Part I: RPM Proceedings
Introduction
The Regional Preparatory Meeting was organized by the
Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) of the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 5-7 May
2009, at the kind invitation of the Government of Malaysia.
The objective of the RPM-ASP was to identify priorities, at the
regional level, for the development of telecommunications and of
information technologies, taking into account the expression of pressing
issues facing the Member States and Sector Members of the region. The
Meeting arrived at proposals on priority areas to serve as a basis for
the formulation of contributions to the World Telecommunication
Development Conference 2010 (WTDC-10) on the BDT future work.
This report gives an account of the work and results of the meeting.
Participation
The meeting was attended by 97 participants representing 25
countries, 4 operating agencies, 5 regional and international
organizations and 3 observers. The list of participants can be found
here.
Meeting of Heads of Delegation
The meeting of Heads of Delegation recommended Mr Abu Hassan Ismail,
Special Advisor, Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture,
Malaysia, as Chairman of the RPM-ASP with Mr Alfred Soakai, Kingdom of
Tonga and Mr R.N. Jha, Government of India, as vice-chairmen. The Head
of Delegations also endorsed the proposed agenda and the time management
plan.
Opening Ceremony
The Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT),
Mr Sami Al Basheer Al Morshid, welcomed all the delegates to the meeting
and thanked the host country for their excellent arrangements. While
recognizing the rapid growth rate of ICT in the Asia Pacific region, Mr
Al Basheer acknowledged the existing gap between the countries that have
attained higher growth in ICT and those that still have limited access.
He highlighted the following challenges confronting the region: lack of
Infrastructure leading to limited access, lack of appropriate enabling
environment, emergency communication needs, human capacity gap and the
impact of the ongoing global financial crisis. Finally, the BDT Director
invited the delegates to seize this opportunity presented by the RPM-ASP
to identify priorities for the next action plan to be discussed at the
WTDC-10. The full text of the speech is available
here.
In his opening remarks, Mr Houlin Zhao, Deputy Secretary-General,
International Telecommunication Union highlighted the leading role
played by the ITU in organizing the World Summit on Information Society
(WSIS). He touched on the need to mainstream gender, people with
disabilities, and the urgency in addressing the challenges posed by the
current financial crisis. He also highlighted the outcomes of the recent
World Telecommunication Policy Forum (WTPF) held in Lisbon (2009).
H.E. Dato’ Joseph Salang, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Information,
Communications and Culture, Malaysia welcomed the delegates and called
upon them to review the action plan of WSIS in order to set the
strategic plans for ITU-D’s work for the next four years. He underlined
the need to further narrow the digital divide, develop broadband, build
human capacity and grapple with convergence. Stressing the importance of
cybersecurity, the Deputy Minister told delegates that Malaysia is the
host of International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber Threats
(IMPACT), the first global public-private initiative created within the
framework of the ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Agenda (GCA) to find
strategic solutions to boost confidence and security in an increasingly
networked information society.
Following the recommendation made by the Heads of Delegation, the
nomination of Mr Abu Hassan Ismail as Chairman and Mr Alfred Soakai and
Mr R.N. Jha as Vice Chairmen was endorsed by acclamation.
The chairman addressed the participants to express his gratitude for
his nomination and his anticipation of a productive meeting. Stressing
the importance of ensuring the inclusion of all countries in the
Information Society, he urged all participants to contribute actively to
the discussions and take an active part in the meeting.
Agenda and Time Management Plan
The meeting reviewed the draft Agenda, Time Management Plan and the
Document Allocation Table. The Agenda (Document 01) and Time Management
Plan (DT01) were introduced by the Chairman and adopted by the meeting
(see Annexes 1 and 2). Conference documents are available on the
meeting’s website.
ICT development status in the region: challenges and opportunities
BDT introduced document 41 entitled Information Society Statistical
Profiles 2009 – Asia and the Pacific and gave an overview of the current
ICT trends, highlighting the ICT and broadband status in Asia-Pacific
and benchmarking ICT developments in the region. The new ICT Development
Index was also introduced.
