Infrastructure and governance
Maximize competitiveness and strengthen regulation in the telecommunications sector in Arab countries.
Any advancement in ICT is directly linked to the development of systems and networks that allow for the provision of services to the highest number of subscribers, including fixed and mobile telephone networks, data networks and the Internet. Since the Agenda is broadly meant to serve the SDGs in general and digital development in particular, issues related to market and regulatory structure have also been included within this cluster because of their direct impact on providing services to the largest segment of users at affordable prices, including in remote and marginalized areas, which is one of the most important requirements of digital development.
Targets
2.1.1
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Encourage competition and set legislative and regulatory controls in the case of sector exclusivity.
Not defined yet.
Not available.
Baseline value: Unmeasured.
- Medium-term target value: 22 countries.
2.1.2
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Increase the global ranking of Arab countries in terms of ICT regulation.
This indicator refers to the digital maturity ranking of a country according to the ICT Regulatory Tracker, which was developed by the ITU as an evidence-based tool to help decision-makers and regulators understand the rapid evolution of ICT regulation. The indicator captures changes in the ICT regulatory environment, and allows comparison and identification of trends in ICT legal and regulatory frameworks. It helps track progress and identify gaps in regulatory frameworks, catalyzing regulatory reform that will build an inclusive and vibrant ICT sector.
The ICT Regulatory Tracker consists of a scale based on 50 sub-indicators where each country can score two points (maximum value) for each sub-indicator and obtain an overall score out of 100. Each country is classified according to four levels, as follows:
- Level 1: score ≥ 0.
- Level 2: score ≥40.
- Level 3: score ≥ 70.
- Level 4: score ≥ 85 ≤ 100.
ITU – Third edition of the Global ICT Regulatory Outlook 2020.
Baseline value: 12 countries.
Medium-term target value: 22 countries classified as third generation or higher.
The ITU G5 Benchmark is part of the continuous technological development that keeps pace with the evolution of successive “generations”, from the control approach for public monopolies to one of collaboration across institutions and stakeholders to overseeing the development of cooperative regulation for the digital economy.
This indicator measures the evolution of regulatory and policy frameworks, and helps countries map progress in the era of digital transformation to develop a competitive digital economy. It allows regulators and policymakers to develop and track key policies, as well as adopt a common language and facilitate modelling at the country level.
The indicator tracks the evolution of data from 70 indicators, grouped around 4 main pillars:
- National collaborative governance.
- Policy design principles.
- Digital development toolbox.
- Digital economic policy agenda.
The indicator provides regulators and policymakers with a snapshot of each country’s status in terms of digital transformation. Accordingly, each country is ranked according to four levels of readiness for digital transformation, as follows:
- Limited level (scores under 30).
- Transitional level (scores between 30 and 60).
- Advanced level (scores between 60 and 80).
- Leading level (scores between 80 and 100).
Baseline value: 3 countries classified as advanced, 11 countries as transitional and 8 countries as limited.
- Long-term target value: All countries having improved their classification by at least one level.
Proposed actions to achieve Goal 2.1
- Work to define and measure the results of controls on exclusivity in the telecommunications sector.
- Work to enact or update the legislative measures necessary to control exclusivity and increase competitiveness, by the regulators of telecommunications service providers.
- Conduct periodic assessments of competitiveness and the negative effects of exclusivity on the telecommunications market.
- Enact cost-based pricing in the case of exclusive services, especially wholesale services provided by service providers in order to reduce their impact on the cost of service to end users.
- Collaborate between ICT regulators and regulators of other sectors so as to achieve collaborative regulation, given the overlap between ICT and many other sectors.
- Develop regulations to encourage infrastructure sharing between operators as an effective tool to increase the efficiency of networks in accordance with international best practices.
Enhance regulatory collaboration and coordination between Arab countries to provide and improve telecommunications and regional digital services.
A key objective of regional strategies is to enable the exchange of digital services at the regional level, whether through e-commerce services that allow for the purchase of traditional goods through electronic platforms, or through the trade of digital services such as online access to digital content. This exchange of and access to services at the regional level cannot be implemented unless there are clear controls on the provision of such services in the interest of all parties (users, service providers and States). These controls mainly address issues of consumer protection, electronic payment, facilitation of border crossing procedures, and the protection of intellectual property in the digital space.
