NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar: Asean telecommunications ministers have recommended the creation of a national broadband plan in all member states, saying it is vital for providing a foundation for socio-economic development.
In a joint ministerial statement, the ministers said that through the innovative services that emerge from such networks, every citizen and all sectors could be engaged and be part of the information society.
The statement was issued at the end of the 11th Asean Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministers Meeting yesterday. Malaysia was represented by Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.
According to the statement, the ministers also regarded the importance of information security in the broadband network, and agreed to strenghten Asean cooperation in this matter.
On reducing international mobile roaming charges, they welcomed the adoption of the Addendum on Asean Telecommunication Regulators Council (ATRC), the Intra-Asean Mobile Roaming Rates to the Record of Intent by the 17th ATRC.
“We encourage all parties, especially the policy making and regulatory bodies, to consider this initiative seriously and to implement the addendum as soon as it is ready,” they said.
The ministers also announced the launch of Asean ICT Awards as a step to promote and reward innovation, and to recognise achievements in information and communications technology (ICT) innovation excellence.
The first award will be conferred at the next ministers’ meeting in Manila next year. — Bernama
Moving forward, the ministers would continue to focus on the six areas underlined in the Asean ICT Masterplan 2015, namely economic transformation, people empowerment and engagement, innovation, infrastructure development, human capital development, and bridging the digital divide.
The ministers also stressed they would work very closely with the dialogue partners to ensure that all corners of Asean will have adequate communication access.
The dialogue partners include Japan, China, South Korea, India, European Union and the International Telecommunication Union.
At the meeting, Japan contributed US$150,000 to the Asean-Japan ICT Cooperation Fund and proposed to expand the current cooperation to include ICT disaster counter-measure system.
Meanwhile, China and South Korea will further assist Asean in human resource development and create relevant policies and regulation for ICT development. — Bernama.
Sources : The Star.
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