By Kemo Kanyi
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and stakeholders met to discuss the draft infrastructure sharing regulations in communication.
The dialogue was held at the Metzy Hotel, Kololi on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024.
The validation workshop ensured a more effective, efficient, and inclusive infrastructure ecosystem for the telecommunications and digital economy sectors.
Dr. Njogou Bah, Director General of the Public Utilities and Regulatory Authority, said in collaboration with partners and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy has invested considerable efforts in developing the draft regulations and there is a need for insightful deliberation.
“Our purpose here today is to present these regulations and invite inputs from you, our valued stakeholders. This is a crucial step in ensuring that these regulations not only meet the current needs of our sector but also position us well for the future,” he stated when addressing the stakeholders at the forum.
He highlighted that infrastructure sharing is a key component in the evolution of the country’s digital economy.
“It promotes the optimal use of resources, reduces duplication, and enables service providers to reach underserved areas more efficiently,” he ascertained.
Sharing information, he added, is about fostering collaboration over competition, creating a level playing field where both large and small players can thrive.
Dr. Bah signified that the ultimate goal of the document is to benefit the consumers who rely on the services offered by the stakeholders for day-to-day life activities.
“The resulting document reflects our devotion to creating a regulatory environment that balances the interests of all stakeholders – service providers, consumers, and regulators,” he informed.
“Let’s work together to ensure that these regulations will lead to a more robust, competitive, and dynamic infrastructure-sharing environment that ultimately benefits every Gambian,” he urged.