Targets
2.2.1
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Expand the availability and use of telecommunications and digital services exchanged between Arab countries, at the regional level.
Not defined yet.
Not available.
Baseline value: Unmeasured.
Target value: Determined later after the first measurement.
Not defined yet.
Not available.
Baseline value: Unmeasured.
- Target value: Determined later after the first measurement.
Proposed actions to achieve Goal 2.2
Develop a regional framework agreed upon by regulators to conclude agreements governing regional telecommunications services.
Regulate and encourage free roaming services between Arab countries, and modernize other digital services in line with developments in the sector.
Put forward a draft Arab agreement for the integration of telecommunications services, taking into consideration the Arab Trade Agreement as an important cooperation mechanism to promote the regional market of telecommunications services.
Conduct necessary studies to determine the provision of telecommunications services at the regional level, in cooperation with and leveraging the experience of the Arab Regulators Network of Telecommunications and Information Technologies.
- Coordinate among Arab countries regarding the regulation of modern technologies, such as satellite Internet, that may go beyond national regulatory frameworks.
Improve access to basic telecommunications services.
This goal includes knowing what services are available for mobile telephony and Internet, including fixed and mobile broadband, second-generation wireless network, fibre to the home, the number of ISPs, and the number of mobile networks. Consequently, regional targets have been set to reduce gaps between countries and, in many cases, to move the Arab bloc as a whole forward.
Targets
2.3.1
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Increase Internet access beyond the global average.
This indicator related to the percentage of individuals using the Internet can be calculated based on estimates and/or data from national surveys of households and individuals. This percentage should be calculated based on the total number of the country’s population or at least individuals aged 5 years and over. If this number is not available (i.e. the target population represents a more limited age group), the full population should be estimated. If this is not possible at this stage, reference must be made to the age group used to calculate the population (e.g., population over 10 years of age; or population aged between 15 and 74 years). In the absence of data from household and individual surveys, it is recommended to adopt a population estimate with a detailed definition of the computational methodology.
- Relation to sustainable development indicators: 17.8.1.
- Relation to core ICT indicators: HH7.
- Relation to ITU indicators: (i99H).
ITU – World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database 2022 (26th edition – December 2022).
Baseline value: 13 countries above the global average.
Medium-term target value: 22 countries.
2.3.2
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All Arab countries have at least 50 per cent of fixed broadband subscribers with speeds above 10 Mbps.
This indicator refers to the number of fixed broadband subscriptions to the public Internet (i4213tfbb) with download speeds equal to or greater than 256 kbit/s, split by advertised download speed. This includes cable modem, digital subscription line, fibre-to-the-home/building, other fixed broadband subscriptions, satellite broadband and terrestrial fixed wireless broadband. The indicator can be broken down as follows:
- Subscriptions from 256 kbit/s to less than 2 Mbit/s.
- Subscriptions from 2 Mbit/s to less than 10 Mbit/s.
- Subscriptions equal to or greater than 10 Mbit/s.
- Relation to sustainable development indicators: 17.6.1.
- Relation to core ICT indicators: A3.
- Relation to ITU indicators: (i4213tfbb), (i4213_256to2), (i4213_2to10), (i4213_G10).
ITU – Handbook for the collection of administrative data on telecommunications/ICTs – 2020 edition, p. 83.
Baseline value: 10 countries.
Medium-term target value: 22 countries.
2.3.3
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Expand the coverage of 4G mobile networks to exceed the global average.
This indicator refers to the percentage of inhabitants living within range of a mobile-cellular signal (4G/LTE), irrespective of whether or not they are subscribers.
The indicator is calculated by dividing the number of inhabitants covered by at least a mobile-cellular signal (4G/LTE) by the total population and multiplying by 100.
- Relation to sustainable development indicators: 9.c.1.
- Relation to core ICT indicators: A5.
- Relation to ITU indicators: (i271GA).
ITU – Handbook for the collection of administrative data on telecommunications/ICTs – 2020 edition, p. 59.
Baseline value: 14 countries above the global average.
