NEW DELHI: A strategic plan adopted at the 5th ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference in Hyderabad will give high priority to assist administrators, regulators, broadcasters and other stakeholders in introducing digital broadcasting and providing assistance to developing countries on spectrum management.
The Hyderabad Action Plan recognized that the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting is a key development in facilitating the dissemination of information and freeing up spectrum. New telecommunication and ICT services, including satellite radio communications, will help connect rural and isolated communities and meet the needs of indigenous communities.
While satellite digital sound and television broadcasting services have been introduced worldwide, terrestrial digital television and sound broadcasting is becoming a global priority.
Wireless broadband networks and next-generation networks (NGN) foster the widespread use of affordable and accessible telecommunications and ICTs.
The Hyderabad Action Plan adopted at the conclusion of the Conference outlined a road map to foster the global development of information and communication technology (ICT) networks and services over the next four-year cycle. The roll out of next-generation networks (NGN) and increased access to broadband services, wireless technologies and the Internet were recognised as catalysts to achieve the broader development goals.
The Hyderabad Declaration states that broad access to telecommunications and ICTs is essential for the world’s collective economic, social and cultural development, and the building of a global Information Society. This access brings new opportunities for interaction amongst people, for sharing of the world’s knowledge resources and expertise, for transforming people’s lives, and for contributing to the global development agenda.
The Conference (WTDC-10), held from 24 May until 4 June in Hyderabad, was attended by 924 delegates, including 758 government delegates from 138 countries and 6 representatives from Palestine, 88 public and private sector representatives from 28 companies, 16 representing telecommunication-related entities from 7 countries and 56 representatives from 25 regional and international organisations.
Conference chairman P.J. Thomas, who is Secretary in the Department of Telecommunications, said the increasing role of ICT in the life of the common man cannot be overemphasized. Keeping in view the latest technological developments in ICT, the Hyderabad declaration adopted by WTDC-10 will play a decisive role in the development of the ICT sector across the world, especially in developing countries.
The Hyderabad Action Plan consists of a comprehensive package that will promote the equitable and sustainable development of telecommunication and ICT networks and services worldwide.
