October 2026

 

Countdown to GA-17: Shaping the APT’s Direction for 2027–2029

 

The 17th Session of the General Assembly of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (GA-17) will take place on 14–15 December 2026 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Convened every three years, the General Assembly provides an important opportunity for APT Members to review the organization’s progress and determine its strategic direction and priorities for the next three-year period. GA-17 will mark an important milestone for the APT as Members consider the APT Strategic Plan for 2027–2029, review the APT’s activities during 2024–2026, and determine the basis for the annual budget and expenditure for the coming three years. The General Assembly will also elect the Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General for the 2027–2029 term, as well as the President and two Vice-Presidents of the General Assembly for the next term.

 

As the countdown to GA-17 begins, the APT looks forward to welcoming its members to Phnom Penh for this important gathering that will help shape the organization’s next chapter and strengthen regional cooperation across the Asia-Pacific.

 

Click here for more information.

 

Recent Events:

 

·        The 37th Meeting of the APT Wireless Group (AWG-37)

·        The 26th APT Policy and Regulatory Forum (PRF-26)

·        The 2nd Meeting of the Correspondence Group for the Strategic Plan of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity for 2027 – 2029 (CGSP-2)

 

Upcoming Events:

 

·        SATRC Workshop on Recent Trends and Technologies (Postponed until further notice)

·        APT Symposium on Digital Transformation and the Universal Service Fund

·        The 27th Meeting of South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-27)

·        The 14th Meeting of the Working Group of Management Committee on APT Legal Instruments (WGMC-14)

·        The Preparatory Meeting for the 17th Session of the General Assembly of the APT (GA17-Prep)

·        The 17th Session of the General Assembly of the APT (GA-17)

·        The 50th Session of the Management Committee of the APT (MC-50)

 

Recent Events

 

The 37th Meeting of APT Wireless Group (AWG-37):

7 – 11 September 2026, Dhaka, Bangladesh

 

The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) successfully convened the APT Frequency Information System (AFIS) Training from 5 to 6 September 2026, followed by the 37th Meeting of the APT Wireless Group (AWG-37) from 7 to 11 September 2026 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Both events were hosted by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

 

The AFIS Training brought together 58 participants from APT Members and Affiliate Members, while AWG-37 was attended by 323 participants representing APT Members, Associate Members, Affiliate Members and International Organizations.

 

APT Frequency Information System (AFIS) Training

 

The APT Secretariat conducted the AFIS Training to enhance participants’ knowledge and practical skills in using AFIS, a web-based platform that serves as a centralized repository of radio spectrum information. The platform enables APT Member administrations to organize, share, search and compare national spectrum usage information, thereby supporting informed regulatory decision-making and regional spectrum harmonization.

 

The training covered the following key areas:

  • Best practices in national spectrum usage information systems;
  • Experiences of APT Members in implementing and using AFIS;
  • Hands-on training and exercises on general system use and data searches; and
  • Hands-on training and exercises on data entry and maintenance.

 

The 37th Meeting of the APT Wireless Group (AWG-37)

 

Chaired by Dr. Daejung Kim, AWG-37 was conducted over five days, with four parallel meetings comprising approximately 50 sessions across the Plenary, Working Groups, Sub-Working Groups, Task Groups and the AFIS Ad-Hoc Group. The meeting reviewed progress on ongoing work items, considered proposals for new work items and featured two workshops on AI for IMT-2030/6G and Ultra-Wideband (UWB).

 

AWG-37 considered 88 input contributions and 10 information documents, resulting in a range of substantive outputs, including draft APT Recommendations, APT Reports, and Liaison Statements, as detailed below:

 

Draft New APT Recommendation

  1. Draft APT Recommendation providing guidance on frequency ranges for Wireless Power Transmission via radio-frequency beams for mobile/portable devices and sensor networks.

