Pacific Regional Digital Strategy II Suella Hansen & Noelle Jones Presentation for APT 28 April 2010

2 An independent review of the impact of the Digital Strategy for PIFS Part A reviews technological capacity, including: top level assessment of current ICT capacity and usage in Pacific Island Countries (PICs) review of potential of ICTs to meet current and future socio-economic needs in the PICs review of the current structure of partners and players Part B recommendations to assist with revised Digital Strategy (DSII)

3 Priorities of the Digital Strategy Improving access to communications technology Reducing costs Establishing higher bandwidth to the global ICT backbone Removing inappropriate regulatory environments in order to foster higher levels of investment Strengthening ICT skills

4 A three-tier approach was adopted, identifying key programs at each level

5 Status of progress towards Digital Strategy objectives Substantial progress Promote ICT within CROP (Pillar 2) Work-in-progress Capacity building; ICT policies and plans; Expansion of telecoms access to rural and remote areas (Pillar 1) ICT leadership, ICT harmonisation; Review development and promote usage of ICTs within CROP and to countries; Regional approaches to ICT education (Pillar 2)

6 Gaps in progress Development of measures/statistics (Pillar 1) Particular emphasis on government delivery of health and education services (Pillar 1) Re-examination of the state of broadcasting in the region (Pillar 2) ICT coordination (Pillar 2) Representation of unique Pacific issues, needs, attributes to Pacific and global fora (Pillar 3) Monitoring, analysing and assessing global ICT trends (Pillar 3)

7 Gaps and emerging needs

8 Access and costs still present barriers to progress Internet access remains limited with few options for affordable broadband Costs of Internet hardware and usage a major barrier to Government, consumers and SMEs Costs of international bandwidth remain high Most PICs still developing Universal Access policies Basic service costs still high in some PICs

9 Developing appropriate regulatory environment Many ICT policies under development and in need of resource and technical assistance No competition in smaller PICs Government ownership remains strong Pre-2000 legislation in five PICs

10 Training and capacity building ICT training ineffective if infrastructure unavailable Need for process to ensure training is passed on to wider groups within countries Training assists work of individuals on a short-term basis, but skills lost as people move jobs, change roles, and leave to work overseas

11 Regional co-operation Further infrastructure development required No effective regional coordination mechanism Opportunities for stakeholder consultation Lack of information and statistics on ICT progress

12 Recommendations for DSII

13 Objectives The provision of adequate, accessible and affordable infrastructure for all PICs Promoting and increasing usage of such infrastructure

14 Five key principles for DSII Sector governance Infrastructure & access ICT utilisationInternational connectivity ICT efficiency Develop national policies reflecting good governance best practice Facilitate competitive environments Independent regulation Encourage private sector participation Encourage commercial development of ICT infrastructure Facilitate appropriate intervention where commercial infrastructure is not feasible Encourage ICT capacity building that will ensure full utilisation of ICT infrastructure and encourage innovation Facilitate cost effective strategies for provision of international connectivity Encourage efficient and effective mechanisms to optimise the use of limited resources

15 These principles are supported by a programme of activities at the country and regional level Sector governance Infrastructure & access ICT utilisationInternational connectivity ICT efficiency Modalities for implementation: country level Modalities for implementation: regional level Monitoring and evaluation

16 Example: Achieving ICT efficiency Objective: Encourage efficient and effective mechanisms to optimise use of limited resources Activities Improve regional coordination mechanisms Collect ICT statistics Improve reporting on ICT initiatives Harmonisation of laws Protection of privacy, data security and IP rights

17 ICT efficiency: modalities for implementation Country level Active participation in meetings, consultation etc Assign responsibility for ICT statistics collection Introduce reporting & feedback mechanisms Appropriate training for lawyers Regional level ICT coordination mechanism Role of Regional Resource Centre

Auckland London Melbourne Wellington Contact:Dr Suella Hansen Noelle Jones