Connect2Recover - Digital Infrastructure and Ecosystem Reinforcement Against COVID-19 in Asia-Pacific

Digital infrastructure and services have demonstrated their capacity to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, not only on health and well-being, but also on other socio-economic sectors. To mitigate the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic and ease the adverse impacts on economies and societies, ITU and DITRDC are implementing this Project centered on addressing the three pillars identified by the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development in its COVID-19 Crisis Agenda for Action: (1) development of resilient connectivity, (2) affordable access to ICTs, and (3) safe use of online services. The Project deliverables are expected to leverage the power of ICTs to promote faster and better recovery from the impact of COVID-19.

The project provided direct country assistance to eight Asia-Pacific countries, including Lao PDR, Bhutan, Nepal, the Philippines, Tonga, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, and Fiji, exceeding the initial target of a minimum of four countries by 200 per cent. The assistance focused on reviewing gaps in ICT and broadband connectivity and services, as well as current ICT policies and regulatory strategies, to evaluate areas requiring specific attention for effective response to the challenges of COVID-19.

Three regional events were organized, surpassing the target of a minimum of three, alongside the completion of one regional study. These events included the Regional Radiocommunication Seminar 2022 for Asia-Pacific held in Fiji, the Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Satellite Services and National Regulatory Frameworks in Mongolia, and a regional workshop on strengthening digital infrastructure and ecosystem for COVID-19 recovery in Indonesia. The regional study titled "Building Resilient National ICT Infrastructure in Asia and the Pacific: Leading Practices for Addressing the Gaps" was also produced.

The project trained a total of 226 personnel, exceeding the target of 150 by 150 per cent. Training activities included the Last Mile Connectivity training (96 participants via ASP online) and the ITU-PITA training on the resilience of digital networks and emergency telecommunications readiness. Overall positive feedback was received from participants across all training sessions, as confirmed by post-event feedback surveys.

Country-level deliverables included gap analysis reports and policy recommendations on broadband affordability for Lao PDR and Nepal, quality of service and experience rules and a stakeholder workshop for Tonga, and various technical assessments related to digital infrastructure resilience. The project contributed to building enabling environments for the development of online safety strategies, resilient and affordable ICT and broadband connectivity infrastructure, and the safe use of online services across the region.

The project was implemented in partnership with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts of Australia (DITRDCSA). All key performance indicators were met or exceeded, and the project contributed to mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on digital infrastructure and ecosystems in the beneficiary countries.