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Telecommunications and Information Working Group

  

The APEC Telecommunications and Information Working Group (TEL) aims to improve telecommunications and information infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region by developing and implementing appropriate telecommunications and information policies, including relevant human resource and development cooperation strategies. This is reflected in the TEL's expanded vision of promoting the transition from an Asia-Pacific Information Infrastructure into the Asia-Pacific Information Society.

The TEL was formed in 1990. In 2006, a new TEL structure designed to ensure a better response to information and communication technology (ICT) challenges in APEC was agreed upon. Three steering groups on Liberalization (LSG), ICT Development (DSG), and Security and Prosperity (SPSG), and a Mutual Recognition Arrangement Task Force (MRATF) were established to propose, implement and monitor projects and activities.

The TEL's priorities are set by both Telecommunications and Information Ministers and Leaders. They are:
  • reducing the digital divide,
  • next generation networks and technologies,
  • e-government,
  • mutual recognition arrangements,
  • regulatory reform,
  • capacity building,
  • protecting information
  • communications infrastructure and cybersecurity,
  • advancing the Asia Pacific Information Society.
The private sector is actively involved in TEL activities. Many projects are both initiated and driven solely by the private sector or in cooperation with the public sector, and the process is conducted in accordance with the TEL Sponsorship Guidelines.

TEL is also strengthening cooperation with other international fora, including thematic cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
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Achievements

  • As recognised in the recent Bangkok Declaration, APEC has already reached the Brunei Goal, set in 2000, of tripling internet access in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • Recent activities of the TEL include:
    • An Industry Roundtable focused on connectivity in rural and isolated areas and on the benefits that this connectivity and access could offer, was held in October in Lima, Peru.
    • A Telecommunications for Disaster Management: Best Practices Workshop was also held in Lima in October. The objective of the workshop was to build telecommunications capabilities in cases of emergency, including natural disasters. Participants shared their experiences and expertise on resilient and sustainable telecommunication systems.
    • The Cyber Security Awareness Raising Workshop (October, Lima, Peru). Participants discussed how APEC economies can collaborate on this issue and how to raise awareness amongst all economy stakeholders including: critical infrastructure owners and operators, small and medium businesses, and end users.

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Current Activities

Held in Bangkok from 23-25 of April, 2008, The 7th Telecommunications and Information Ministers Meeting focused on the key policy theme of "Digital Prosperity: Turning Challenges into Achievements."

A Declaration, setting out the agenda for the TELWG, was adopted. In the Declaration Ministers state:
  • APEC economies should continue their efforts to expand the reach of networks with the ambitious goal of achieving universal access to broadband by 2015.
  • Trade and investment liberalization and facilitation in the telecommunications and information sectors plays an important role in regional economic integration.
  • Member economies must continued to collaborate and share information and experiences to ensure a safe and trusted ICT environment that can effectively respond to cyber threats, malicious attacks and spam.
  • A trusted and secure online environment is fundamental to facilitate electronic transactions.
  • The importance of collaboration with other international organizations such as ASEAN, the ITU and the OECD to share experiences and develop best practice approaches to cyber security and to enhance our collective security.
  • The vital role played by ICT in all phases of emergency preparedness, early warning systems, disaster mitigation, rescue and relief operations, delivery of humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts.
In 2009 APEC will fund the "Workshops for Capacity Building on Telecommunications Trade Rules and Regulatory Disciplines" project submitted by Singapore. The purpose of the series of workshops is to build capacity within APEC economies so that all members have a solid understanding of telecommunication rules and regulatory disciplines. This will assist members in the formulation of their regulatory measures domestically, promote the implementation of WTO telecommunication disciplines, and facilitate the adoption of telecoms elements in Plurilateral/Bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTA).

TEL has approved six self funded projects for 2009:
  • 2nd Grid Showcase (Singapore, DSG)
  • International Mobile Roaming Charges (Australia, LSG)
  • Workshop on Initiatives among Member Economies Promoting Safer Internet Environment for Children (Japan, SPSG)
  • Bi-lateral Cybercrime Legislative Drafting Workshop (The USA, SPSG)
  • Submarine Cable Protection Information Sharing Workshop (Australia, SPSG)
  • Workshop on Universal Access to Broadband Services (The Philippines, DSG and LSG).

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Telecommunications and Information Working Group (TEL) - Key Contacts
Chair
Mr Liu Ziping
Director
Department of International Cooperation
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
13 West Chang An Ave.
Beijing 100804
Email: zpliu@miit.gov.cn

Vice-Chair
Ms. Lorena Piñeiro
Head
International Affairs Department
Undersecretariat of Telecommunications
Amunátegui 139, Santiago, Chile
Email: lpineiro@subtel.cl

APECTEL Structure
New Convenorship and Deputy Convenorship (*TEL38-TEL41)

Steering Group

Convenor

Deputy Convenor

Deputy Convenor

LSG

Ms.Susan Johnston (Canada)

Mr. Nakano Masayasu (Japan)

Geraldine Lim (Singapore)

SPSG

Mr. Jin Hyun Cho (Korea)

Ms. Jordana Siegel (USA)

Mr. Steven Stroud (Australia)

DSG

Dr. Dan Chang (Chinese Taipei)

Dr. Carlos Valdez (Peru)

Mrs. Sudaporn Vimolseth (Thailand)

MRATF

Mr. George Tannahill (USA)

Mr. Lawrence Kwan (HK)

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APEC Secretariat
Ms. Susan B. Natividad
Director (Program)
E-mail: sbn@apec.org


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Reviewed on: 26 May 2009