What are the existing challenges on the Georgian telecommunications market, what opportunities are afforded to virtual operators by the decision regarding the mandatory access of MVNOs, what are ComCom’s plans regarding the implementation of 5G technology in Georgia, and what challenges are associated with Georgia’s top-level DNS zones? These are some of the issues addressed by representatives of the Communications Commission at the Georgian Internet Governance Forum (GeoIGF2020).

The online forum was opened by ComCom member Merab Katamadze, together with representatives of various supporting organisations and state bodies. “The Georgian telecommunications sector has successfully coped with the crisis created by the pandemic. Without the effective operation of our sector, it would have been impossible to ensure that state agencies, educational facilities and private firms can work remotely, that information can be accessed continuously, or that people can obtain services through apps and websites. The pandemic and life in isolation have shown us how important it is to further develop our sector and implement new technologies. I therefore welcome the fact that this year’s forum will be discussing important issues to this end,” Merab Katamadze stated.

Speakers at GeoIGF2020 highlighted the important decisions and measures implemented by the Communications Commission with a view to liberalising the telecommunications market and strengthening competition.

What mechanisms are available to parents, and how do we protect children from harmful material on the internet? – the Head of the Audiovisual Media Services Regulatory Department of the Communications Commission spoke in detail about the relevant changes in the legislation and the Code on the Rights of the Child.

Within the scope of the forum, the Communications Commission and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) agreed to closer mutual cooperation with a view to developing the DNS ecosystem and promoting internationalized domain names (IDNs). The parties agreed to implement joint projects to strengthen the security of the domain name system, ensure stability and security of the internet, and enhance connectivity in Georgia.

The Georgian Internet Governance Forum is an annual conference that was established with the support of the European Council in 2015. The forum currently has more than 30 members. The event is hosted by ISOC Georgia, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, and the Communications Commission. The forum is organised by the Small and Medium Telecom Operators Association of Georgia. This year’s event was held with the support of the European Council, ISOC Georgia, ICANN and RIPE NCC. The forum promotes mutual cooperation and coordination between the participating organisations, as well as aligning the dialogue and positions on internet management policy.