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Connect-World Global-ICT 2008     Magazine introduction The World Summit on the Information Society, WSIS, established a number of goals for the year 2015. Providing the world’s peoples with access - to connect the world’s people in even the remotest regions, its schools, governments, research centres, libraries, hospitals and health centres, cultural centres, museums, post offices and archives - was the primary goal. One of the most important goals set by the WSIS calls for a world where, “more than half the world's inhabitants have access to ICTs within their reach,” by 2015. The WSIS also called for, “ensuring that all of the world's population have access to television and radio services”. Providing digital access, as a way to achieve sustainable development, to half the world’s population within a decade is a grand ambition. It will take a mighty effort. Governments, international organizations and non-governmental organisations - NGOs, can do part of the job, but far from all of it. Much of this mighty effort will depend upon the world’s business enterprises. To complete this mission, new technologies, new hardware and software, new applications and content, manufacturing genius, financial resources and logistics that only private enterprise can efficiently provide, develop, deploy and manage will be needed. What is corporate responsibility in this context? What can, and should, corporations do, then, to help achieve the ambitious WSIS goals? What are they already doing? How can businesses participate? Why should they participate? What will be the rewards and the costs? Is corporate responsibility - corporate participation in the building of the Information Society - good business? These are the questions Connect-World will ask global leaders.     Theme: The information society 2015 - corporate responsibility and digital access for sustainable development Articles Contributors Feature articles     Article no.: 1 Topic: Knowledge societies and sustainable development Author: Mr Koïchiro Matsuura Title: Director-General Organisation: UNESCO PDF size: 191KB   About author: Koïchiro Matsuura has led UNESCO for the past nine years, carrying out major institutional reforms while advancing a range of programs from universal basic education, to freedom of information, to the preservation of living arts and cultures. He began his diplomatic career in Africa, leading to his lifelong work in development cooperation and political affairs. Other than Counsellor at the Japanese Embassy in Washington, DC, Mr Matsuura has served as Japan’s Consul General in Hong Kong, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sherpa for the G-7 Summit and Ambassador to France. Mr Matsuura was educated in law and economics respectively at the University of Tokyo and at Haverford College, Pennsylvania.   Article abstract: The digital divide is one of the greatest obstacles to creating knowledge societies around the world. The divide is more than just connectivity and technological development, nevertheless, information and communication technology (ICT) has the power to enhance human development. The information to transform lives is there, but access to it is often blocked by lack of communication, ignorance, language barriers, economic factors and political restrictions. UNESCO and the private sector now work together to implement joint programmes to foster universal access.   buy     Article no.: 2 Topic: Public/private cooperation for ICT access in Israel Author: Ariel Attias Title: Minister of Communications Organisation: Israel PDF size: 239KB   About author: Ariel Attias is Israel’s Minister of Communications and a Member of the Knesset. In this capacity, he has led a series of reforms in Israel’s telecom market planned to promote competition and safeguard consumer interests. Minister Attias is a member of the religious Shas Party. He was elected to the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, in March 2006 and has served there since. Mr Attias is a graduate of the Yeshiva, an institution which specialises in intensive Jewish scripture studies.   Article abstract: The widespread dissemination and assimilation of digital information technologies is a high priority in Israel. The government is revising its regulatory framework to liberalise its ICT sector and promote growth through competition. Nevertheless high speed broadband availability is far behind that of the major developed economies. The country’s Ministry of Communications is actively promoting public/private cooperation to bring next generation broadband networks to the country. It is tendering frequencies for WiMAX after a series of technology and market trials.   buy     Article no.: 3 Topic: The information society is everyone’s responsibility Author: Károly Borbély Title: Minister of Communications and Information Technology Organisation: Romania PDF size: 288KB   About author: Károly Borbély is the Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Romania. He has also served his country as Secretary of State and President of the National Authority for Youth. Mr Borbély was a candidate for the European Parliament elections in 2007. Mr Borbély was Chairman of the Hungarian Democratic Youth Organization in Hunedoara and the regional representative for the counties of Hunedoara, Cluj and Alba in Hungarian Society of Public Interest for Investment Promotion and Trade. Mr Borbély has also been the reader to the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania, and an adviser to the Parliamentary Office of Deputy Iuliu Winkler in Hunedoara. He began his career as the Director of Regional Marketing for the counties of Alba and Hunedoara at SC Concord Media SA Arad. Mr Borbély speaks Hungarian, Romanian and English. Károly Borbély attended the Faculty of Travel Management and Business of the University Dimitrie Cantemir and received his degree from Babeş - Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca. He studied for a master’s degree in Public Policy and European Integration at the National School of Political and Administrative Studies in Bucharest.   