Philip Cross, ITU

Harmonization of ICT ActivitiesHarmonization 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

Liberalization at different times Different levels of liberalization and regulation Policy differences Human resources Sovereignty

Philip Cross, ITU

Some Liberalization resultsSome Liberalization results

Significant growth in mobile telecommunications

Lowering of international ratesCompetition, especially in mobile servicesIncrease in the number of investors as well

as the numbers and types of licensesStill poor Internet access

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

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.

Philip Cross, ITU

International and Regional International and Regional ActivitiesActivities

Millennium Development GoalsWorld Summit on the Information SocietyConnectivity Agenda of the AmericasCARICOM ConnectivityCARICOM Single Market and Economy

Philip Cross, ITU

CSMECSME

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

CSME is a work in progressCARICOM 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

MDGs and the WSISMDGs 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

Possible ActionsPossible 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

Issues for Caribbean countriesIssues 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

ContactsContacts

Philip CROSS

ITU Caribbean Representative

itucaribbean@caribsurf.com

Tel.:1-246-431-0343/4

ITU Web Site: www.itu.int