Pooling
resources way to go says Fritch
The
huge cost effectiveness of an arrangement between Telecom Cook
Islands and French Polynesia Postal and Telecommunications Department
(OPT) to share telecommunications satellite capacity shows what
can be achieved by two countries joining willpower and resources,
says French Polynesia vice-president Edouard Fritch.
At
a press conference last Friday to announce a joint initiative
between TCI and OPM to introduce cost-effective telecommunications
across the South Pacific, Fritch said he hoped the successful
bilateral agreement would pave the way for broader cooperation
at a regional level, for the mutual benefit of all partners
involved. He said the initiative signalled a real opportunity
to bridge the digital divide in the region.
'That
is why we must jointly define an information and communications
technology (ICT) strategy to achieve the best possible solution,
financially and technically at a regional level.'
More
than eight million people live in the region and most could
only benefit from ICT progress if they live near hubs of economic
activity, generally in the capitals, he added.
'For
this reason it might be time to consider solutions that will
benefit the Pacific Islands community so that people can share
an economic and social system where knowledge and information
are the fundamental sources of well-being and progress.'
In
the information society highly developed ICT networks, equitable
access to information, appropriate content in accessible formats
and effective communications could help people achieve their
potential, promote sustainable economic and social development
and improve the quality of life for all, Fritch said.
The
satellite option was cheaper than submarine fibre optic cable
and could fulfil the dual needs of providing national telecommunications
services while ensuring communications with the rest of the
world.
The
goal to reduce the digital divide in the Pacific could be achieved
by either tendering for satellite capacity as one group or launching
a satellite to give the islands coverage, he added.
Because
most of the countries involved were Forum members and also belonged
to the European Union's Asia, Caribbean and Pacific Group, the
project would be eligible for funding and assistance by international
bodies.
Fritch
proposed convening a regional conference on the issue, consisting
of high level government officials and telecom operators from
all interested Pacific Island countries. 'Should the respective
governments agree on this proposal, French Polynesia would be
delighted and honoured to host this conference.'
The
Cook Islands has already seen major benefits from sharing resources
with OPT. The recent reduction in the cost of international
phone calls was the result of sharing satellite capacity. Sharing
capacity has also helped make it possible to set up a faster
and more efficient telecommunications network in the outer islands.
Cook
Islands Herald, 1st November 2003