 

Draft Revised APT Recommendation

  1. Draft revised APT Recommendation on frequency arrangements for the implementation of IMT in the frequency bands 612–703 MHz and 698–806 MHz.

 

New APT Reports

  1. APT Report on potential IMT-2030/6G use cases and applications.
  2. APT Report on the analysis of mobile traffic trends in IMT networks.
  3. APT Report on technical characteristics relevant to the implementation of IMT systems in the frequency band 6 425–7 125 MHz.
  4. APT Report on mitigation techniques to reduce potential interference between Foreign Object Debris (FOD) radars operating in the frequency range 92–100 GHz.
  5. APT Report on Terahertz Wireless Access Systems (THz WAS) characteristics to support Virtual Reality (VR) applications operating in the frequency range 252–296 GHz.
  6. APT Survey Report on spectrum usage for utilities in Asia-Pacific countries.
  7. APT Report on applications and technologies for interoperability between multiple Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) and Terrestrial Network (TN) operating systems.
  8. APT Report on the use of cellular Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

Revised APT Reports

  1. Revised APT Report on Wireless Power Transmission (WPT).
  2. Revised APT Report on Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and its evolution.

 

Liaison Statements

  1. Reply Liaison Statement to ITU-D Study Group 1, Question 3/1, providing information on disaster resilience work items in the telecommunication/ICT sector.
  2. Reply Liaison Statement to ITU-R Working Party 5A on spectrum requirements for existing and future utility radiocommunication within frequency bands allocated to the mobile service, excluding aeronautical and maritime mobile services.
  3. Liaison Statement to ASTAP concerning the APT Report on applications and technologies for interoperability between multiple NTN and TN operating systems.
  4. Liaison Statement to ITU-R Working Parties 4B and 5D and ITU-T Study Group 13 concerning the APT Report on applications and technologies for interoperability between multiple NTN and TN operating systems.
  5. Reply Liaison Statement to ASTAP concerning APT Reports containing information on the use of NTN for resilient communications in disaster recovery efforts.

 

Next Meeting

The 38th Meeting of the APT Wireless Group (AWG-38) is scheduled to take place in May/June 2027.

 

Click here for more details and photo gallery

 

 

The 26th APT Policy and Regulatory Forum (PRF-26):

15 – 17 September 2026, Paro, Bhutan

 

The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) organized the 26th APT Policy and Regulatory Forum (PRF-26) from 15 to 17 September 2026 in Paro, Bhutan as a physical meeting with remote participation. Hosted by the Government Technology Agency (GovTech) of Bhutan, the forum brought together 136 participants, including 79 in-person participants, representing APT Members, Associate Members, Affiliate Members, International Organizations and other organizations. The forum was inaugurated by Lyonpo Namgay Dorji, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), Bhutan. 

 

As one of the APT’s flagship events, the PRF serves as an important platform for policy makers, regulators, and industry leaders to exchange views on key policy and regulatory trends, share national experiences, and explore collaborative approaches to address common challenges in the rapidly evolving ICT landscape of the Asia-Pacific region. 

 

Over two and a half days, PRF-26 featured a comprehensive programme comprising a High-Level Dialogue, Regulators’ Roundtable, Business Dialogue, and six thematic sessions, providing opportunities for participants to exchange perspectives on key policy and regulatory issues shaping the region’s digital future.

 

Highlights of PRF-26

 

  • High-level Dialogue on “Tokyo Statement 2025 – From policy statement to a dynamic guiding framework for strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating digital transformation” gathered senior officials from APT Members to share national strategies, policies, and initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating digital transformation.

 

  • Regulators’ Roundtable on “Digital policy at a crossroad – Balancing innovation and regulation” facilitated an open exchange among Heads of Regulatory Authorities on key challenges, opportunities, and policy priorities in achieving an appropriate balance between innovation and regulation. 

 

  • Business Dialogue on “Sustainable telecommunication/ICT sector and digital innovation” provided a platform for industry representatives to share perspectives and discuss strategies for fostering a sustainable telecommunication/ICT sector and advancing digital innovation. 

