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The Advanced Information and Telecommunications Society Promotion
Headquarters --IT Strategic Headquarters, headed by Prime Minister
KOIZUMI Junichiro-- decided that the "Asia Broadband Program"
should be formulated within FY2002 as one of the concrete policy measures
toward the "realization of an internationally-balanced IT society
such as construction of international Internet networks" as clearly
stated in the "e-Japan Priority Policy Program - 2002" (adopted
on June 18, 2002).
The International Conference for Asia Broadband Strategy convened
by Mr. KATAYAMA Toranosuke, Minister for Public Management, Home Affairs,
Posts and Telecommunications with the purpose of contributing to the
formulation of the "Asia Broadband Program," has been deliberating
thereon. The Conference today compiled the results of a series of
deliberations as the following summary:
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1. Basic recognitions, etc. |
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(1) Basic recognitions at this Conference
a) |
Each country/economy in the Asian region has a rich diversity
in various ways such as geographical, social, economic, cultural
and linguistic aspects, while at the same time maintaining closer
relationships with each other. In recent years, active business
deployment of the companies in each country/economy in Asia
and vigorous international exchanges/moves, etc. of people have
in progressed. In addition, joint efforts across borders have
been carried out, as exemplified by moves toward conclusion
of FTAs, etc. and symbolized by the success of the 2002 FIFA
World Cup TM Korea-Japan.
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b) |
Asia is also one of the world's leading regions in terms of
broadband. The diffusion rates of broadband in Hongkong, Japan,
the Republic of Korea and Taiwan are ranked high in the leading
countries/economies of the world. Furthermore, Japan has become
a country that offers broadband services (DSL) at the world's
most inexpensive price level.
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c) |
The advantages of broadband platforms are "constant connection"
and "flat rates". Broadband platforms provide people
with a new environment, thus dramatically overcoming time/space
restraints in social communications compared with the past.
Broadband platforms with such features will contribute to improvement
of the quality of life, stimulation of creative activities,
invigoration and improved efficiency of corporations, NGOs,
administrations, etc.. They will also contribute to the shared
understanding of a broader range of diversified cultures, promotion
of science, etc., and encourage further development of society,
economy and the cultures of Asia. In particular, the significance
of facilitating cross-border activities and exchanges is highly
appreciated.
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d) |
However, from the viewpoint of sufficient utilization of
such effects of broadband, Asia as a whole is still in a developing
stage. Even in countries/economies with comparatively higher
diffusion rates of broadband, some point out that it is difficult
to say that available circuit capacities are fully utilized
because of insufficient broadband demand. Meanwhile, in developing
countries/economies, the most urgent task is to construct basic
and conventional telecommunications infrastructures, let alone
broadband. The digital divide still remains intact.
At present, the amount of international information distribution
among the countries/economies in the Asian region is small in
comparison with those in the North American and European regions.
While trade amounts between the tripolar hubs of Asia, North
America and Europe are nearly equal, the amounts of information
distribution between the "Asian and North American regions"
and the "Asian and European regions" respectively
are extremely smaller than those between the "North American
and European regions."
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e) |
In Asia, henceforth, it is considered that the cross-border
activities of individuals, corporations, NPOs, etc. will gain
much more significance through FTAs, etc. Thus, further development
of societies, economies and cultures should be encouraged as
an axis of such invigorated activities.
Broadband will be one of key infrastructures for development
of such an Asia in the 21st century. In order to utilize the
effects of broadband to the fullest through introduction and
diffusion of broadband, countries/economies in Asia are requested
to make efforts to implement measures for constructing network
infrastructures and promoting their use, as well as for closing
the international digital divide.
The results of these efforts will be extremely meaningful in
that multifaceted activities would flourish, the amounts of
information distribution within the Asian region and between
Asia and the rest of the world would increase, and Asia would
become one of the key information transmission bases (international
ICT hubs).