Implementation of Doha Action Plan
The Meeting took note of the following documents presented by the BDT:
Document 03: Report on the Implementation of the Doha Action Plan
(DAP) Programmes, Study Groups, Activities and Initiatives in the
Asia-Pacific Region (2007-May 2009)
This report provides a summary of the various activities undertaken
by the BDT in implementing WTDC-06 Programmes, Study Groups, Activities
and Special Initiatives during the last two and one half years with a
particular emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region: activities undertaken
under ASP Regional Initiatives and with regard to WSIS follow-up and
implementation are reported in separate contributions to the Regional
Preparatory Meeting.
Document 15: Report on implementation and planned activities of
WTDC-06 Resolutions (From 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2009)
This report provides additional information on various activities
undertaken or planned by the BDT for the period of three years (January
07 to December 09) in implementing Doha Action Plan (DAP) with
particular emphasis on WTDC-06 Resolutions, relevant to Programmes,
Study Groups, Activities and Special Initiatives.
Document 02: Report on implementation of Doha Action Plan
(Resolution 17 – ASP Regional Initiatives)
This document reports on the status of implementation of the Regional
Initiatives (Resolution 17 Rev. Doha, 2006) as well as provides an
overview on the other projects implemented within ASP Region.
Document 05: Summary of ITU-T Action Plan for WTSA-08 Resolutions
(Johannesburg, 2008) which includes reference to ITU-D/BDT
The ITU World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-08, 21–30
October 2008, Johannesburg, South Africa) adopted 49 Resolutions, 21 of
which are new. A list of 17 Resolutions which call for collaboration
with ITU-D/BDT, together with excerpts from the Resolutions requiring
actions ("resolves", "instructs") related to ITU-D/BDT and (high-level)
action items was presented.
Further presentations on the above mentioned documents were made on
the activities (Programmes, Projects and Regional Initiatives) specific
to the Asia Pacific region.
Topics for BDT future work
Document 06: A fresh look on
ITU-D activities
The purpose of this document was to trigger discussion, especially on
programming of BDT activities and potential for consolidation in
preparation for the World Telecommunication Development Conference
(WTDC-10). The document was presented by BDT Secretariat. The BDT
Director emphasized that the future programming layout in the document
was given as an example and Members were invited to submit contributions
as they deemed fit.
While some concerns were
expressed on the extent to which the future programming of BDT can be
clustered, the document was generally endorsed. Spectrum management,
numbering and electronic addressing, cybersecurity and broadcasting was
included as suggested by Malaysia.
Some members from SIDS suggested that the specific needs of the LDCs
and SIDS be taken into consideration.
Document 11: Evaluation on implementation of the
Resolutions/Decisions, Initiatives of WTDC-06
Vietnam proposed that there is a need to evaluate BDT’s work on the
implementation of WTDC’s Resolutions, Decisions, Programmes and
Initiatives in line with result based management. This is not only
needed to optimize the use of resources and to reach tangible results,
but it is also a prerequisite for better accountability and transparency
in the implementation of activities decided by ITU Members.
The BDT Director informed the Meeting that a system was already in
place to evaluate BDT activities on a regular basis. He took note of the
comments and suggested taking all necessary measures to continue
improving efficiency wherever needed in line with established ITU
evaluation mechanisms.
Document 19: Proposal to include SIDS in fellowships programme
The document, presented by Tonga, requests the extension of the ITU
fellowships programme beyond LDCs to include SIDS. The Director of BDT
acknowledged the difficulties faced by this group of countries and
stated that all the proposals contained in the document would be
included in the final report of the meeting.
Document 26: Key considerations when establishing ITU-D Sector
work priorities
The Australian proposal includes improvement of current working methods,
regular assessment of work methods and not to undermine the importance
of small projects directed towards specific needs of countries.
Australia welcomed Document 06 and supported the Regional Initiative on
SIDS.
ABU supported the proposal of Australia and highlighted the need to
undertake assessment of small scale versus large scale projects.
Document 07: ITU-D assistance to broadcasters
The proposal of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) focuses on the
creation of training materials as well as information sharing. ABU gave
several proposals to work with BDT including issues such as bridging the
digital divide, emergency communication, conversion of analogue to
digital broadcasting, archiving broadcasting programmes from analogue to
digital, spectrum issues, human resource development issues and also
proposed a new Regional Initiative for digital broadcasting.
