Communication Networks Economy

3Communications Services Regulations

The goal of the international agreements concluded between states and bodies under the auspices of the United Nations (UN) is to ensure world peace by easing trade restrictions on goods and services and by removing barriers to international trade. Communications services must both satisfy the demands placed on services by financial regulatory bodies and agreed regionally and internationally between States, while also respecting the technical standards and rules determined by recognized standard setting entities. Large international banks take action in accordance with the trade agreements concluded between signatory countries.

Figure 3.1 summarizes the existing relationships between the technical organizations involved in the telecommunications sector and the different bodies connected to international political and financial institutions.

3.1. The international regulatory framework

3.1.1. Trade agreements between States

Since 1945, international trade has been governed by GATT and the World Trade Organization (WTO). In the absence of a unified world government, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development deals with a trade system related to the development of countries in the Global South. Several economic agreements relating to regional economic areas have been arranged. Monetary policy is boosted by large international and regional banks through concerted efforts, such as variations in interest rates and the money available ...