Within the framework of WTDC-06, ITU is organizing a series of information sessions on four key issues that have a direct bearing on telecommunication development around the world, with special relevance for developing countries.

Following a spate of recent events including natural disasters and conflict, emergency communications have taken on urgency to save human life, mitigate distress and aid rehabilitation. The poorest are often the most vulnerable during emergencies as well as during the aftermath. The development of ICT infrastructure is critical in disaster preparedness by improving early-warning systems as well as mechanisms for timely response and relief. Next generation networks will further help in strengthening the inherent robustness of telecommunication infrastructure and facilitate rapid redeployment of services.

An information session will address the link between development and effective disaster management while emphasizing the importance of forging partnerships in achieving these ends.

Policy and regulatory frameworks are essential in developing telecommunications. While it is widely recognized that technologically it is feasible to connect the world to the benefits of ICT by 2015, if not earlier, regulatory or administrative roadblocks could prevent this from materializing. On the other hand, good regulatory practices could make broadband access and telephony more affordable and available to a wider user base. Especially relevant for developing countries, the Toolkit enables regulators to design and implement sustainable regulatory frameworks and strategies for effective participation in the Information Society. This online tool is intended to be a living resource that will indicate changing trends while giving access to key regulatory information by policy-makers, regulators, industry and consumers.

The session will demonstrate how the toolkit can help regulators addressing issues such as pricing, competition and interconnection, licensing, spectrum management principles and practices, legal aspects of regulation, or the impact of changing technologies and market development on the ICT regulatory framework. The Regulatory Toolkit has been developed by ITU in collaboration with InfoDev, a global grant programme managed by the World Bank.

Radio-based telecommunication services are essential for aeronautical and maritime navigation, space and microwave communications services, as well as broadcasting and other applications. Wireless access is particularly suited to achieve connectivity efficiently, particularly in connecting the unconnected in remote areas. Yet access to the radio frequency spectrum is severely lacking in some developing countries and almost non-existent in many least developed countries. In accordance with technical specifications prepared by ITU, a multi-functional and multilingual Spectrum Management System for Developing Countries (SMS4DC) has now been designed and is available free of charge to help developing countries:

This new system and the benefits that can be derived from it will be demonstrated at the information session on Spectrum Management.

Cybersecurity is critical in the use and development of ICT. With the exponential growth in the use of cyberspace for mission-critical services, the fight against cybercrime has become a necessity. Lack of adequate security is a handicap for using ICTs that rely on the protection and confidentiality of sensitive data that require authentication and data integrity including medical records, business transactions, government services such as e-voting or land record and citizens’ record management. Unless these security and trust issues are addressed, the benefits of the Information Society to governments, businesses and citizens cannot be fully realized.

Considering the global nature of cybersecurity, this information session aims at bringing up the level of awareness of participants on these issues and at providing a better understanding of the main challenges faced by developing countries in this area.

Pre-registered and unannounced journalists should proceed directly to the Press Office (Room Dukhan), where they will be requested to present their confirmation letter, together with their passport or ID card in order to receive an official WTDC-06 Media badge or undergo the full accreditation process. In the latter case, please ensure you have available the necessary supporting documentation (see procedure).

Tel: +974 499 5673 (until 15 March)
Fax: +41 22 730 5933
Email Contact

This press release is also available in Arabic 

About ITU