The D’MADD project has started the work on subcomponent 1: Improving Regulatory Framework, Oversight and Enforcement for a Competitive Broadband Market in the Maldives. To assist the Communications Authority of Maldives (CAM), the D’MADD project opened for tender to hire a Firm for Technical Assistance to conduct a detailed assessment of the gaps in the enforcement regulatory framework for a competitive, open-access broadband market in March 2024. Network Strategies from New Zealand won the bid, and the contract was awarded on 29th October 2024. Since 1997, Network Strategies has advised the telecommunications, IT and new media sectors on strategic, policy and regulatory issues. They have a global presence with offices in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

The Consultancy firm will review and update the regulatory frameworks for wholesale and retail broadband markets, covering, inter alia, infrastructure sharing, spectrum monitoring, and open access to submarine cables. It will also support the design and introduction of standards for using green, low-emission, and energy-efficient technologies in connectivity infrastructure development projects.

The assignment was initiated with the Project Manager, Dr. Ibrahim Waheed, meeting the expert team from Network Strategies on 24th November 2024. The team included Ms. Noelle Jones (Principal Consultant) /Project Manager, Dr. Suella Hansen (Director) / Market Analyst and Dr. Mike Hamilton-Jenkins, Quality Service Specialist. In the Kickoff meeting, the Project Manager highlighted the expectations of the Network Strategies team and explained the plan for this mission to the Maldives. These include the proceedings of the Workshop and the individual meetings with CAM and ISPs of the Maldives.

Ms. Shama Ahmed Rasheed (Procurement Specialist), Ms. Fathmath Shafa Hussain (Project Officer), and Mr. Ahmed Haleem (Communications Specialist) attended the meeting with the D’MADD PMU. The Consultant, Ms. Fathimath Samha, at the CAM, also participated in the introductory meeting.

The team also met with the management of the CAM the same day. The experts’ team met with Mr. Ilyas Ahmed (Chief Executive), Ms. Zulaikha Ibrahim (Deputy Director General), and Ms. Fathimath Samha (Consultant). Mr. Ilyas provided an insightful overview of the regulatory landscape and operational environment of the telecommunications sector in the Maldives. As CAM is the stakeholder in this assignment, Project Manager Dr. Waheed reiterated the scope of the involved parties and how the mission will proceed for the next week while the team meets with stakeholders.

The team carried out joint stakeholder consultation work and individual meetings with selected stakeholders to provide an open environment for their views and input on the matter. These include a session with CAM senior and technical staff on regulatory functions and focus group meetings with Dhiraagu, Ooredoo, HDC, Focus Infocom, Satlink Pvt Ltd, and Star Link Pvt Ltd.

The mission concluded with a meeting with the Minister of State for Homeland Security and Technology, Dr. Mohamed Kinaanath, on 1st December 2024. Dr. Kinaanath highlighted the government’s digital development and digital transformation agenda while stressing the importance of assessing the broadband quality of services and regulatory enforcement in the telecommunication sector. Dr. Waheed and the experts briefed him on the mission.