Article abstract: An information society requires more than information and communication technology; it needs a society behind it. The Romanian Government is enlisting the aid of the private sector and its citizens in the effort to create an information society and build its economy. The Romanian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has developed a number of projects and studies and worked with its citizens and private sector to this end. The exceptional economic results reflect, in part, this effort.   buy     Article no.: 4 Topic: Digital technology for a better life Author: Kemal Huseinović Title: Director General Organisation: Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina PDF size: 196KB   About author: Kemal Huseinović is the Director General of the Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, an independent state institution with sole jurisdiction over the country’s telecommunications and broadcasting sectors. During his long career in his country’s government, Mr Huseinović has served in a variety of high-level posts including as Counsellor for foreign policy to the Prime Minister and as national Y2K coordinator. In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr Huseinović served as Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy to Slovenia; as head of the Directorate for Financing, Information and Communication Systems, as Acting Assistant Minister for General Affairs and headed the Ministry’s Division for Computer and Communication Networks. Mr Huseinović began his career as a software engineer at Energoinvest, in what was then Yugoslavia. Mr Huseinović has participated in numerous international conferences as the head of national delegations and has spoken at many of these events. Kemal Huseinović holds a B.S. in electrical engineering, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ljubljana and Master of Electrical Engineering, from the University of Sarajevo.   Article abstract: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Communications Regulatory Agency has been steadily transforming its communications sector. Despite the slowdown during the war that ended in 1995, the country now boasts penetration figures similar to the rest of the South-Eastern Europe region for both fixed and mobile communications. The agency’s efforts to expand service by fostering competition have resulted in a marketplace with three fixed and three mobile operators, 15 alternative fixed public telephony operators, 53 cable TV providers and 198 radio and TV stations.   buy     Article no.: 5 Topic: Adoption - and prosperity - through public-private partnerships Author: Bill Gates Title: Chairman Organisation: Microsoft Corp PDF size: 219KB   About author: William (Bill) H. Gates is Chairman of Microsoft Corporation. Mr Gates recently left his day-to-day role in the company to spend more time on his global health and education work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which he and his wife have heavily endowed. Mr Gates has written two best-selling books, Business @ the Speed of Thought, and The Road Ahead, which held the No. 1 spot on the New York Times’ bestseller list for seven weeks. Mr Gates donated the proceeds of both books to non-profit organizations that support the use of technology in education and skills development. Mr Gates also founded Corbis, which is developing one of the world’s largest resources of visual information - a comprehensive digital archive of art and photography from public and private collections around the globe. He is also a member of the board of directors of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Mr Gates attended Harvard University, but left in his junior year to devote his energies to Microsoft, a company he began in 1975 with his childhood friend Paul Allen.   Article abstract: The world has 6.6 billion people, but only one billion have access to a full range of economic and social opportunities. ‘Strategic corporate philanthropy’, based on public-private partnerships, where social needs overlap with corporate expertise and business interests, and participating companies, can provide not just money but also expertise and experience that can speed the pace of progress. The goal is to support the development of local economies that have the infrastructure and skilled workforce needed to create sustainable growth.   buy     Article no.: 6 Topic: The digital divide - dividing the effort Author: Emil Nikolov Title: President & CEO Organisation: Nexcom Telecommunications PDF size: 189KB   About author: Emil Nikolov is the President and CEO of Nexcom Telecommunications; he has more than 13 years of experience in building and managing telecommunications companies in Central Europe, Eastern Europe and Africa. Mr Nikolov co-founded Nexcom Telecommunications LLC, a US holding company that owns and operates alternative competitive telcos throughout Central and Eastern Europe and a commercial national WiMAX network in Eastern Europe (Bulgaria). Mr Nikolov started Eyebill a telecom billing software company and Hermesphone, a telecom operator providing retail telecom service to Eastern European minorities in the US, UK and Canada. Mr Nikolov recently started Clearstream Holdings Limited, which currently owns WiMAX spectrum in seven countries in Europe, Africa and Asia. Mr Nikolov is a frequent featured speaker at various WiMAX telecom shows and events.   