Maldives Hosts Strategic Forum On Digital Transformation And Connectivity

Senior telecommunications regulators and industry experts from across South Asia convened in the Maldives this week for a strategic forum focused on accelerating the adoption and integration of emerging technologies into the region’s communications infrastructure.

Organised by the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators Council (SATRC) under the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), the three-day meetings, held from 12 to 14 August, marked the third time the Maldives has hosted this regional initiative. Thirty delegates from eight South Asian nations attended, including representatives from leading firms in the Maldivian telecommunications sector.

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State Minister at the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, Dr Mohamed Kinaanath, delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony. He outlined the Maldives’ progress in telecommunications, noting the transition from 3rd Generation (3G) mobile services to the expansion of 4G networks between 2010 and 2020, followed by the establishment of 5G infrastructure in 2019. 

Discussions during the forum are expected to address operational and regulatory challenges in deploying new technologies. Organisers indicated that the deliberations would focus on enhancing the quality, resilience, and accessibility of telecommunications services across the region.

Chief Executive of the Communications Authority of Maldives, Ilyas Ahmed, noted that the event provides a platform for member states to share insights, exchange best practices, and strengthen regional collaboration to advance communication services through innovation.