- Medium-term target value: 22 countries above the global average.
Proposed actions to achieve Goal 2.3
Consider the establishment of a joint Arab financing tool to develop infrastructure in Arab countries, and increase access to fixed and mobile broadband services.
- Conduct studies on the investments necessary to develop infrastructure in Arab countries according to each country’s needs and the possibilities for stimulating private and external investment.
Improve Internet speed for users and increase the benefits from Internet services and content.
This includes knowing what services are available for mobile telephony and Internet, including fixed and mobile broadband, second-generation wireless network, fibre to the home, the number of ISPs, and the number of mobile networks. Consequently, regional targets have been set to reduce gaps between countries and, in many cases, to move the Arab bloc as a whole forward.
Targets
2.4.1
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All Arab countries are above the global average in the international Internet bandwidth per capita, with the exception of the least developed countries.
The average use of all international links, including fibre-optic cables, radio links and traffic processed by satellite ground stations and teleports to orbital satellites (expressed in Mbit/s). The average should be calculated over twelve months of the reference year. If the traffic is asymmetric (i.e. different incoming and outgoing traffic), then the highest value out of the two should be provided.
All international links used by all types of operators, namely fixed, mobile and satellite operators, should be taken into account. The combined average usage of all international links can be reported as the sum of the average usage of each individual link.
The international bandwidth per Internet user is computed by dividing the amount of bandwidth (in bits/s) by the total population.
- Relation to core ICT indicators: A5.
- Relation to ITU indicators: (i4214u).
ITU – Handbook for the collection of administrative data on telecommunications/ICTs – 2020 edition, p. 83.
Baseline value: 6 Arab countries above the global average.
- Target value: All Arab countries except the least developed countries.
Proposed actions to achieve Goal 2.4
- Increase investments and financing funds to support the needs of countries and regions that do not provide economic returns for operators of international Internet packages.
Develop the infrastructure of Internet networks and the structure of interconnection at the national and regional levels.
Adequate infrastructure is vital to meet the growing demands of digital applications. Networks must operate according to the highest international standards, especially in relation to infrastructure sharing to increase the efficiency of their use, which is necessary in view of the weak financial capabilities of most Arab countries.
Internet infrastructure in the Arab region can be assessed from a regional perspective based on the following two criteria:
- Availability of high-speed regional and international optical cables that allow for the connection of different countries’ networks.
- Readiness of national networks to be connected via Internet exchange points (IXPs).
Targets
2.5.1
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Provide an Internet exchange point in each country.
This indicator refers to the number of Arab countries that have at least one national Internet exchange point, i.e. a physical place in the national Internet infrastructure where different Internet service providers meet to exchange traffic between them.
ESCWA, National Digital Development Reviews 2021, as well as desk research.
Baseline value: 15 countries.
Medium-term target value: 22 countries.
2.5.2
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Provide a number of interconnected regional exchange points to provide high-speed switching services and attract global content providers wishing to reach Arab users.
Not defined yet.
Not available.
Baseline value: Unmeasured.
Medium-term target value: 4 IXPs.
Long-term target value: Unbounded according to countries’ capacities.
Not defined yet.
Not available.
Baseline value: Unmeasured.
Target value: Determined later after the first measurement.
2.5.3
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Connect all Arab countries to a regional IXP.
Not defined yet.
Not available.
Baseline value: Unmeasured.
Medium-term target value: 22 countries.
2.5.4
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Reach 100 per cent of intra-Arab data transferred through regional exchange points or direct connections without the need for international networks.
Not defined yet.
Not available.
Baseline value: Unmeasured.
- Long-term target value: 70 per cent of intraregional data.
Proposed actions to achieve Goal 2.5
Work on finding a mechanism to measure data exchanged internally and externally in the region.
Activate national IXPs, while studying the most appropriate management model for each country to ensure the success of exchange points.
Seek out the necessary investments to launch a major Arab project (that could take the form of an alliance between Arab companies) to undertake the following:
Activate national Internet exchange points.
Establish regional exchange points.
Create a network of Internet data centres.
- Connect national and regional exchange points to establish and develop a regional network.
Activate the use of digital signature services and electronic transactions at the national and regional levels.
