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International Telecommunication Union
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Working towards an Information Society
Preparations Begin for the World Telecommunication Development
Conference (WTDC-06)
Geneva, 22 September 2004 — ITU
Member States and Sector Members from both the developing and developed world
met from 7-16 of September to approve studies that will better assist developing
countries in their transition to an information society and present new issues
of analysis for consideration by the World Telecommunication Development
Conference, which will take place 7-15 March 2006 in Doha, Qatar.
The topics under discussion during the meeting of Study Groups 1 and 2
included, among others, interconnection, universal access and service, strategy
for migration of mobile networks to IMT-2000, application of telecommunication
in health care, strategy for migration from existing networks to next generation
networks (NGN) and the examination of access technologies for broadband
communications.
"These studies will help developing and least developed countries to create
strategic plans that will strengthen their telecommunication sectors and fulfil
the Declaration of Principles signed by almost 50 Heads of State at the First
Phase of the World Summit on the Information Society 2003," noted Mr Hamadoun I.
Touré, Director of the ITU Development Bureau. "The outcome of the meeting
provides practical guidance to help developing countries in the management and
extension of their telecommunication services and networks." Mr Touré added that
this positive result was only possible because of the excellent cooperation
between Member States and Sector Members, who are committed to the establishment
of an equitable and accessible information society for all.
The work of Study Group 1 covered regulatory issues, and presented a number
of reports for adoption, particularly:
Universal Access/Service
Innovative solutions for the management and financing of universal service
and universal access policies was the focus of this report, which looks into
ways in which universal service and access policies are developed, implemented
and financed. The annual report of Study Group 1:
identifies and defines consumer needs and rights in order to
stimulate telecommunication usage;
defines the main stages of a universal telecommunication access and
service policy;
establishes a framework conducive to investment and proposes
innovations in funding and management.
The report will contribute to the Global Symposium for Regulators 2004
session to be held in Geneva from 8 to 10 December 2004 by promoting cost
effective broadband and Internet services. The report highlights the fact that
in order to gain the benefits of the information society there must be political
will and sector reform, public and private civil society partnerships and
involvement of local groups and rural communities.
Internet Protocol (IP) Telephony
The report on the Implementation of IP Telephony in developing countries
explains how can nations and their citizens benefit from information and
communication technologies (ICTs). It also identifies the potential challenges
that developing countries experience in attempting to evolve to or implement
IP-based networks and broadband access capabilities.
ITU has published, within the framework of this study, the "Essential Report
on IP Telephony" prepared by the Group of Experts from both developing and
developed countries, Member States of ITU and ITU-D Sector Members. (Available
here).
Satellite Services
In the area of satellite regulation, the report highlights the increase in
competition in satellite services and new applications. The report recommends
that regulators and satellite service providers work together to expand access
to services, to increase competition and technology innovation and to lower
prices while respecting the need for fairness, consistency, and transparency
within the satellite telecommunication market.
IMT-2000 and Beyond
Study Group 2, which covered development and management of telecommunication
services and networks, presented guidelines for the smooth transition of
existing mobile networks to IMT-2000 in developing countries. The guidelines are
intended for use by telecommunication operators, policy makers and regulators in
order to facilitate development of strategies and policies for this transition.
The Guidelines are a natural complement to the "Handbook on Deployment of
IMT-2000 Systems". More detailed technical information can be found
here.
Calculation of Frequency Fees
One of the most pressing concerns of the majority of developing countries,
particularly least developed countries, is the need for a national frequency fee
calculation model. To tackle this challenge, Study Group 2 presented a report
bringing together the calculation formulas and frequency fee amounts applied by
countries for radiocommunication usage in various frequency bands. It also
provides information on the real conditions in which frequency fees are
implemented in participating countries.
For more information on the reports and guidelines click
here.
For further information, please contact:
Fidelia Akpo
Head, ITU-D Study Groups
Telecommunication Development Bureau
International Telecommunication Union
Tel: +41 22 730 5439
Email contact
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