Article abstract: Technology has always made a difference. In today’s world, access to information and communication technology determines, in great part, who succeeds and who does not, but some five billion people still do not have this access. The goal of giving 50 per cent of the world’s population access to ICTs and connect universities, libraries, schools and people in the remotest regions by 2015 will be difficult to achieve without the unstinting cooperation of the public sector, NGOs, businesses and individuals.   buy     Article no.: 7 Topic: Converged, ubiquitous networks Author: Kuldeep Goyal Title: Chairman and Managing Director Organisation: CMD, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) India PDF size: 303KB   About author: Shri Kuldeep Goyal is the Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). He has vast experience in the field of telecommunications having worked in: planning, installation, operation and maintenance of wireline and wireless services, data services, computerization of network services and the provision of value added services. He previously served as BSNL’s Chief General Manager in Maharashtra. Prior to that, Mr Goyal was Executive Director, MTNL, Mumbai. Mr Goyal also worked in Yemen with Telecommunication Consultants India Ltd. He has been an invited speaker at GSM Association, Institute of Engineers, Institute of Electrical and Telecommunications Engineers, and Confederation of Indian Industry events, as well as on television and All India Radio. Mr Goyal has published articles in the Telecommunications Journal. He was a Member of National Working Group of ITU-T Study Group 2 on operational aspect of service provision, networks and performance of telecom networks. He is also a member of the Telecommunication Committee of Indian Merchants Chambers, Mumbai. Shri Kuldeep Goyal is an engineering graduate from IIT Roorkee.   Article abstract: Network convergence, driven by IP-based architectures, will give people access to an unprecedented volume of information and services, but be difficult for operators. The migration to fully converged systems will take at least ten years and will raise a series of questions regarding business models and service offerings. In a converged environment, any sort of personal or business service must be delivered over any sort of fixed or wireless network - with seamless handover between networks - at any time.   buy     Article no.: 8 Topic: Final Author: Simon Beresford-Wylie Title: CEO Organisation: Nokia Siemens Networks PDF size: 291KB   About author: Simon Beresford-Wylie is the CEO of Nokia Siemens Networks. Mr Beresford-Wylie, before becoming CEO of Nokia Siemens Networks, was Nokia’s Executive Vice President and General Manager for Networks. Mr Beresford-Wylie held several positions in Nokia Asia and Europe before his appointment to head Nokia’s infrastructure business group. Before joining Nokia, Mr Beresford-Wylie was CEO of Indian mobile operator Modi Telstra (Pte. Ltd). Prior to that, Mr Beresford-Wylie held various management positions within Telstra’s Corporate and Government Business Unit. Before entering the private sector, Mr Beresford-Wylie worked for Australian government agencies responsible for taxation and for industry policy. Simon Beresford-Wylie holds degrees in economic geography and history from the Australian National University, and is a graduate of the Executive Development Programme of Stanford University/National University of Singapore.   Article abstract: Over five billion people will have mobile phones by 2015. Most of the new subscribers will be in developing regions and 80 per cent will be low-income subscribers spending only US$3 per month for all their communication needs. Internet usage is also accelerating. Mobile broadband is the most efficient way to provide affordable voice and Internet connectivity in emerging markets. The challenge will be to create workable business models, regulations and solutions to practical barriers such as access to electricity in emerging markets.   buy     Article no.: 9 Topic: Mobile technology - empowering the world Author: Dr Paul E. Jacobs Title: CEO Organisation: Qualcomm Inc PDF size: 212KB   About author: Dr Paul E. Jacobs is CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated and a member of the Board of Directors. Dr Jacobs has served in a variety of executive posts at Qualcomm including Executive VP and Group President of QWI, Senior Vice President, President of QCP, and Executive VP of Qualcomm. Dr Jacobs has been granted more than 25 patents for his inventions in the area of wireless technology. Dr Jacobs endowed the ‘Paul and Stacy Jacobs Distinguished Professor of Engineering’ Chair at the University of California-Berkeley. He is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa, Eta Kappa Nu and Tau Beta Pi honour societies. Dr Jacobs serves on the boards of A123Systems and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of the University of California-Berkeley, College of Engineering; the Advisory Board of University of California-San Diego, Jacobs School of Engineering; and the Young President’s Organization. Dr Jacobs received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and his PhD in electrical engineering from the University of California-Berkeley.   