Question 19-2/1 – Implementation of IP telecommunication services in developing countries


1 Statement of the situation

in view of

  1. the important role that national telecommunication/ICT policy can play in stimulating innovation and investment in new technologies;

  2. the sovereign right of each country to establish its national telecommunication/ICT priorities and policies;

  3. the potential for a broader range of telecommunication applications that technologies such as IP-based networks offer to Member States and their citizens;

  4. the limited broadband and basic telephony access in many developing countries;

  5. the evolution of certain networks, such as optical fibre cable transmission networks (backbones), and the implementation of broadband multiservice platforms using IP/MPLS type technologies, including FTTx distribution networks;

  6. the evolution of the multimedia world, with numerous applications such as IPTV;

  7. the trend for telecommunication/ICT network operators to offer integrated services and associated applications based on convergence, such as nPlay;

  8. the evolution of business communications, such as IP Centrex, IPBX, IP telephony, unified messaging;

  9. the interest of the private sector in investing in IP telephony services and Internet service offerings (ISPs);

  10. the importance of the ICT infrastructure for economic development,

considering that

  1. the Rapporteur’s Group on Question 19/1 on IP telephony, which has held several meetings since 2006, has submitted a report on the Question, but with a broader scope in regard to economic and regulatory aspects, including for broadband services;

  2. national and regional initiatives on Internet connectivity are currently being implemented, such as the "Connect the World" series;

  3. the fourth World Telecommunication Policy Forum (Lisbon, 2009) adopted Opinion 1 on Internet-related public policy matters and Opinion 2 on the implications of the advent of next-generation networks (NGNs) and advanced broadband access;

  4. the world knowledge-based economy is perceived as having a global dimension evolving towards integration of economies in All-IP-based multiservice networks.

2 Question for study

  1. To describe the potential challenges, benefits and opportunities that developing countries encounter when implementing IP networks, services and associated applications.

  2. To describe the technical, economic, and regulatory conditions necessary for developing countries to implement IP technologies, services and associated applications.

  3. To describe the main issues raised by the operation of IP networks and IP services, and associated applications, such as economic impact and possible regulatory frameworks.

3 Expected output

  1. Annual progress report(s) indicating the status of the IP applications in the study of Questions and issues being addressed in close collaboration with the relevant programmes.

  2. At completion of study, detailed final report with issues raised by each Question as well as lessons learned/success stories/conclusions.

  3. Guidelines for overcoming the challenges identified.

4 Timing

Annual progress reports. This study is expected to last four years.

5 Proposers

Algérie Telecom SPA, France, developing countries.

6 Sources of input

Contributions are expected from Member States, Sector Members and Associates, and from relevant ITU-R, ITU-T and ITU-D study groups.

7 Target audience

Target audience

Developed countries

Developing countries1

Telecom policy-makers

Yes

Yes

Telecom regulators

Yes

Yes

Service providers/operators

Yes

Yes

Manufacturers

Yes

Yes

a) Target audience

All national telecom policy-makers, regulators, service providers and operators, especially those in developing countries as well as manufacturers of IP-based technologies.

b) Proposed methods for implementation of the results

Authorities from Member States could consider designing policies and strategies to implement the most suitable technological solutions in the light of the characteristics of their populations and countries. In this respect, there could be short-term, medium-term and long-term action plans so as to permit implementation in phases.

The report should also be useful for administrations of Member States, Sector Members and service providers to encourage the adoption of IP telephony and related applications to meet the needs of the population.

8 Proposed methods of handling the Question

Within Study Group 1.

9 Coordination

The ITU-D study group dealing with this Question will need to coordinate with focal points of relevant activities, programmes and projects in BDT and relevant ITU-R and ITU-T study groups.

10 Other relevant information

Word 2007  -  Adobe PDF

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 1 This includes least developed countries (LDCs), small island developing states (SIDS), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and countries with economies in transition.