Communications Commission member Ekaterine Imadedze took part in the annual forum organised by the ICT Association of Georgia. During the panel discussion, Ms Imedadze spoke about the need to create a supportive environment for establishing Georgia as a technology hub, as well as about the role of ComCom in this regard: “Georgia has an advantage due to its geopolitical location, harmonised telecom regulations, and an open and favourable legal and supervisory framework for implementing innovative business models. However, there are also challenges in this sector. The Commission aims to overcome these challenges and create a favourable environment by implementing projects with the common goal of establishing Georgia as a technological and digital hub. It is challenging enough to ensure that our current environment meets to what extent our current situation meets global telecommunication standards, let alone those of a technology hub. In order to become a hub, we need high-standard physical telecom infrastructure, as well as different services, innovations, security and accessibility. Only by gathering these components can we have the ambition to establish ourselves as a technology hub,” Ms Imedadze stated, adding that another significant challenge has been identified by the ComCom study in the shape of low volume and speed of mobile and fixed internet in Georgia, as well as the significantly higher costs of services. According to Ekaterine Imadedze, this is restrictive for Georgian subscribers, and for legal entities in particular, which has a negative impact on the country's technological development and efforts to attract investors. 

During her speech, Ms Imedadze introduced the strategic projects of ComCom to the participants and noted that the Commission is implementing a comprehensive market research project to eliminate the aforementioned problem: “This is the task that the Communications Commission is working on. Our projects are aimed at creating a favourable environment in Georgia for opening the market and creating a desire for investment and cooperation in this field.” Ms Imedadze added that the Communications Commission supports the introduction of innovative communication business models such as mobile virtual network operators (MVNO), satellite communications and new-generation mobile technologies through various projects in order to promote competition and improve services in the telecom market. 

Apart from Ekaterine Imedadze, participants in the panel discussion included the executive director of ICTA Mariam Koiava, Member of Parliament Mariam Lashkhi, GITA Chairman Avtandil Kasradze, and representatives of tech companies. Topics of discussion included Georgia’s role in the global digital ecosystem, the strategy for strengthening the country's position in this field, the action plan for establishing Georgia as a regional digital hub, as well as the current situation in the country in terms of access to fast and high-quality internet, and the 5G development processes. 

The event, which is held annually for ICTA members and serves to strengthen the country’s economy, as well as to deepen cooperation and exchange of information between organisations in the sector, was opened by the new management team of the Association for the first time this year.