“DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL ICT POLICY

“DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL ICT POLICY ICT Policy in the ECTEL Member States Mr. Donnie Defreitas MSc, (Hav.), ECTEL Caribbean Internet Forum Bay Gardens Hotel Gros Islet Saint Lucia November 2007

Objective The stated objective of the ECTEL Member States is the achievement of an Information based Society. . In such a society all citizens are to be provided access to the full range of information and communications technologies, resources, and capabilities, with the opportunity to apply them in their daily lives, from education to jobs to homes and personal expression and entertainment.

Elements of ICT Policy • Four Key elements of the sector: Infrastructure, ICT in Government, ICT in Business and ICT in Civil Society. • Education would be common to all the elements; • All elements not necessarily developed in a sequential manner

ICT Infrastructure • ICT Infrastructure is defined as the networks, facilities, equipment, software, and supporting structures and services that are required to access, transmit, and process electronic information and communication and.

ICT in Government • ICT in Government - the use of ICT to conduct and support Government operations, to allow Government to interact effectively with citizens and businesses, as well as the capacity of Government to understand and influence the ICT Sector through policy initiatives

ICT in Business • ICT in Business - is considered the development of businesses providing products and services, as well as the utilization of ICT within other businesses to improve their efficiency, productivity and profitability

ICT in Civil Society • ICT in Civil Society - the role and impact of ICT in civilian and community life, including education, health, safety, and cultural concerns that can incorporate and benefit from ICT utilization

Status of ICT in ECTEL States • Comprehensive quantitative data lacking • Low levels of ICT penetration • Absence of well coordinated approach nationally and regionally • Generally no single entity responsible for ICT • Significant shortfall in technology deployment • Lack of a defined technology delivery system

Development Process • Development through consultative process. • Consultative paper outlining the Policy Principles and Targets with the detailed Mechanisms outlined in the National plan. • Several Countries had some Policies Plans and Strategies and consultative paper incorporated these where possible.

Policies and Targets • Policies - the general goals and ideals that underlie how the Government addresses any of the issues or options involved with each component and sub-component of the Sector. • Targets: These are both general and specific outcomes that the Government policy seeks to achieve. Targets may be interim or long-term in nature, and may include end results for citizens and businesses.

Mechanisms • Mechanisms: - the tools, actions, procedures, and resources that Government can utilize to achieve its stated principles and targets. Includes direct actions and indirect actions • Direct actions - legislation, regulation, financing, enforcement, authorization • Indirect actions - coordination and consultation with stakeholders, providing information and training, and conducting research on various policy issues and options..

Present Position • Consultation on Policy and Plan to culminate on November 9th. • Action Plan to be developed immediately after to ensure follow up and implementation. • Critical issue of Domain Name Administration to be addressed on November 8th • A number of ICT projects to be identified and funded for “Proof of Concept” on November 9th.

Follow up • OECS Heads are to be advised on status and requirements to have policy and plans implemented with resources provided. • “Proof of Concept” and Universal Service Projects focusing on increasing ICT Penetration • Implementation plan to be drawn up by ECTEL in conjunction with States

Elements of the Policy (1) • Harmonized approach • Development of appropriate legislative framework and consistency in the application of laws • Appointment of a coordinating entity to manage process • National entities for with appropriate mandate and adequate resources

Elements of Policy (2) • Outlines the objectives of the Government of [Country] for the expansion of the ICT Sector in [Country] and enunciates Government Policy on ICT. • Fundamental vision and goals for the ongoing transition of all segments of society toward a more knowledge-based, ICT-enabled environment. • To form the basis for a wide range of initiatives, projects and programmes, by different organs of Government and the local private sector, with the support of regional and international agencies.the emerging sector.

Elements of Policy (3) • ICT penetration to be increased • Consideration to be given to supporting a Caribbean Internet Exchange point • Resources to be allocated to the management of the Country top level domain Name • Incubator “proof of concept” projects to be funded • Regional coordination of ICT development to be facilitated. • Government to provide policy and ensure full stakeholder participation

Thank you ECTEL is committed to sharing its experiences for the benefit of all. While ICT is not at this point in time part of its direct mandate it remains committed to the increase in the level of ICT penetration and deployment of related services. Thank you for the opportunity for allowing us to make our small contribution.

For Further information Contact us at www.ectel.int or Donnie De Freitas Director of Technical Services ECTEL Castries St. Lucia. Phone (758) 458 1701 Fax (758) 458 1698 Email ddefreitas@ectel.int

“DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL ICT POLICY