IMPLEMENTING THE WSIS ACTION PLAN NAIROBI 25 -26

IMPLEMENTING THE WSIS ACTION PLAN NAIROBI, 25 -26 March 2004 Jose Toscano Director, External Affairs International Telecommunications Satellite Organization GLOBAL BROADBAND SATELLITE INFRASTRUCTURE (GBSI) Initiative: A way to implement the WSIS Objectives

The Organization International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO) Created in 1964, previously known as “INTELSAT”. Operates in accordance with the principle set forth in Resolution 1721 (XVI) of the General Assembly of the United Nations that stipulates: “communications by means of satellite should be available to the nations of the world …on a global and non-discriminatory basis. ” Historic decision of the 25 th Assembly of Parties (November 2000) to restructure the Organization on 18 July 2001: Continuation of intergovernmental organization, now abbreviated as “ITSO”, to supervise and monitor the public service obligations. Creation of a new commercial entity (Intelsat, Ltd. ).

The Organization Mission: to act as the supervisory authority of the commercial entity for public service obligations. to maintain the continuity of international public telecommunications services, with high reliability and quality. to promote international public telecommunications services to meet the needs of the Information and Communication Society. Member States - currently 148 - meet every two years in the Assembly of Parties.

Global Broadband Satellite Infrastructure (GBSI) Initiative Resolution 1721 (XVI) of the General Assembly of the United Nations principle of the availability of satellite communications to the nations of the world on a global and non-discriminatory basis. 69 countries, accounting for more than 60% of the world’s population, are fully satellite dependent for domestic and international telecommunications services. Limited use by developing countries of space communications resources.

Global Broadband Satellite Infrastructure (GBSI) Initiative The satellite industry already has developed the components needed for a global broadband satellite infrastructure. But…. we need to overcome three main obstacles: User terminals are too expensive and cumbersome. Bandwidth is expensive. Regulations and national rules may be costly to comply with. GBSI Initiative – contribution from the ITSO’s Director General to the preparatory process for the World Summit on the Information Society.

Global Broadband Satellite Infrastructure (GBSI) Initiative THE AIM Significantly lower the price of connection to high -speed Internet services in particular for the developing world and remote and rural areas through an innovative public-private partnership.

Global Broadband Satellite Infrastructure (GBSI) Initiative THE APPROACH European Global System for Mobile (GSM) Model Ø Universal technical standard for user terminals. Ø Harmonized radio frequency bands. Ø Minimal, harmonized and pro-competitive regulatory environment. KEY ELEMENT Public-Private Partnership with the role of each partner clearly defined.

Global Broadband Satellite Infrastructure (GBSI) Initiative Role of Governments Development of attractive technical and regulatory framework: Identification of frequency bands and satellite orbital positions on non-shared basis. Establishment of a harmonized and minimal regulatory regime addressing: Landing rights Licensing Fair competition Interoperability Government support where market conditions fail to meet specific needs.

Global Broadband Satellite Infrastructure (GBSI) Initiative Role of Industry HOW TO CONTRIBUTE? Agree to adopt, on a voluntary basis, a universal technical standard for user terminals for high-speed Internet connections. Assist in identifying frequency bands dedicated to provision of high-speed connections. Ensure interoperability.

Global Broadband Satellite Infrastructure (GBSI) Initiative Developments ENCOURAGING REACTIONS ITU Council (C 03). ITU Radiocommunications Assembly (RA 03) QUESTION ITU-R 269/4 ITU World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-03) - Point 1. 19 of the agenda for WRC-07.

Global Broadband Satellite Infrastructure (GBSI) Initiative Developments World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) v WSIS Declaration of Principles – references specific elements of Initiative. v WSIS Plan of Action – calls for specific actions that allow early implementation of the Initiative.

Global Broadband Satellite Infrastructure (GBSI) Initiative Developments v European Union‘s new Space Policy (December 2003) v. Importance of satellite broadband. v. Satellite as a remedy to fill the gap for broadband. v. Dedicated fund. v Universalization of access to ICT applications. v National Satellite Initiative in Canada v Others….

Global Broadband Satellite Infrastructure (GBSI) Initiative Developments Facilitate coordination and cooperation: v Memorandum of Understanding (no legal or financial constraints). v Memorandum already signed by significant number of stakeholders.

ITSO Global Broadband Satellite Infrastructure (GBSI) Initiative The Role of CTO Political Resolution Ø Support of the GBSI Initiative as an effective means of helping to bridge the “digital divide”. Political Resolution in the CTO countries Ø Support of the GBSI Initiative as an effective means of helping the implementation of national ICT universalization policies. Active role in ITU. Active role in other regional organizations. Memorandum of Understanding – signature as an organization and on an individual basis.

ITSO Global Broadband Satellite Infrastructure (GBSI) Initiative Conclusion The Initiative is a means to overcome the “digital divide” by bringing low-cost, high-speed Internet connections -particularly for developing countries and remote and rural areas in developed countries. Opportunity for governments to implement their ICT strategies in a timely manner and at the lowest subsidy. Tremendous business opportunity for the private sector – eagerly looking for new markets and easier access to global market.