 

  • Six Thematic Sessions explored key areas including Digital Infrastructure, Digital Transformation, Connectivity for all, Inclusiveness and Digital Empowerment, Online Safety and Data Protection, Cybersecurity Workforce Development, reflecting the diverse and evolving policy and regulatory issues shaping today’s digital ecosystem. 

 

  • On the PRF leadership arrangements, PRF-26 agreed to defer the election of the PRF Chair and the second Vice-Chair until the Opening Plenary of the next PRF meeting. Mr. Prit Chand (Republic of Fiji) was re-elected as Vice-Chair for a second term and appointed as Acting Chair for PRF-26. 

 

Through these discussions, PRF-26 provided a forward-looking platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices, strengthening regional cooperation, and advancing an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient digital transformation across the Asia-Pacific region.

 

Click here for more details and photo gallery

 

 

The 2nd Meeting of the Correspondence Group for the Strategic Plan of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity for 2027 – 2029 (CGSP-2):

22 – 23 September 2026, Fully Virtual Meeting

 

The 2nd Meeting of the Correspondence Group for the Strategic Plan of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity for 2027–2029 (CGSP-2) was successfully held from 22 to 23 September 2026 in a fully virtual modality via the Zoom platform. The meeting was attended by 54 participants, including representatives from 14 APT Members. The Correspondence Group comprises 62 nominated experts from 21 APT Member administrations, reflecting strong regional engagement and commitment to shaping the APT’s future strategic direction.

 

During the CGSP-2, the Correspondence Group continued its review and refinement of the draft APT Strategic Plan for 2027–2029. The discussions helped align the draft with the priorities and emerging needs of APT Members and the Tokyo Statement adopted at the APT Ministerial Meeting 2025.

 

The meeting made progress in refining key elements of the draft Strategic Plan and building convergence around the proposed strategic priorities. The contributions from the participants provided a foundation for the next stage of the process.

 

Following CGSP-2, the revised draft Strategic Plan will be circulated to APT Members for further necessary domestic arrangements. The draft is expected to be finalized at the Preparatory Meeting for the 17th Session of the APT General Assembly (GA-17) on 13 December 2026 and submitted to GA-17, scheduled for 14–15 December 2026, for the final adoption.

 

The successful convening of the CGSP-2 meeting marked an important milestone in advancing the APT’s Strategic Plan for 2027–2029. The outcomes underscored the value of collaborative engagement among Members in shaping a unified vision for the region’s digital future.

 

Click here for more details

 

Upcoming Events

 

POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

 

SATRC Workshop on Recent Trends and Technologies

6 - 8 October 2026, Kathmandu, Nepal  

 

 

The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) will organize the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC) Workshop on Recent Trends and Technologies from 6 to 8 October 2026 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The workshop will be conducted as a hybrid event, allowing both physical attendance and remote participation. The workshop will be hosted by Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA), Nepal.

 

The SATRC Workshop on Recent Trends and Technologies will be organized as part of the implementation of the SATRC Action Plan Phase X. The workshop will focus on recent developments, emerging trends and innovative technologies that can support and accelerate the digital transformation of economies and societies across SATRC Member countries. In this context, the workshop aims to enhance participants’ understanding of the evolving telecommunication/ICT landscape and provide insights into the emerging technologies shaping the future of the digital economy.

 

 

 

APT Symposium on Digital Transformation and the Universal Service Fund

13 - 15 October 2026, Islamabad, Pakistan  

 

The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) will organize the APT Symposium on Digital Transformation and the Universal Service Fund from 13 to 15 October 2026 in Islamabad, Pakistan. The event will be hosted jointly by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and the Universal Service Fund Pakistan. Please note that the Symposium was originally scheduled for 25–27 March 2026 but had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. We are pleased that, with the renewed support and preparations of the host administration, arrangements have now been made to hold the Symposium as rescheduled.