Article abstract: The use of wireless technology is expanding at an astounding rate. With the help of extremely low-priced handsets and affordable services people at the lowest levels in emerging markets are adopting mobile phones at an ever accelerating rate. The vision of a fully connected global society is rapidly becoming a reality and people everywhere are benefiting from access to information, to markets, education, healthcare and government services. Mobile phone and Internet penetration both bring significant improvement in national GDP.   buy     Article no.: 10 Topic: Global coverage for ICT Author: Chris Russell Title: Chairman Organisation: World Teleport Association (WTA) PDF size: 203KB   About author: Chris Russell is Chairman of the World Teleport Association (WTA), the only trade association focusing on the business of satellite communications from the ground up. Mr Russell has a distinguished background in broadcasting production then commercial development in the satellite communications field. Mr Russell was the founding General Manager of Teleport London International, which is now part of Arqiva Communications. He has since been providing project start-up and management services through his own company Henley Partners International. Chris Russell has an MA from Pembroke College, Cambridge in modern languages, and an MBA from Open University, London.   Article abstract: The technical and commercial innovation inherent in teleports, ground-stations facilities linking satellites to terrestrial networks, has been a driver in the development of the satellite industry. High bandwidth prices have restricted widespread use of satellite for ICTs in developing countries, but public sector funding from supranational agencies - and new satellites optimised for broadband - can change that. The cost of failure to provide these services is often ignored. ICT services are essential to education, communications and commerce in the global economy   buy     Article no.: 11 Topic: Building the Information Society one network at a time Author: David Hershberg Title: Chairman and CEO Organisation: Globecomm Systems PDF size: 221KB   About author: David Hershberg is the founder, Chairman and CEO of Globecomm Systems. Mr Hershberg, a satellite communications pioneer since 1959, helped develop the ground stations for the first active satellite systems at ITT. Prior to Globecomm, Mr Hershberg was the founder and President of Satellite Transmission Systems, Inc, (STS), a provider of satellite ground segment systems and networks, which became a subsidiary of California Microwave, Inc. He is also a member of the Society of Satellite Professionals Hall of Fame and winner of the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Satellite Communications exchange conference, and holds numerous patents in the satellite communications field. Mr Hershberg holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University and an M.S. in Management Science from Stevens Institute of Technology.   Article abstract: Every society is an information society; those with more information will do better than those with less. Developing countries face serious problems, but those that develop their ICT infrastructures, and give their citizens access to communications and information, tend to do better than those that don’t. By leapfrogging to the latest technologies, and taking advantage of satellite systems to provide vital backbone and management services, countries can quickly and cost-effectively upgrade their communications infrastructures and give their citizens access to information.   buy     Article no.: 12 Topic: Sustainable development through satellite communications Author: Andrew Sukawaty Title: Chairman and CEO Organisation: Inmarsat plc PDF size: 195KB   About author: Andrew Sukawaty is the Chairman and CEO of Inmarsat. Mr Sukawaty has spent 30 years in the telecommunications industry and has been involved in starting several businesses. He was a pioneer in the paging and cellular industries since their inception. Mr Sukawaty was previously the president and CEO of Sprint PCS. He was CEO of NTL Limited and previously held various management positions with US West and AT&T. Mr Sukawaty holds a BBA from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from the University of Minnesota.   Article abstract: Africa has 14 per cent of the world’s population, but less than two per cent of its fixed telephones and fewer Internet subscribers than either France, Germany, the UK, or the USA among others. This digital divide blocks Africa’s economic development, but economically connecting Africa, including its remote regions, is among the biggest challenges in global communications. European Satellite Operators (ESOA), the UN and many NGOs are working together to bring satellite communications for voice and data to the continent.   buy     Article no.: 13 Topic: Satellites and the digital divide in Africa Author: Romain Bausch Title: CEO SES & Chairman of the Board Organisation: SES ASTRA, SES AMERICOM, SES New Skies and SES SIRIUS PDF size: 245KB   About author: Romain Bausch joined SES as CEO and President in 1995. He is also Chairman of the Board of SES ASTRA, SES AMERICOM, SES New Skies and SES SIRIUS. Prior to joining SES Mr Bausch was the Administrator General of the Luxembourg Ministry of Finance. Romain Bausch has an MA in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Nancy.   Article abstract: Connecting Africa’s population and giving them access to the 21st century’s global economy and to the Information Society presents daunting challenges. Africa is the world’s least connected continent. It includes vast areas that are difficult and costly to reach, have low population density, and are uneconomical to serve using traditional wired or wireless networks. Satellites can economically bring basic communications and Internet access to Africa’s schools, hospitals, businesses and homes for a wide variety of services and are invaluable during emergencies.   