Document 39: Cooperation agreement between ITU and AIBD
(Broadcasting Development) Action Plan 2010-2013
AIBD presented the document which seeks to provide assistance to
broadcasters (Radio and Television) to enhance their skills and improve
on efficiency and effectiveness through regional seminars and other such
events.
The proposals relating to the migration to digital broadcasting were
supported by Indonesia.
Document 08: Assistance to developing countries for the
development of their telecommunication master plans
Indonesia presented this document and sought the support of BDT in the
provision of direct country assistance to the countries in the region
for the development of master plans.
Document 10: Collaborative efforts on the provision of high
capacity backbone networks in Asia-Pacific region
Indonesia presented the document and sought BDT involvement in
facilitating bold progress towards provision of high capacity backbone
networks by countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Document 16: Human capacity building in next 5 years for upcoming NGN environment in India with the help of ITU experts
India presented the proposal and sought direct assistance from BDT to
build human capacity in the country as well as in the region to develop
a large scale pool of experts to address NGN issues.
Document 25: Compilation of experiences and case studies on NGN
migration
The document was presented by BDT on behalf of ITU-APT Foundation of
India. The proposal requests that the lessons learnt on NGN migration be
compiled and a comprehensive guidebook prepared.
Document 09: Impelling telecommunication technology for rural
areas in the Asia-Pacific Region and other Regions
Indonesia presented the proposal urging WTDC-10 to focus on development
of rural communications and narrowing the digital divide.
Document 17: India’s experience in rural telecom
India presented the proposal on the importance of rural communications
and offered to share its experiences with other countries in the region.
Document 23: SMART ICT Villages showcase
The document, presented by BDT on behalf of ITU-APT Foundation of India,
seeks to share information on a project being undertaken by the
Government of India to create SMART ICT villages.
Document 27: ITU Development Sector role in cybersecurity
initiatives
Australia proposed to incorporate cybersecurity initiatives into the
proposed broader programme to be entitled "Cybersecurity and ICT
applications". Australia also proposed to modify WTDC Resolution 45 to
align it with the developments at the WTSA and the outcome of the WTPF.
Document 33: Managing telecom SPAM
The document, presented by BDT on behalf of Telecom Regulatory Authority
of India, proposes a study question on regulatory framework to curb
Unsolicited Commercial Communication in various countries.
Presentation of the IMPACT initiative
The Director of BDT invited the representative of IMPACT to make a
presentation on the facilities and services that the centre would
provide to the membership.
The representative explained the significance of the initiative,
which mirrors the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and
acts as a centre for information sharing and capacity building in the
area of countering cyber-threats. The presentation is available
here.
The participants requested clarification on IMPACT’s mandate,
modus operandi and services to be made available. It was pointed out
that all ITU Members were eligible for membership upon signature of a
MoU. The BDT Director informed that the services of IMPACT are voluntary
in nature, that they imply sharing of information and data gathering and
they do not raise any sovereignty concerns. A site visit to IMPACT
facilities for interested participants was organized after the closing
of the RPM-ASP.
Document 28: Framing of standard Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA)
Guidelines for telecom regulators
The document presented by BDT on behalf of Telecom Regulatory Authority
of India proposes a new study question on framing the standard RIA
guidelines to improve the quality of regulatory decision-making.
The Director of BDT clarified that the BDT is presenting documents on
behalf of those sector members who are not present at the meeting.
Document 31: Costing methodologies used in telecom regulation
The document was presented by BDT on behalf of Telecom Regulatory
Authority of India. The proposal is to have a study group question(s) to
study costing methodologies, particularly in a converged environment.
Document 35: Electronic governance in developing countries -
strategy, capacity, implementation
The United Nations University (UNU) introduced the document that seeks
collaboration between BDT and UNU in line with Doha Action Plan and WSIS
outcomes, in particular on issues relating to e-Governance.
Australia took the floor to suggest that policy and regulatory issues
be considered as a regional initiative given the continued emphasis by
the Members. Australia also recalled that document 31 recommends that
this be considered within the framework of the BDT work programme.