Enabling digital signature services and electronic transactions is vital to digital transformation in the Arab region. They contribute to building an appropriate environment for the ICT sector, allowing users to interact with the Internet and its services confidently and securely.
The existence of mutual recognition agreements for digital signature and certification services allows Arab countries to establish a strong and secure digital cooperation framework. Effective national structures for digital signature and certification also contribute to the standardization and development of infrastructure to support these services, which enhances reliance on electronic solutions and helps achieve digital integration and build trust among Arab countries.
Targets
2.6.1
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All countries have an effective national digital signature and certification authority.
Not defined yet.
Not available.
Baseline value: Unmeasured.
Medium-term target value: 22 countries.
2.6.2
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Conclude mutual recognition agreements for digital signature and certification services.
Not defined yet.
Not available.
Baseline value: Unmeasured.
- Target value: Determined later after the first measurement.
Proposed actions to achieve Goal 2.6
Work to establish, activate and continuously develop national digital signature and certification authorities.
Prepare an agreement specifying the conditions for harmonizing laws on digital signature and certification, and electronic transactions in all Arab countries.
- Benefit from the experiences of the Arab Network for Digital Trust.
Personal data protection of users.
The protection of users’ personal data is of paramount importance in the era of digital transformation. All Arab countries should establish updated laws and implementing regulations that ensure effective protection of personal data, in line with relevant international best practices. It is also necessary to issue laws that comply with international standards for the protection of personal data in all Arab countries and to establish mechanisms for regional and international cooperation to promote the secure exchange of information and ensure users’ digital security in the region.
Targets
2.7.1
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All Arab countries have updated laws and implementing regulations for personal data protection.
This indicator refers to the number of Arab countries that have updated laws for personal data protection. This means Arab countries that provide a supportive and transparent legal and regulatory framework that ensures security, privacy, protection of personal data and confidentiality of information.
ESCWA, National Digital Development Reviews 2021, as well as desk research.
Baseline value: 10 countries.
Medium-term target value: 22 countries.
Not defined yet.
Not available.
Baseline value: Unmeasured.
Medium-term target value: 15 countries.
Long-term target value: 22 countries.
This indicator is used as an alternative indicator for tracking purposes only, and classifies the adequacy of the level of data protection according to the European Union standards.
To ensure a level of data protection similar to that of the European Union, any non-European Union country seeking to transfer data from the European Union should be classified as at least “adequate” according to the European Union standards.
The adequacy of the level of data protection is one of the tools available under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for the transfer of data from the European Union to third countries, ensuring a level of data protection similar to that of the European Union
The European Union, International dimension of data protection – Adequacy decisions.
Not available.
Proposed actions to achieve Goal 2.7
Complete the issuance of laws compatible with international best practices for personal data protection in all Arab countries, including mechanisms for regional and international cooperation.
Prepare an Arab agreement for the protection, governance and exchange of data.
- Work to accede to relevant regional and international conventions.
Enhance cybersecurity in the Arab region.
Enhancing cybersecurity in the Arab region is crucial to addressing growing digital challenges. It requires updating legal texts to combat cybercrimes and enhance cybersecurity in all Arab countries. In this context, all Arab countries should develop effective national cybersecurity strategies and support efforts to join the Arab Convention on Combating Information Technology Offences and implement its executive mechanisms to ensure comprehensive success in enhancing cybersecurity.
Targets
2.8.1
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Update laws to combat cybercrime and enhance cybersecurity in all Arab countries.
This indicator refers to the number of Arab countries that have updated laws to combat cybercrime and cybersecurity by developing a list of laws on cybercrime (law number, year of adoption and URL) and identifying national measures to prevent, detect and prosecute cybercrime, and prevent the misuse of ICTs. The indicator also describes efforts to combat spam at the national and international levels. “Updated” means that laws should not be more than 10 years old.
ESCWA, National Digital Development Reviews 2021, as well as desk research.
Baseline value: 12 countries.
- Medium-term target value: 22 countries
2.8.2
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Most Arab countries accede to the Arab Convention on Combating Information Technology Offences and have the necessary mechanisms for its implementation.