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f) |
In the years ahead, it is vital that such common recognitions
be shared and mutually concerted actions be taken by citizens,
governments, private companies, NPOs, and international organizations,
etc. in Asian countries/economies. |
(2) |
This time, the Study Group for the Asia Broadband Program,
established by MPHPT for the purpose of deliberating details
of the "Asia Broadband Program," has compiled its
outcome as a report [see annex]. This Conference, based on the
above-mentioned basic recognitions under (1), hereby understands
the contents of this "Report" as appropriate. |
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This Conference, based on the report of the "Study Group for
the Asia Broadband Program," hereby proposes the following:
(1) Goals
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Upon promotion of introduction/diffusion of broadband in Asia,
setting 2010 as a tentative target year, a common goal in Asia
is to invigorate information distribution within the Asian region
and make the Asian region as a whole a global information hub.
Specifically, paying respects to the diversity of Asia, it is
appropriate that domestic efforts and international support
be directed at, for instance, the following goals:
1) |
In each country/economy in Asia, the goals on the number
of broadband users, etc. for each country/economy should
be set forth at the earliest possible stage. When targets
already exist, the targets are to be achieved ahead of
schedule. Thus, people in Asia should be allowed to have
access to broadband including access from various public
facilities, and to use applications utilizing broadband
advantages to the fullest (e.g., e-governments at central
and local levels, distance learning, etc.).
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2) |
In response to broadband diffusion in Asia, construct
international intra-regional broadband networks with sufficient
bandwidths for directly linking countries/economies in
Asia.
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3) |
Increase amounts of information distribution (network
bandwidth) between "Asia and North America"
and "Asia and Europe" to the same level as those
between "North America and Europe."
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4) |
Facilitate transition of IPv4 networks to IPv6-ready
networks in Asia.
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5) |
Digitalize and archive cultural assets in Asian countries/economies,
share them via broadband and transmit them to the rest
of the world.
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6) |
In order to encourage economic activities and human
resources exchanges, etc. among Asian countries/economies,
develop machine translation technologies, etc. suitable
for the multilingual environment in Asia.
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7) |
With regard to human resources development, drastically
increase the number of engineers/researchers in the ICT
field. To this end, establish ICT training centers in
each Asian country/economy, especially Japan should make
efforts to at least double the number of trainees to be
accepted and that of experts to be dispatched.
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(2) Measures to be taken
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In order to contribute to achievement of the above-mentioned
goals under (1) through facilitation of broadband introduction/diffusion,
it is vital to i) construct network infrastructures, ii) stimulate
user demand for attractive broadband applications and digital
content, etc., iii) prepare common key infrastructures including
legal schemes and technologies, etc. for ensuring secure and
smooth use of broadband, and iv) foster human resources and
promote exchanges of human resources. Measures should be taken
from these viewpoints.
In this case, each government including the Japanese Govenment,
private corporations, NPOs, international organizations, etc.
should make concerted efforts in a well-collaborated manner.
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a) |
Major policies
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1) |
Developing the national strategy, legal platform, policy
and appropreately
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enforcing them
Preparation of network infrastructures in each country/economy
in Asia should, in principle, be led by the private
sector. To complement such endeavors, it is essential
for each government, etc. to develop a national
strategy including the setting forth of goals, legal
platforms, etc. such as pro-competitive policies,
and to appropriately enforce these. In order to
support those efforts and cooperate thereon, it
is vital to specify priority countries/economies,
further strengthen existing measures for dispatching
missions to conduct policy dialogues, etc., experts,
etc. as well as to implement these programs in a
comprehensive and well-organized manner.