The BDT Director took note of the comments and suggested its
inclusion within Programmes and/or Regional Initiatives based on the
final outcome.
Mongolia supported the proposal of UNU and requested BDT to consider
sub regional actions similar to SIDS for landlocked countries. They also
supported Indonesia’s and India’s proposal on rural communication. Iran
(Islamic Rep. of) suggested that development issue should not be
separated from regulatory issue. They proposed the establishment of a
regional regulatory council to handle issues of regional nature such as
roaming, quality of service, interconnection.
The Director of BDT welcomed the initiative and underlined that this
was in line with the several initiatives already in existence on
regional and sub-regional basis.
Document 14: Telecommunication application for disaster early
warning for Asia-Pacific region
Vietnam presented the proposal on the establishment of a single database
system to predict disaster for Asia Pacific region and the use of
broadcast channels for disaster alert. Iran (Islamic Rep. of) and ABU
supported the proposal.
BDT informed the meeting of the ITU ongoing activities in this area.
ITU Deputy Secretary-General informed the meeting of his role as the
chair of ITU’s inter-sectoral task force on emergency communications and
highlighted the active role played by ITU in assisting the countries
affected by disaster in this region.
Document 30: Development of common regional key performance
indicators
The document was presented by BDT on behalf of Telecom Regulatory
Authority of India. The proposal requested BDT to assist in providing a
basic list of indicators that network operators, regulators and analysts
could use to carry comparative analysis.
BDT took the floor to acknowledge the link between the proposal made
and document 41.
Document 22: ICT and gender equality
The document was presented by BDT on behalf of the ITU-APT Foundation of
India. The proposal requests the assistance of BDT in creating awareness
on Gender Equality issue and policy implications if any.
Document 24: Young professionals and student forum
The document was presented by BDT on behalf of the ITU-APT Foundation of
India. The proposal requests BDT assistance in creating awareness on
youth related issues.
The BDT Director welcomed the proposal and informed the meeting of
the current ITU activities in this area.
Document 13: Inputs for RPM – WTDC-10
Bhutan highlighted the shortfall in financial and human resources in the
country and requested direct country assistance in areas indicated in
the proposal. In particular they emphasized the need for developing a
National Emergency Communication Plan.
Document 20: Needs for Pacific Islands Countries
Tonga presented a proposal requesting BDT to support the implementation
of the decisions taken during the Pacific ICT Ministerial Forum and
contained in the Communiqué. In this context, Tonga requested BDT to
continue its work on affordable access, enabling environment,
cybersecurity and ICT applications, emergency communication and disaster
relief, climate change and human capacity building.
Papua New Guinea supported the proposal from Tonga. They also
highlighted the need for a new regional initiative on unique needs of
SIDS and requested BDT support for the establishment of a Pacific
Regional Resource Centre.
The BDT Director welcomed the proposal and informed the meeting that
initiatives are being undertaken in this regard.
Document 37: Proposal for ICT development
The proposal of Iran (Islamic Rep. of) highlights the importance of
information sharing on regulatory procedures and interconnection,
research related to ICT, ICT role in protecting the environment,
improvement in the quality of life in rural areas through new
technologies. Iran also supported the proposal in document 29 on "Green
Telecommunications" and the proposals contained in documents 14 and 18.
Document 18: Need for an ITU Reference document for
interoperability at equipment level in NGN network
India proposed that ITU may undertake the preparation of a reference
document containing interoperability requirements at equipment level to
help the smooth implementation of NGN.
Document 21: Emergency communications services
The document, presented by BDT on behalf of the ITU-APT Foundation of
India, proposes the creation of a task force to develop minimum
interoperable communication standards for broadband equipment used for
public safety as a guideline for various countries.
Document 29: Green telecommunications
The document was presented by BDT on behalf of the Telecom Regulatory
Authority of India. The proposal aims to promote the study and sharing
of information on various aspects of "Green Telecommunications".
Document 32: Bridging the digital divide: universal access to
broadband
The proposal, presented by BDT on behalf of the Telecom Regulatory
Authority of India, seeks to examine the feasibility of increasing the
multilingual support of different ICT applications.
