Senior telecommunications regulators and industry experts from across South Asia convened in the Maldives this week for a strategic forum aimed at accelerating the adoption and effective integration of emerging technologies within the region’s communications infrastructure.
Organised by the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators Council (SATRC), operating under the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), the three-day meetings, held from 12 to 14 August, mark the third occasion the Maldives has hosted this regional initiative. Thirty delegates from eight South Asian nations are in attendance, including representatives from leading firms within the Maldivian telecommunications sector.
Delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony, Dr Mohamed Kinaanath, State Minister at the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, underscored the Maldives’ sustained progress in telecommunications despite enduring logistical and developmental challenges. He outlined the country’s technological evolution, noting the transition from 3rd Generation (3G) mobile services to the rollout of 4G networks between 2010 and 2020, followed by the establishment of 5G infrastructure in 2019.
Building on this trajectory, State Minister Kinaanath highlighted the nationwide implementation of the Fibre to the Home (FTTH) network last year. He described its rollout to the entire population as a “major achievement for the Maldives” and a critical step in expanding equitable digital access.
The state minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to comprehensive digital transformation. That ambition is encapsulated in 'Maldives 2.0', the national digital policy announced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, which seeks to ensure that every Maldivian citizen is empowered through technology and positioned to benefit from the country’s digital future.
Deliberations throughout the forum are expected to examine the operational and regulatory challenges associated with deploying new technologies. State Minister Kinaanath expressed confidence that the discussions would contribute to enhancing the quality, resilience, and accessibility of telecommunication services across the region.
Speaking to PSM News, Ilyas Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Communications Authority of Maldives, noted that participants would explore the implications of emerging technologies and assess best practices for their effective implementation. He highlighted that the forum offers a vital platform for regional collaboration, enabling member states to share insights and strategies for advancing communication services through innovation.