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2) |
Preparation of international network infrastructures
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It is anticipated that international traffic will
sharply increase along with diffusion of domestic
broadband in each country/economy. In response to
such traffic increase, it is critical to prepare
international broadband network infrastructures,
international IXs, and hubs suitable for these in
Asia. To this end, in addition to R&D on key
technologies, etc., relevant private providers,
etc. in collaboration with governments, etc. should
facilitate such preparation on the basis of international
harmonization and cooperation. |
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3) |
Preparation of network infrastructures in developing
countries/economies
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It is vital to prepare network infrastructures
in developing countries/economies and rural areas,
from the viewpoint of bridging the digital divide.
It is desirable that IP networks including broadband,
which can realize lower-priced IP telephony service,
be prepared. Because IP networks cannot be sufficiently
prepared by private businesses, it is indispensable
for public organizations, etc., including governments
and international organizations, to support such
efforts. To this end, the official development assistance
(ODA) budget, etc. should be further increased. |
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4) |
Facilitation of transition to IPv6
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In response to the diffusion of broadband in each
country/economy in Asia, the transition of networks
to IPv6-ready ones becomes an important task. Each
government should i) set forth goals concerning
introduction/diffusion of IPv6-ready networks, ii)
promote the transition to IPv6, iii) stimulate demand
for IPv6 through R&D/verification experiments
pertaining to IPv6-ready applications, digital content,
ICT equipment, etc., and iv) carry out awareness
campaigns through the holding of international fora,
etc. for deepening understanding on IPv6. Furthermore,
closer relationships among sectors, including governments,
private businesses, NPOs, etc., should be established. |
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5) |
Development and commercialization of network technologies
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Considering the reality of Asia--dotted with areas
in which fiber-optic networks are hardly laid because
there are many mountainous areas and islands--new
infrastructure technologies suitable for Asia should
be developed and put into practical use, such as
fiber-optic, satellite communications technologies,
including the ultrahigh-speed Internet satellite
(WINDS: Wideband InterNetworking engineering test
and Demonstration Satellite) and Quasi-Zenith Satellite
System, and other radio communications technologies,
etc. |
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6) |
Preparation of technologies/rules comprising broadband
platforms
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In order to facilitate distribution of digital
content over broadband platforms, i) rulemaking
concerning intellectual property rights, etc. should
be established with appropreate applications, ii)
security measures should be actively promoted through
verification experiments on authentication technologies,
etc.
Furthermore, standardization of technology in Asia
should be actively carried out.
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7) |
Preparation of infrastructures for international collaboration
(testbeds, etc. for
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application development, etc.)
Preparation of an international broadband testbed
for technological development and verification experiments
pertaining to broadband, including applications,
digital content, ICT equipment, etc. among researchers
in Asian countries/economies through use of the
ultrahigh-speed Internet, should be promoted as
a broadband infrastructure for international collaboration.
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8) |
Promotion of applications utilizing broadband
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In order to encourage the introduction/diffusion
of broadband and utilize broadband to solve problems,
various applications utilizing broadband features
such as transmission of video with realistic sensations
should be promoted.
To this end, public applications such as distance
learning systems linking educational institutions,
etc. in Asia, e-governments at central and local
levels contributing to improved transparency, etc.
of administration, e-commerce, international exchanges,
etc. should be actively promoted by each country/economy.
At the same time, international support and cooperation
through technical cooperation, international joint
projects, etc. are to be carried out.
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9) |
Digital archives of cultural assets in Asia
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The diversified cultures formulated in the long
history of Asia are not only Asian assets but also
the world's assets. It is vital to preserve and
utilize these for a long time, from the viewpoint
of deepening the mutual understandings of different
cultures and invigorating/developing local economies.
To this end, it is vital to promote the construction
of "digital archives," including virtual
museums archiving the cultural heritage, traditional
performing arts, films of Asian countries/economies,
etc. An environment should be prepared in which
such archives can be shared via broadband by people
in Asia and the rest of the world, actively presenting
attractive Asian cultures. Governments and international
organizations should actively support such activities
through ODA, etc. |
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10) |
Efforts to respond to the multilingual environment in
Asia
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In Asia, there are many languages. In some cases,
the multilingual environment in the Asian region
may become an obstacle to mutual exchanges and the
provision/acquisition of important information.