This indicator refers to the number of Arab countries that have implemented the Arab Convention on Combating Information Technology Offences. This means Arab countries that have ratified the convention and put it into effect. This convention was adopted in 2010 at the initiative of the League of Arab States and in cooperation with the Arab Technical Committee for Combating Information Technology Crimes. This regional convention aims to enhance cooperation between Arab countries in the field of combating information technology crimes and protecting electronic systems and data.
ESCWA, National Digital Development Reviews 2021, as well as desk research.
Baseline value: 7 countries.
Medium-term target value: 12 countries.
2.8.3
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All Arab countries have national cybersecurity strategies.
This indicator refers to the number of Arab countries that have a national cybersecurity strategy. The indicator should include information about the approved strategy, an overview of its mission and vision, the year of its adoption, its latest update, an assessment of its current status, the pace of its implementation and the government entity responsible for implementing it.
ESCWA, National Digital Development Reviews 2021, as well as desk research.
Baseline value: 11 countries.
Medium-term target value: 22 countries.
2.8.4
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Improve the performance of all Arab countries in the field of cybersecurity.
The Global Cybersecurity Index aims to foster a global culture of cybersecurity and its integration at the core of ICTs. It is a composite index of indicators that monitors the level of cybersecurity commitment in the five pillars of the Global Cybersecurity Agenda: legal measures, technical measures, organizational measures, capacity development measures, and cooperation measures.
Baseline value: Twelve Arab countries are in the second half of the rankings.
Medium-term target value: All countries improve their ranking by at least 5 points (except for countries currently in the top 20 in the world).
2.8.5
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Establish national computer emergency response centres in all Arab countries.
This indicator refers to the number of Arab countries that have a national computer emergency response centre. The indicator should include information about the national centre, its tasks, the number of incidents recorded in it, and the plans or initiatives implemented to raise awareness of emergencies related to Internet and information security. It outlines the cybersecurity measures taken to ensure the security of online transactions.
The national computer emergency response centre is an institution or ad hoc authority that responds to incidents and emergencies related to the security and integrity of information systems and information technology infrastructure. This centre aims to coordinate and manage the response of the government or State to cyber threats, hacking and attacks on critical government infrastructure and resources.
ESCWA, National Digital Development Reviews 2021, as well as desk research.
Baseline value: 17 countries.
Medium-term target value: 22 countries.
2.8.6
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Ensure collaboration and coordination between all national computer emergency response centres in Arab countries.
This indicator refers to the number of Arab countries that have cooperation agreements with other Arab countries for coordination between national computer emergency centres. The indicator should include information on cooperation agreements, the date they were signed or concluded, the country or countries covered by the agreement, and the coordination mechanisms adopted between national computer emergency centres.
The national computer emergency response centre is an institution or ad hoc authority that responds to incidents and emergencies related to the security and integrity of information systems and information technology infrastructure. This centre aims to coordinate and manage the response of the government or State to cyber threats, hacking and attacks on critical government infrastructure and resources.
ESCWA, National Digital Development Reviews 2021, as well as desk research.
Baseline value: 12 countries.
- Medium-term target value: 22 countries.
Proposed actions to achieve Goal 2.8
Ratify the Arab Convention on Combating Information Technology Offences by the concerned authorities and establish mechanisms to implement it in each country.
Formulate national cybersecurity strategies that include integrated national security policies, critical and resilient infrastructure, national audit mechanisms and capacity-building programmes and launch necessary security initiatives.
Prepare and implement awareness programmes targeting users, communities and different sectors with the aim of promoting a positive image of cybersecurity.
Strengthen cooperation and technical interaction with the private sector and the technical community to protect network and data security by activating communication, building trust and developing a more effective cooperative framework with those stakeholders.
Strengthen regional cooperation to support cyber resilience, which consists of maintaining data integrity and the ability of systems to provide services even when under attack.
Complete the establishment of national computer emergency response centres..
Establish a regional network of computer emergency centres recognized at the regional and international levels.
Establish an observatory of cybersecurity indicators in the Arab region.
Study the development of a general framework for “digital sovereignty” to enhance cybersecurity in the Arab region.
- Develop and implement an Arab cybersecurity strategy.