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The 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's priorities are set by both Telecommunications and Information Ministers and Leaders and currently focus on -

reducing the digital divide,
next generation networks and technologies,
e-government,
mutual recognition arrangements,
regulatory reform,
capacity building,
protecting information and
communications infrastructure and cybersecurity,
advancing the Asia Pacific Information Society.

The private sector is actively involved in TEL activities, including all three TEL steering groups. Many projects are both initiated and driven solely by the private sector or in cooperation with the public sector. The TEL has a set of TEL Sponsorship Guidelines.

TEL is also strengthening cooperation with other international fora, including thematic cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The APEC Telecommunications and Information Working Group (TEL) was formed in 1990. In 2006, TEL agreed on a new structure aimed to better respond to new challenges on ICT issues in APEC. Three steering groups on Liberalization, ICT Development, and Security and Prosperity, propose, implement and monitor projects and activities to advance the overall goals of APEC.

Achievements

APEC-OECD Malware Workshop (22-23 April, 2007)
The objective of the workshop was to explore more in-depth select issues raised by malware and other related malicious activities over the network. Participants also examined the scope for closer coordination with various communities and other international organizations involved in fighting malware and how to facilitate a holistic approach of the issues by policymakers. The workshop also focused on the capabilities and counter measures to respond to cyber attacks.

While there is much to do concerning cooperation and coordination, not only internationally but also domestically, no clear organizations of roles exist. It was concluded that there is a need for structured coordination at national and international levels with involvement of all stakeholders. It was also found that while responses to malware vary, there is an urgent need for strategic and proactive collaboration of all stakeholders.

APEC-ASEAN Joint Workshop on Network Security (April 23, 2007)
The workshop focused on Cyber crime Legislation; Policy and Regulatory and Enforcement Capacity Building. Participants identified open source tools that could be used by economies with limited resources. Common themes arising from the workshop included:

the need for economies to establish a common legal framework as a step forward to combat cyber crime globally. The legal framework should be technology neutral due to fast changing technologies and that effective legal framework needs political buy-in and enforcement follow-through.
In terms of enforcement capacity building, domestic and international co-operations contribute to capacity building and participations by all stakeholders could complement capacity building where lacking.

WTO Domestic Regulation Workshop (April 22, 2007)
Participants discussed examples of best practices and a set of guidelines to implement domestic regulations in the ICT sector. These guidelines will assist developing economies develop or reform their policy and regulatory structures and become WTO compliant. They can also be used as reference and training material for capacity building activities.

Interconnection Workshop (April 23 2007)
In its review of the APEC TEL Principles of Interconnection, adopted in 2000, the group agreed that there was no need to revise the Principles at this time. However, it was concluded that there was a need to revisit the issue of interconnection due to the changes caused by technological evolution.

Industry Roundtable (23 April, 2007)
Participants discussed how industry can help APEC achieve the goal to provide universal Internet access by 2010 and presented a report for consideration by the TEL Steering Group. The report addresses market developments; technology developments; finance/business models; and policy and regulatory considerations

Regulatory Roundtable (24 April, 2007)
As the only regulatory event that bridges the full cross-section of Asia-Pacific, the APEC TEL Regulatory Roundtable originated as a forum for regulators to discuss the implications of convergence. It serves to engage policymakers and regulators in a dialogue by bringing senior regulators together to discuss present-day challenges and explore emerging issues where a consensus basket of regulatory approaches has yet to be formed. Participants discussed the transformative effects of wireless and mobile technologies.

Workshop on Value of Cyber Security Exercises (22-23 October, 2007)
The workshop raised awareness about the need for collaboration to address cyber security issues and the interdependent nature of critical infrastructures and the potential for cascading effects; recognized the growing importance of cross-sector and cross-border cooperation; highlighted the need to clarify and coordinate inter-ministry response roles and responsibilities and communications paths for cyber incident response; and considered the need for public-private sector partnerships to address cyber security issues and incident response.

Workshop on Universal Service Strategies (23 October, 2007)
Participants discussed common challenges citing a number of common principles that might be considered (economic efficiency, consumer satisfaction, transparency, sustainability in the long term, competitive neutrality, cost effectiveness), and different issues that arise such as competitive ways to deliver services, security issues, copper vs. fibre, wireless broadband and issues around the sustainability of telecenters.
A project group was established to build upon the work done in the workshop, and to develop the interest in sharing information. The project will take advantage of work done in Regulatel and ASEAN, and the TEL's own information on WTO implementation of USO commitments, and will survey practices among APEC members with a view to compiling an inventory of universal strategies in the region.

