ITU/94-6 14 March 1994 ORIGINAL: English Experts to consider recommended approaches for harmonization of networks, development and management of human resources and telecommunication management and maintenance of networks and services The World Telecommunication Development Conference to meet next week in Buenos Aires is expected to set up a group of experts to consider and develop recommended approaches for harmonization of networks, development and management of human resources and telecommunication management and maintenance of networks and services. This group, the second of two to be set up (see also press release ITU/94-5 of 9 March 1994), is to propose technical solutions to improve access to basic telecommunication services in rural and remote areas of developing countries and to develop manuals and practical guidelines for planning, management, operation and maintenance of telecommunication networks and services based on new technologies. It is also to study and analyze the implications of introducing new technologies and identify those applications that may be particularly relevant to developing countries. Finally, it should serve as a worldwide forum for the exchange of information and discussion of issues relating to the development and management of human resources, synthesizing sources of information on models, guides, tools and programmes which could constitute the basis of models on policies and procedures to be elaborated by the group of experts to be called Study Group 2. Seven areas of study are being proposed, subject to approval by the Conference. They are formulated in the form of questions to be studied after WTDC 94. STANDARDS THAT MEET NEEDS AND CONDITIONS OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES Today, certain developing countries do not have the resources to adequately document, represent or promote their special concerns (such as simplicity, robustness, environmental tolerance, modularity, etc.) in standard-setting process but they, themselves, are members of various regional and global organizations which participate in ITU standardization activities. Standards for telecommunications should take account of the specific requirements of developing countries and of the environment in which they operate their telecommunication networks. The importance of timely inputs from the developing countries in the standards-making process is critical to ensure that the standards meet their needs and special conditions. With a view to ensuring that matters of concern to developing countries are duly taken into account in the studies carried out by the Radiocommunication and the Telecommunication Standardization Sectors and to facilitate their effective participation, Study Group 2 would be called to: * identify the questions dealt with by the Radiocommunication Sector and Standardization Sector Study Group which are of particular concern to developing countries and, where appropriate, recommend to these Sectors any grouping of questions that would facilitate the participation of developing countries; * identify means by which the Telecommunication Development Bureau could facilitate the participation of developing countries in the meetings of the other two sectors (radiocommunication and Telecommunication standardization), including the use of modern means of telecommunications IMPROVEMENT OF MANAGEMENT OF THE RADIO FREQUENCY SPECTRUM The radio frequency spectrum is an important natural resource whose use can increase the efficiency and productivity of many segments of society and provide services that enhance the quality of life to the population. While international coordination and regulation have been a feature of management of the radio frequency spectrum under the auspices of the ITU, efficient national spectrum management came to be recognized as a fundamental prerequisite to nations' development of sound radiocommunication infrastructures. For this purpose, a strong regulatory unit with appropriate technical and legal expertise is required. To establish such units and to protect their interests, it is necessary for developing countries to have sound knowledge of international and national radio regulations, rules and operating procedures and access to adequate tools. With the assistance of Experts from the Radiocommunication Sector and taking into account the work in progress in Radiocommunication Study Group 1 on this topic, the Study Group would be called to study and prepare Recommendations regarding: * spectrum management models adapted to the needs of developing countries, taking account of their human and financial resources * the use of computers and modern means of communications that may facilitate spectrum management at the national level and the application of regulatory procedures at the international level * development of human resources in this field of activity, considering also the assistance that may be provided by Radiocommunication Sector as well as by regional and national organizations NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS/PREPARATION OF HANDBOOKS Emerging new technologies can facilitate the realization of adequate telecommunication networks. Particularly in areas with inadequate or non- existing telecommunication networks, new terrestrial and satellite technologies have proven to provide cost-effective and speedy means of establishing telecommunication networks and linking them nationally and internationally. Developing countries are often unable to follow the development of new technologies and insufficiently informed about available options. The Study Group would therefore document alternative technologies available to enhance and complete the telecommunication infrastructure and identify the benefits and costs associated with various alternative proposals for further infrastructure development. It would also give specific consideration to: * promoting the efficient use of existing satellite and terrestrial systems serving the regions, including the private and public systems being planned or under construction * determining the feasibility and promoting the installation and efficient use of new satellite and terrestrial systems that may serve the regions * encouraging the optimal deployment of fibre optic and fixed and mobile satellite links to connect the various regions To enjoy an ongoing transfer of know-how and expertise from the international community, particularly in the technical, economic and management areas of telecommunications, handbooks would be prepared. The Study Group would identify areas and subjects for the revision of existing Handbooks or the production of new ones. Special attention would be given to the following rural telecommunications, the use of new technologies in developing countries for the introduction of new telecommunication networks and services and technical, economic and management aspects related to the use of those technologies. NETWORK PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT The development of the telecommunication sector varies widely among countries. In many developing countries, the telecommunication infrastructure has not evenly spread on the national territory to give access to basic services to the entire population. The Study Group would consider means to promote the preparation, updating and implementation of telecommunication development plans in each country. MANAGEMENT, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORKS A telecommunication network can be sustained and developed only if it is efficiently managed and appropriately maintained. Management and maintenance require a pre-established management structure and a maintenance plan. Both can be implemented efficiently only if the operating telecommunication entity has a staff with the required skill in management and the maintenance. The Study Group would consider the merits of various approaches to the management of telecommunication networks, and the human resources required in this respect. In addition, the Study Group would prepare guidelines and manuals for the development of network maintenance structures as well as network rehabilitation where necessary and for the development of the required human resources. COMMUNICATIONS FOR RURAL AND REMOTE AREAS Rural and remote areas of most developing countries suffer from an almost complete lack of telecommunication infrastructure. Telecommunication and information technologies are very powerful means for providing education and training. They are also a means to accelerate the growth of the rural economy which subsequently helps in poverty alleviation and in improving the living conditions in the rural areas. Reliable telecommunication facilities in the rural areas help in increasing access to relevant information for marketing and distribution of agricultural products and other goods manufactured in rural areas; they also promote the growth of local industries and the relocation of industries from congested urban to rural areas. Moreover, they foster accelerated and integrated development of rural areas. Access to basic telecommunication services in rural areas assumes the role of a lifeline for the sustenance of human life and services by relaying information on medical treatment, disaster relief, administrative matters and several others. On the basis of studies already carried out the Study Group would consolidate the material available and formulate Recommendations on the following: * low cost appropriate technology options for rural telecommunications * planning and implementation of national rural telecommunication development plans * promotion of the application of telecommunication facilities for developing various sectors of rural infrastructure and rural economy * appropriate regulatory structures in a liberalized telecommunication regime as a means of encouraging the extension of telecommunication services to remote and rural areas. The deadline for the preparation of preliminary reports would be as early as 1995 for certain questions or 1996 for others. All studies should be completed by 1997.