Document 36: Sector Membership
The Government of Thailand submitted a proposal that would enable
entities from developing and least developed countries (LDCs) to choose
from the scale of contributions applicable to the ITU-D Sector when
applying for ITU-T Sector membership. Vietnam supported the proposal of
Thailand, and indicated that owing to the ongoing financial crisis, it
is important to bring this issue to the notice of the ITU Council.
The BDT Director welcomed the proposal and the need for participation
of entities from LDCs and developing countries in all ITU sectors. He
acknowledged that the issue could be taken up in the appropriate fora
such as the Plenipotentiary Conference.
The Deputy Secretary-General also welcomed the proposal from Thailand
supported by Vietnam and recognized the financial challenges of
participation of LDCs and developing countries.
Document 04: Report on implementation of Doha Action Plan (WSIS
Implementation)
The document provides an overview of the activities undertaken by BDT
within the context of WSIS Action Plan. It underlines the dual roles of
implementer and facilitator for a number of action lines. The document
also focuses on roadmap to WSIS and invited inputs from the delegates.
Document 12: Roadmap for WSIS Action Lines
Malaysia proposes that ITU’s role as a leading agency in WSIS is
reaffirmed. The document suggests a roadmap as well as templates for
performance indicator measurements for WSIS implementation. In the
proposal Malaysia suggested organising World Conference on Cybersecurity
and World Conference on Digital Divide between 2010 and 2012.
Document 40: ITU/UNESCAP cooperation and collaboration
This document was presented by BDT on behalf of the UNESCAP. UNESCAP
proposed areas of cooperation with ITU in promoting the use of ICT and
space technology to achieve the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs).
Australia sought clarification on the proposed ITU roadmap and
encouraged identification of efficiency and avoid duplication in
implementing the WSIS outcomes. BDT stated that the document is being
coordinated with ITU-R while inputs from ITU-T have been incorporated.
The Director of BDT explained the role of the BDT and its activities.
He highlighted the link between BDT’s work and the WSIS outcomes. He
stated the need to avoid overlaps and duplication of efforts and
welcomed the proposal from Malaysia.
The Chairman asked for clarification on the WSIS follow-up on the C2,
C5, and C6 Action Lines.
The ITU Deputy Secretary-General informed the Meeting of the various
initiatives being undertaken by ITU to facilitate, implement and
coordinate the WSIS Action lines.
Document 43: Developing a regional benchmarking for key
telecommunications factors for the Pacific Islands
PNG proposed developing regional benchmarks on issues including costs,
tariffs, key performance indicators, cybersecurity, emergency
communication, fraud and revenue leakages.
Document 44: Assistance to develop a regional platform for
continuity and critical information and infrastructure protection
Papua New Guinea (PNG) presented the proposal to develop a platform and
program for preparedness, prevention and protection of critical
infrastructure in situations of emergency and disaster in small island
countries of the Pacific region.
Tonga s upported the
proposal (documents 43 and 44) made by PNG.
Document 38: Next Generation Networks
The document was presented by the BDT Secretariat on behalf of the
Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL). TRCSL
proposed a regional initiative to explore NGN issues including
standards, architecture, economic matters and public interest matters
including emergency communications.
PART-II: Proposal for Future Work
from the Asia-Pacific Region
After considering the introduction of documents and interventions,
the RPM-ASP identified the following as priority areas
for programmes, regional initiatives, and Study Group Questions for BDT
future work.
Priority Areas for Programmes
The Members’ contributions to the RPM-ASP include a number of topics
that require the provision of training, expertise and information
sharing. These topics, which are global in nature, could be
operationalized through programmes supported by the following four modes
of delivery: the creation of tools, development of training materials,
information dissemination through workshops and seminars as well as
direct assistance.
