Harmonization of ICT Activities

1. 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? Philip Cross, ITU

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

3. 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 Philip Cross, ITU

4. 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 Philip Cross, ITU

5. 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. Philip Cross, ITU

6. 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 Philip Cross, ITU

7. 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 Philip Cross, ITU

8. 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 Philip Cross, ITU

9. 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 Philip Cross, ITU

10. 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 Philip Cross, ITU

11. 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 Philip Cross, ITU

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