgian National Communications Commission; Chair, Eastern Partnership Electronic Communications Regulators Network (EaPeReg)
Geoffrey Starks, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Camilla Bustani, Director, International, Ofcom, UK

11:00-11:30 Networking Break
11:30-13:00 Session 2: Cybersecurity & network/supply chain resilience: role and obligations for regulators

Moderator:
Elmar Zilles, Head of Legal Telecommunications Regulation Issues / Spectrum Department, BNetzA

Panellists
Tonko Obuljen, President of the Board, Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM)
Philip Marnick, General Director, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Bahrain
Robert Mourik, Chairperson, Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), Ireland
Dick Christophe Ng Sui Wa, Chairman, Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA), Mauritius

13:00-14:00 Networking Lunch
14:00-15:30 Session 3: Mobile communications: 5G rollout, progress and lessons learned so far; Satellite and space – regulatory considerations

Moderator:
Dr Wilhelm Eschweiler, Vice President, BNetzA

Panellists
Chaucer Leung, Director-General of Communications, Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) Hong Kong, China
Yolisa Kedama, Acting Chairperson, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA)
Nikolaiski Ali, Board Member, Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT)
Luc Tapella, Director, Institut Luxembourgeois de Regulation (ILR)

15:30-16:00 Networking Break
16:00-17:30 Session 4: Consumer empowerment in a digital world: comparison tools; spoofing, misuse of numbering resources, spam; AI transparency for consumers

Moderator:
Andrea Sanders-Winter, Head of Subdepartment Internet Digitalisation, BNetzA

Panellists
Professor (Clinical) Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, Chairman, National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand (NBTC)
Masego M. Jeremiah, Deputy Director Media and Content, Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA)
Dr Allyson Leacock, Chairman, Barbados Broadcasting Authority; Director, National Transformation Initiative, Government of Barbados
Tim Ringsdore, CEO, Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA)

17:30 End of day one
18:30-21:30 Regulators Dinner

kindly hosted by BNetzA

Brauhaus Sion
Unter Taschenmacher 5-7
50667 Cologne

The BNetzA team will meet delegates in the foyer of the Hyatt at 18.30 pm to walk them across the bridge to the dinner.

Tuesday 17 October 2023

08:15 Registration & networking
09:00-09:15 Welcomes

Chris Chapman, President, International Institute of Communications

09:15-10:45 Session 5: Fixed broadband rollout: copper switch-off & customer migration to fibre; licensing; competition; infrastructure sharing; technology choices

Moderator:
Dr Wilhelm Eschweiler, Vice President, BNetzA

Panellists
Professor Konstantinos Masselos, BEREC Chair 2023 and President, Hellenic Telecommunications & Post Commission (EETT)
Usman Aliyu, Head of International Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
Aileen Chia, Deputy Chief Executive – Connectivity Development & Regulation / Director-General – Telecoms & Post, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Singapore
Emmanuel Gabla, Membre du Collège and Board Member, Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques, des postes et de la distribution de la presse (ARCEP), France

10:45-11:15 Networking Break
11:15-12:45 Session 6: Regulating digital platforms and intermediaries – progress with implementation and enforcement

Moderator:
Andrea Sanders-Winter, Head of Subdepartment Internet Digitalisation, BNetzA

Panellists
Dr Wei-Ching Wang, Commissioner, National Communications Commission (NCC), Taiwan, ROC
Benoît Loutrel, Member, Autorité de régulation de la communication audiovisuelle et numérique (Arcom), France
Creina Chapman, Deputy Chair & CEO, Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
Jeremy Godfrey, Executive Chairperson, Coimisiún na Meán
Alicia Barin, Vice-Chair, Broadcasting, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

 

 

12:45-13:45 Networking Lunch
13:45-15:15 Session 7: Online safety - global protection of minors in the online world.

Moderator
Jeremy Godfrey, Executive Chairperson, Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland

Panellists
Dame Melanie Dawes DCB, Executive Board Member and Chief Executive, Ofcom, UK
Dr Tobias Schmid, Director, Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia; Commissioner for European Affairs of the German Media Authorities

15:15-15:45 Networking Break
15:45-17:15 Session 8: Protecting democracy online – towards effective cooperation mechanisms in the fight against disinformation

Moderator:
Dr Tobias Schmid, Director, Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia; Commissioner for European Affairs of the German Media Authorities

Panellists
George Sarpong, Executive Secretary, National Media Commission, Ghana
Professor Elisa Giomi, Commissioner, Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni (AGCOM), Italy
Scott Shortliffe, Executive Director, Broadcasting, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

18:00-19:30 Welcome Reception

Sticky Fingers
Kennedy-Ufer 2a
50679 Cologne
Germany

Download the agenda (PDF)
Event details
Date:
16th - 17th October 2023
Location:
Cologne, Germany
Region:
Europe
Hyatt Regency Cologne
Kennedy-Ufer 2A
Cologne 50679
Germany

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