Workshop on Encouraging Investment while Preserving Competition (22 October, 2007)
Participants discussed what policies and regulations best encourage investment in infrastructure build-out and upgrading; how to ensure investment-friendly policies and regulations are pro-competitive; and, how to create a level playing field in the market.

Industry Futures Roundtable (23 October, 2007)
The roundtable's theme was "How industry can help achieve APEC Leaders' goal of creating trust and confidence in an always-on, universal broadband environment?" Participants focused the discussion on the need for better engagement between industry and government to consider the implications of new services and directions. They also discussed that broadband and digital divide issues continue to be a concern: DSL is suited to high density areas, but the need continues to encourage penetration in low density areas.

Current Activities

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

Ensuring universal access to ICT infrastructure to bridge the digital divide is crucial for future social and economic prosperity considering that the social dimension is part of APEC 2008 agenda.
the swift flow of information between economies is critical.
Ensuring a secure environment for Internet and telecommunications users.

In the Bangkok Declaration, Ministers state that:

APEC economies should continue their efforts to expand the reach of networks with the ambitious goal of achieving universal access to broadband by 2015.
APEC has already tripled internet access since 2000 one of the Brunei Goals.
the importance of trade and investment liberalization and facilitation in the telecommunications and information sector to support regional economic integration.
their call for continued collaboration and sharing of information and experience between member economies to support a safe and trusted ICT environment including effective responses to ensure security against cyber threats, malicious attacks and spam.
Trusted and secure on-line environment is fundamental to facilitate electronic transactions (E business).
Collaboration with other international organizations such as ASEAN, ITU and 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 and disaster mitigation, rescue and relief operations, delivery of humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts.

Economies are successfully working towards reducing telecommunications trade barriers, resulting in increased accessibility and the long-term affordability of telecommunications access in the region, particularly for people in developing countries. The TEL continues to -

assist developing economies reform their policy and regulatory structures and become WTO compliant,
implement the Digital Divide Blueprint for Action and other initiatives that encourage greater access to basic communications and build-out of the Internet, so as to promote greater broadband accessibility, availability and use,
develop a collaborative approach to cyber-security (such as providing cyber-crime legislation and enforcement capacity building opportunities), and
work towards creating sustainable markets through both convergent and new technologies.

MRA for Conformity Assessment of Telecommunications Equipment
APEC members are participating in the mutual recognition arrangement (MRA) for conformity assessment of telecommunications equipment. Sixteen out of 21 economies have committed to Phase 1 (Mutual Recognition of Test Reports) and five economies have committed to Phase 2 (Mutual Recognition of Equipment Certification).

The MRA Task Force is working on a new MRA of technical requirements. Issues include potential costs and benefits to industry and regulators; multilateral vs. bilateral approaches.

APEC Cyber-Security Strategy
TEL members have combined their efforts to combat threats under the APEC Cyber-Security Strategy, which includes a package of measures to protect business and consumers from cyber-crime, and to strengthen consumer trust in the use of e-commerce. One notable initiative is the development of key public infrastructure guidelines to facilitate cross-jurisdictional e-commerce.

Economies are currently implementing and enacting cyber-security laws, consistent with the UN General Assembly Resolution 55/63 (2000) and the Convention on Cybercrime (2001). The TEL Cyber-crime Legislation Initiative and Enforcement Capacity Building Project will support institutions to implement new laws.

Economies are also working together to implement Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) as an early warning defense system against cyber attacks. Training is being provided to a number of economies, and guidelines have been developed for establishing and operating CERTs. The protection of small and medium enterprises is a priority under this strategy. Practical tools to protecting small businesses - as well as home users - from attacks and spreading viruses, have been developed, including advice on how to use the internet securely, safety issues relating to wireless technologies and safe e-mail exchanges.

Work on reducing the criminal misuse of information will continue to be a priority for the TEL and will focus on the importance of sharing information; developing procedures and mutual assistance laws, and other measures to protect business and citizens.

Next Generation Networks
"Next generation networks" (NGN) is a catchall phrase for the infrastructure that will enable the advanced new services to be offered by mobile and fixed network operators, while continuing to support all of today's existing services. To achieve seamless services at a global level, APEC TEL actively engages the private sector to identify new technologies and issues.

The TEL will continue to promote discussion on NGN and the development of the Asia Pacific Information Society. The TEL has already made invaluable contributions to this goal, including its initiatives in e-commerce, e-government, e-security, disaster preparation, on-line learning and skills standards development.