 

The objective of the Symposium is to provide APT members with a platform to discuss and explore new technologies, policies, and financing models that will ensure that digital transformation becomes sustainable, inclusive and equitable for all in Asia-Pacific taking into account the roles of the Universal Service Fund (USF) in digital transformation. The Symposium aims to encourage dialogue among high-level policy makers, regulators, and other stakeholders in the region on the following issues:

 

·        highlight connectivity and inclusion gaps

·        explore emerging technologies and innovative models

·        discuss affordability and sustainable financing

·        promote digital readiness and inclusive content ecosystems

·        strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks

·        foster regional collaboration and partnerships.

 

 

 

 

The 27th Meeting of South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-27)

20 - 22 October 2026, Colombo, Sri Lanka  

 

The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) will organize the 27th Meeting of the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-27) in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 20 to 22 October 2026. The meeting will be hosted by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL). SATRC-27 will be held as a physical meeting with remote participation modality. Remote participation will be arranged through Zoom meeting platform.

 

The SATRC meeting is convened annually to discuss and coordinate regulatory and other related issues in the fields of telecommunications and ICT that are of common concern to the regulators of SATRC Member countries. The meeting brings together the heads of telecommunications regulatory authorities and designated senior-level officials from SATRC Member countries.

 

SATRC-27 will discuss the key policy and regulatory issues in the SATRC countries and review the implementation of SATRC Action Plan Phase X adopted at SATRC-26. SATRC-27 will include sessions for Regulators’ Roundtable, Industry-Regulator Dialogue, Industry Session and Sharing Regulatory Experiences Sessions to facilitate the development of the telecom/ICT sector in South-Asia. The Regulators’ Roundtable will be held exclusively for the heads of regulators to discuss and share thoughts on important regulatory issues that need regional collaboration specifically for the SATRC Member countries and generally to the Asia-Pacific region.

 

 

 

 

The 14th Meeting of the Working Group of Management Committee on APT Legal Instruments (WGMC-14)

29 - 30 October 2026, Fully Virtual Meeting  

 

The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) will organize the 14th Meeting of the Working Group of Management Committee on APT Legal Instruments (WGMC-14) from 29 to 30 October 2026 as a virtual/online meeting. WGMC-14 will review and discuss the task assigned by MC-49, i.e. review the existing Guideline 18 (MC-44, 2020) and collect the best practices of other organizations in relation to the rights of remote participants.

 

 

 

 

The Preparatory Meeting for the 17th Session of the General Assembly

of the APT (GA17-Prep)

13 December 2026, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The 17th Session of the General Assembly of the APT (GA-17)

14 - 15 December 2026, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The 50th Session of the Management Committee of the APT (MC-50)

16 - 18 December 2026, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

 

The 17th Session of the General Assembly of the APT (GA-17) and the 50th Session of the Management Committee of the APT (MC-50) will be held from 14 to 15 December 2026 and 16 to 18 December 2026, respectively, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia as a physical meeting with remote participation modality. Prior to the GA-17, the Preparatory Meeting for the 17th Session of the General Assembly of the APT (GA17-Prep) will be held on 13 December 2026 at the same venue. GA17-Prep, GA-17, and MC-50 will be hosted by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications of Cambodia (MPTC) and organized by the APT.

 

GA17-Prep will consider the draft APT Strategic Plan for 2027–2029 in preparation for its consideration by GA-17. GA-17, the APT’s highest-level governing body convened every three years, will set the APT’s strategic direction for the next three-year period, including consideration of the Strategic Plan, election of the Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General, and the basis for the APT’s budget for 2027–2029. Following GA-17, MC-50 will review the APT’s activities, Work Programme and finances for 2026, consider the Work Programme and budget for 2027, and elect the Chairman and Vice-Chairmen of the Management Committee for the next term.

 

 

 

 

 

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