By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
International Telecommunication Union has unveiled new digital planning and
economic modelling tools aimed at strengthening global efforts to expand
connectivity and support evidence-based digital development strategies.
The
announcement was made during an Executive Masterclass titled “Beyond
Connectivity” held at the Global Symposium for Regulators 2026 (GSR-26), where
the ITU introduced the ITU Global Economic Model and Study tool (GEMS)
alongside the Connectivity Planning Platform (CPP).
According
to the Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), Cosmas
Luckyson Zavazava, the tools are designed to help ITU member states test policy
and investment scenarios, strengthen connectivity investment cases, and better
align digital infrastructure planning with national development priorities.
The
platforms are expected to be further showcased during the ongoing GSR-26
proceedings, highlighting their role in supporting data-driven decision-making
for digital transformation.
The
ITU credited collaboration from CST KSA and Ericsson for their technical
support in the development and rollout of the initiatives.
The
launch reflects broader efforts within the ITU Telecommunication Development
Bureau to accelerate inclusive and sustainable digital connectivity worldwide.
