1. Philip Cross, ITU Harmonization of ICT Activities Why is there not a single regulator for Caribbean countries? ECTEL as a sub-regional regulator Why so many different procedures, rules and regulations?

2. Philip Cross, ITU Liberalization at different times Different levels of liberalization and regulation Policy differences Human resources Sovereignty

3. Philip Cross, ITU Some Liberalization results Significant growth in mobile telecommunications Lowering of international rates Competition, especially in mobile services Increase in the number of investors as well as the numbers and types of licenses Still poor Internet access

4. Philip Cross, ITU Negotiations at regional level Most countries are members or observers of CARICOM and other organizations such as CANTO, CTU, ECTEL, CITEL, OOCUR They are also members of same regional and international organizations, including ITU Same operators and carriers in most countries Countries are all concerned by globalization Countries affected by developments at the WTO and ITU

5. Philip Cross, ITU All countries need to be competitive and attract foreign and local investors All countries need to use the benefits of ICTs for social and economic development All governments need to embrace e-strategies especially e-government Governments face problems dealing with certain technical, financial and regulatory issues, including VOIP.

6. Philip Cross, ITU International and Regional Activities Millennium Development Goals World Summit on the Information Society Connectivity Agenda of the Americas CARICOM Connectivity CARICOM Single Market and Economy

7. Philip Cross, ITU CSME Telecoms originally excluded from CSME since it fell under monopolies Now it is to be included due to liberalization CARICOM members are being advised to develop regional approach before making binding commitments in the GATS CARICOM has established a sub-group on telecommunications Agreement that there should be liberalization by the end of 2005 if possible, although this may be difficult Status regarding removal of restrictions not clear CSME agreements need to be WTO compliant

8. Philip Cross, ITU CSME is a work in progress CARICOM Regional Negotiating Machinery organizing studies to clarify the situation re telecoms/ICTs It is expected that a Green paper with a Plan of Action for a CARICOM-wide approach to telecoms/ICTS in the CSME

9. Philip Cross, ITU MDGs and the WSIS MDG number 8 - Build a global partnership for development - need for pubic/private partnerships to ensure that the benefits of new technologies, especially ICTs, will flow to more countries and people WSIS Plan of Action Targets for all countries Working Group on Internet Governance

10. Philip Cross, ITU Possible Actions Results of the WSIS first Session Examine policies to see where there are differences and similarities and try to harmonize all Create similar regulatory processes and procedures Create similar licensing regimes and conditions Develop Internet Exchange Points Participate in activities of the Working Group on Internet Governance

11. Philip Cross, ITU Issues for Caribbean countries Have more joint activities between Caribbean regional organizations such as CANTO, CTU, OOCUR, ECTEL and CARICOM Develop standard policies, procedures, legislation which can be adapted by each country Develop guidelines for Caribbean countries, in conjunction with the CANTO, CTU, CARICOM, OOCUR and the ITU The CTU and CANTO are in discussion on a spectrum policy task force

12. Contacts Philip CROSS ITU Caribbean Representative itucaribbean@caribsurf.com Tel.:1-246-431-0343/4 ITU Web Site: www.itu.int