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Presentation - Thematic Area 8: Technology Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

The document discusses the state of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Tonga, highlighting high mobile penetration and access to digital television. It identifies key challenges such as governance, regulatory frameworks, human capacity building, and infrastructure access, while proposing initiatives for budget inclusion and future strategies. The document emphasizes the importance of ICT for economic development and social cohesion, as outlined in the ICT Ministers Wellington Declaration 2006.

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16 views8 pages

Presentation - Thematic Area 8: Technology Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

The document discusses the state of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Tonga, highlighting high mobile penetration and access to digital television. It identifies key challenges such as governance, regulatory frameworks, human capacity building, and infrastructure access, while proposing initiatives for budget inclusion and future strategies. The document emphasizes the importance of ICT for economic development and social cohesion, as outlined in the ICT Ministers Wellington Declaration 2006.

Uploaded by

military75
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Thematic Area 8:

Technology – Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

[Part8.1–pages 203 to211 ]


Introduction

Imagine Life without ICT – Tonga Case


• 100% of population have access to digital television
through terrestrial/satellite network.
• 40% of overseas remittance comes through mobile
platform.
• 95% Mobile phone penetration - access to mobile
network using 3G and 4G.
• 126.7 mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people
(2021).
• Fiji is the fourth cheapest country globally in terms of
cost of data plan in the world and the cheapest in the
Oceania region.
Summary of Thematic Working Group Discussions

• Leadership, governance, coordination and partnerships.


• Policy, legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Human capacity building.
• ICT infrastructure and access.
• International connectivity.
• Data protection and Cyber security.
Key Challenges for the Sector:
• Leadership, governance, coordination and partnerships.
• Review to ensure a level playing field for broadcasters and OTT’s, especially given the evolving ICT
industry (e.g. licensed content and taxation).
• Mirrored need for enabling environment, regulatory review as well as resilient infrastructure.

• ICT policy, legislation and regulatory frameworks.


• Regulatory review for ICT Sector.
• Regulatory review essential for “bottom-up” effectiveness of industry.
• Review of the national digital broadcast platform.

• ICT human capacity building.


• Lack of skilled professionals requires proper technical accredited programs and lab modernisation to
develop the right skills to meet the evolving needs of the sector.
• Need to recruit and retain skilled workers in the sector in light of emerging technology.
• Possibly, ICT training academy for working ICT professional.
• There is a need for community awareness and a framework for ICT community development.
• Increased and equal access to digital literacy and cyber hygiene practices tailored to the different
audiences.
Key Challenges for the Sector:

• ICT infrastructure and access.


• Holistic solutions of connecting the 5% of unconnected areas.
• Review of new and emerging technology (such as 5G and IOT) in facilitating GDP growth.
• See how best to achieve universal coverage obligations.

• International connectivity.
• Redundant and resilient infrastructure to international connectivity is key.

• Data security and Cyber security


• Data security and privacy.
• Ensuring data sharing and security in digital payments platforms.
• National Computer Emergency Response Team ‘CERT’ efforts are ongoing and sectorial CERTs are critical.
State at Least Two (2) initiatives/policies that
maybe included in the 2023-2024 Budget

• International cable redundancy. • Regulatory review including


Walesi and TAF

• Investment incentivizing • Utilization of the Universal


strategies in consultation with the Access obligations for
industry. Connectivity Programs.

• Establishment of ICT TWG /Association


New proposed strategies/policies

Way Forward & Timelines


Way Forward Timelines
[1] Review of options for international cable • A feasible study for a second cable landing is already
resilience. being explored.
• 6-12 months for review.
• 6-12 months, in parallel potentially review of grant or
financing options as well as international partnerships.
[2] Regulatory review to enable investment in key • 12 – 24 months insofar as required for an enabling
areas. environment.
[3] Review of Walesi and other structures. • Already ongoing as we understand it.
• Possibly 3 – 12 months depending on complexity.
[4] Investment incentivizing strategies in • 6 months from consultation to issuing of funding under
consultation with the industry. the fund.
[5] Review of Universal Service Fund Technical • 3 months from consultation to review technical working
Working Group. and co-0pt members.
ICT’S Ministers Wellington Declaration 2006:

‘’We recognise that information and


communication technologies (ICT’s), whilst
not an end in themselves have a key role as a
basis of economic development, whilst also
promoting and enhancing social cohesion,
cultural enrichment and environment
conservation.”

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