buy     Article no.: 14 Topic: Public-private partnerships for wireless QoS Author: Walda W. Roseman Title: CEO Organisation: CompassRose International, Inc PDF size: 197KB   About author: Walda Roseman is CEO of CompassRose International, Inc, an ICT consulting firm specializing in strategic issues with an international dimension. Ms Roseman has served in a variety of executive positions, including Director of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s Office of International Communications, Intelsat Senior Executive for External Relations and Senior Strategic Advisor, Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Senior Vice President of National Public Radio, and Director of Public Affairs for the White House Office of Telecommunications Policy. Ms Roseman has been Adjunct Professor at George Washington University and serves on several boards, including the boards of the Arthur C. Clarke Foundation, the American Refugee Committee International, and the U.S. ITU Association. Ms Roseman is a graduate of Cornell University.   Article abstract: The most successful public-private partnerships have been between regulators, and the ICT sector. The spectacular growth of mobile communications worldwide is due to the decision by regulators to keep the cellular communications sector highly competitive and outside the state-owned monopolies. As a result, cellular communications grew rapidly and economies worldwide were transformed. Improved quality of service - QoS - is needed now for wireless growth. It is the next great challenge for this sort of public-private partnership.   buy     Article no.: 15 Topic: Convergence and data - pushing the limits of the network Author: Peter Kaliaropoulos Title: CEO Organisation: Batelco PDF size: 201KB   About author: Peter Kaliaropoulos is the CEO of Batelco a regional mobile company operating in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Yemen and Egypt. He has over 27 years of experience in the information communications technology sector. Mr Kaliaropoulos has held various senior executive roles including MD SingTel Optus Business (Australia); COO/SVP StarHub (Singapore); CEO Clear (New Zealand); Director Sales & Service, BT Asia Pacific (Singapore & Australia); Director, BT Syncordia Asia Pacific; VP Sales & Marketing, Telstra (USA) and MD of Mobile Sales & Distribution, Telstra (Australia). He has also served as a Director on the Board of various IT&T companies in Singapore, USA, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. Mr Kaliaropoulos holds a BEng - electrical engineering from the University of New South Wales, Australia, and an MBA from Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia   Article abstract: Convergence is here to stay. Customer demand is still limited for a host of reasons but operators know that without the cost savings, the ease of creating new services, and the other market possibilities convergence provides, they cannot long survive in any competitive market. The cost savings of fixed/mobile/wireless convergence are especially compelling in underserved and remote regions. Despite its advantages, convergence faces a number of challenges, including from regulators who fear it can unbalance the local competitive equilibrium.   buy     Article no.: 16 Topic: Mobile TV - ubiquitous access to news and information Author: Dr Weijie Yun Title: CEO and Co-founder Organisation: Telegent Systems PDF size: 220KB   About author: Dr Weijie Yun is the CEO and Co-founder of Telegent Systems. Prior to joining Telegent, Mr Yun, a serial entrepreneur,led marketing and product management at Berkana Wireless, the world’s first company to introduce a single-chip RF CMOS receiver for GSM/GPRS cellular applications. He also served as the founding CEO of AIP Networks and was a founder and director of SiTek, a spin-off resulting from his work developing BEI Technologies’ Microengineering Technology Center. Mr Yun received his MS and PhD degrees in electrical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and his BS degree in physics and electronics from Zhengzhou University in China.   Article abstract: Television plays an important role shaping culture and providing public services. Mobile TV - over-the-air broadcasts received on a mobile phone - plays a significant role in emerging markets. Mobile handsets that receive TV are often the only access to TV broadcasts in remote regions. Although little used in mature markets, mobile TV is a key source of information for millions of consumers in emerging markets. During emergencies such as earthquakes, it is vitally important during rescue efforts and can save lives.   buy Confirmed authors (Order by article no.)   Mr Koïchiro Matsuura Director-General, UNESCO   Ariel Attias Minister of Communications, Israel   Károly Borbély Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Romania   Kemal Huseinović Director General , Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina   Bill Gates Chairman, Microsoft Corp   Emil Nikolov President & CEO , Nexcom Telecommunications   Kuldeep Goyal Chairman and Managing Director, CMD, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) India   Simon Beresford-Wylie CEO, Nokia Siemens Networks   Dr Paul E. Jacobs CEO, Qualcomm Inc   Chris Russell Chairman, World Teleport Association (WTA)   David Hershberg Chairman and CEO, Globecomm Systems   Andrew Sukawaty Chairman and CEO, Inmarsat plc   Romain Bausch CEO SES & Chairman of the Board, SES ASTRA, SES AMERICOM, SES New Skies and SES SIRIUS   Walda W. Roseman CEO, CompassRose International, Inc   Peter Kaliaropoulos CEO, Batelco   Dr Weijie Yun CEO and Co-founder, Telegent Systems