ITU Regional Development Forum 2008: "Bridging the ICT standardization gap in developing countries" for the Asia-Pacific Region

This Forum is intended for executives from Administrations, National Regulatory Bodies, Telecommunication Operators, Manufacturer and Service Providers in the regions, who need to be familiar with the future challenges ITU is facing and, therefore, be able to draw up strategies to achieve greater participation in ITU activities, in particular ITU-T and ITU-D Study Groups activities. Additionally, they will highlight ways and means to enhance cooperation and participation in ITU's standardization work and standards implementation in the regions. Standards are an essential tool in bridging the digital divide and bring vital aid to developing countries in building their infrastructure and encouraging economic development.

Taking part in the standardization process for new technologies will accelerate the deployment of new networks and services bringing connectivity to cities and towns as well as remote areas. With next generation networks (NGN) for example, standards work is lowering the capital cost of deployment in the network core. Operating costs in NGN are also significantly lower than in circuit switched technologies enabling a more rapid expansion of network capabilities. NGN offers the opportunity for developing countries to jump several generations of technology, and ITU as well as taking into account the needs of these countries in producing its standards will seek to provide assistance in implementing them.

Venue: Hanoi, Vietnam
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/wtsa-08/prepmeet/index.html#Asia-Pacific