To this end, R&D on machine translation/retrieval
technologies between multiple languages in Asia
should be promoted. |
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11) |
Human resources development/exchanges in the broadband
age
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Considering the current status that Asia lacks
human resources in the ICT field, it is vital to
make greater effort than before to carry out human
resources development and exchanges through technology
transfer, including ICT engineers and researchers
with advanced and specialized knowledge and skills.
Specifically, governments and international organizations
should drastically expand efforts to hold training
courses and dispatch experts focusing on broadband,
actively promote additional construction of ICT
training centers, etc. in Asian countries/economies
and support for such efforts. In addition, efforts
at various levels including the private sector,
NPOs, etc. should be strengthened and collaboration
with each other intensified.
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12) |
Bridging the digital divide
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Considering the significance of bridging the digital
divide, toward developing countries/economies and
rural areas, developed countries and international
organizations should further accelerate and expand
efforts to support them through assistance by official
funds such as ODA, etc.
Japan's ODA has been conducted on a request basis
from recipient countries/economies. Some point out
that Japan's ODA has many problems such as lack
of functions for sustainable development, and fewer
economic development effects. Thus, transition of
ODA from a request basis to an active project-forming
scheme should be considered. When considering the
significance that networks link Asian countries/economies,
Japan should actively offer ODA to multiple countries/economies,
currently being treated as a few exceptions. In
addition, implementation of ODA projects utilizing
information and communications technologies, such
as distance learning, telemedicine, etc. should
be actively promoted.
In particular, at the G8 Kyushu-Okinawa Summit meeting
held in July 2000, the Japanese government stated
that Japan would prepare a comprehensive cooperation
package with a total of about 15 billion dollars.
Japan should steadily implement the package toward
achievement of the goals.
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  b) |
With respect to other initiatives, these should be implemented
in line with the report of the "Study Group for the Asia
Broadband Program."
As regards details of individual concrete initiatives, it is
appropriate that these be studied further.
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c) |
Deliberations at this Conference cover the Asian region to
date. It is appropriate that initiatives applicable to island
countries in the Pacific should be promoted.
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(3) On the "Asia Broadband Program"
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a) |
An action plan of the Japanese government, the "Asia
Broadband Program," should be formulated within FY2002
in accordance with (2) above.
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b) |
With regard to implementation of the "Asia Broadband
Program," taking into consideration that the IT comprehensive
cooperation package of the G8 Kyushu-Okinawa Summit for bridging
the digital divide states cooperation with official funds of
a total of about 15 billion dollars within a five-year term,
Japan should implement priority initiatives listed in 1) through
12) above during three years from FY2003 through FY2005.
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c) |
Upon implementation of the "Asia Broadband Program,"
international promotion schemes should be prepared, including
utilization of the existing schemes, such as the Japan-China-Korea
ICT Ministerial Meetings, ASEAN + 3, Asia Pacific Telecommunity
(APT), Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Asian
Info-communications Council (AIC), etc. In addition, in Japan
a system for implementing those initiatives should be prepared
including those for private companies, etc. |
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In order to prepare broadband environments in the Asian region,
it is critical that Japan take leaderships in many aspects including
implementation of the "Asia Broadband Program."
For example, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) will
be held in December 2003 and in 2005. At a WSIS Asian regional conference
to be held in Tokyo in January 2003, it is considered vital that Japan
introduce proposals for gaining the understanding of Asian countries/economies,
thus, contributing to WSIS. WSIS, a United Nations event, is a good
opportunity to present the "Asia Broadband Program," an
Asian initiative for constructing a broadband environment, to the
world and to contribute to development of the world. We sincerely
desire that these proposals and the "Asia Broadband Program"
will lead to prosperity, peace and stability of Asia and the world.
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