The proposed topics could be consolidated into programmes based on
the linkages or similarities between them, as follows:
Programme 1
Information and communication infrastructure |
Broadcasting (documents 07,
39)
Backbone networks (document 10)
NGN and broadband (documents 18, 25, 37, 38)
Rural telecommunications (documents 09, 17, 23, 37)
Disaster Early warning and Emergency communications
(documents 13, 14, 20, 21, 37, 44)
Access (document 20)
Mobile communications
Resources such as spectrum, numbering and electronic
addressing |
|
Programme 2
Cybersecurity and ICT Applications |
Cybersecurity initiatives
(document 27)
Combatting Spam (document 23)
E-governance (document 35), E-health (document 25)
Cybersecurity and ICT applications (document 20, 37)
Climate change, environment protection and green
telecommunications (documents 20, 29, 37)
Internet related policy issues
Multilingualism for ICT applications (document 32) |
|
Programme 3
Enabling Environment |
Costing methodologies used in
telecom regulation (document 31)
Guidelines for telecoms regulators (document 28)
Benchmarking (documents 30, 43)
Enabling environment (document 20)
Telecommunication national Master Plans (document 08)
Telecommunications regulation and Interconnection (document
37) |
|
Programme 4
Capacity Building and other initiatives |
Training in new technologies
(document 16)
ICT and Gender equality (document 22)
Young professionals (document 24)
Human capacity building (document 20) |
ASP Regional Initiatives
The Asia-Pacific Regional Initiatives are intended to address the
specific ICT priority areas through partnerships and resource
mobilization to implement small-, medium- and large-scale projects.
Under each Regional Initiative, projects would be developed and
implemented to meet countries’ needs.
1. Unique ICT needs of least developed countries (LDCs), small
islands developing countries (SIDS) and landlocked Countries
Objective: Provision of special assistance to LDCs, SIDS and
landlocked countries to meet their priority ICT requirements
Expected results
- Improved infrastructure and enhanced access to affordable
ICT services
- Improved enabling environment to facilitate the ICT
development
- Appropriate national, sub-regional and regional frameworks
for cybersecurity
- Enhanced skills of relevant human resources
2. Emergency communication
Objective: To provide the assistance to Member States at all
phases of disaster management i.e. disaster preparedness including
early warning, disaster response/relief and rehabilitation of
telecommunication networks
Expected results
- Identification of suitable technologies to be used for
emergency communication
- Creation of common databases to share information on
emergency communication
- Design of national and sub-regional emergency communication
plans taking into account the impact of climate change
- Development of appropriate policy, regulatory and
legislative frameworks on emergency communication at national
and regional level
- Enhancing the skills of concerned human resources
3. Digital broadcasting
Objective: To assist ITU Member States towards a smooth
transition from analogue to digital broadcasting
Expected results
- Policy and regulatory framework for digital terrestrial
broadcasting including mobile television;
- Digital broadcasting master plan for transition from
analogue to digital broadcasting including Mobile TV and IPTV
- Appropriate mechanism for conversion from analogue to
digital archives
- Provision of assistance in the field of interactive
multimedia services to broadcasters of the Asia-Pacific region
- Enhanced skills on digital broadcasting technologies of
relevant human resources
- Comprehensive guidelines on transition from analogue to
digital broadcasting
4. Broadband access and uptake in urban and rural areas
Objective: To assist Member States in the development of
broadband access in urban and rural areas
Expected results
- National ICT master plan in meeting the requirements of
developing countries
- Improved broadband infrastructure and access to affordable
ICT services in urban and rural areas
- Development of ICT applications that can support
multilingualism and address local needs
- Enhanced skills on broadband communication network for the
relevant human resources
5. Telecommunication / ICT policy and regulation in Asia-Pacific
region
Objective: To assist Member States in the development of
appropriate policy and regulatory frameworks, enhanced skills,
increased information sharing and strengthened regulatory
cooperation.
Expected results
- Development of appropriate policy, regulatory and
legislative frameworks to improve ICT penetration
- Enhancing the skills of relevant human resources
- Promote regulatory cooperation and information sharing
Study Group Questions
- Combating spam (document 23)
- Costing methodology in a converged environment (document 31)
- Compilation of experiences and case studies on NGN migration
(document 25)
- Framing of standard guidelines for Regulatory Impact
Analysis to improve the quality of regulatory decision-making
(document 28)
WSIS implementation
Roadmap and performance indicator measurements for WSIS Action Lines
(document 12, 26)
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|