Connecting Rural Communities by Terrestrial Wireless IP Technology; Pilot Projects of ITU-D

Transcription

1 Connecting Rural Communities by Terrestrial Wireless IP Technology; Pilot Projects of ITU-D Side Event of the Asian Regional Conference for WSIS, Session III Tokyo, January 12, 2003, United Nations University Rapporteur of ITU-D SG2 for Rural Communications ITU Headquarters

2 Structure of International Telecommunication Union(ITU) Headquartered in Geneva ; General Secretariat( SG Mr. Utsumi, DSG Mr. Blois) Technical Standardization Bureau(TSB:Mr. Zhao) Radio Communication Bureau(RB:Mr. Timofeev) Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT:Mr.Toure) ITU-D SG1 :Telecom. Development Strategy and Policies SG2: Development & Management of Telecom. Services and Networks TDAG(Telecom. Dev. Advisory Group) ITU TELECOM Secretariat

3 Outline of this Presentation 1. Introduction of ITU Structure and Activities 2. Focus Group7 Final Report; Recommendations & Findings 3. Solution: Wireless IP Technology 4. Pilot Projects deploying Terrestrial Wireless IP 5. Experiences to date

4 Purpose of ITU in Article 1 of Constitution to promote and to offer technical assistance to developing countries in the field of telecommunications, and also to promote the mobilization of the material, human and financial resources needed for its implementation, as well as access to information to promote the development of technical facilities and their most efficient operation with a view improving the efficiency of telecommunication services, increasing their usefulness and making them, so far as possible, generally available to the public

5 Istanbul Action Plan(IsAP-02) (Structure) World Telecommunication Development Conference(WTDC-02) Two Study Groups SG1: Policy and Regulatory SG2: Technology(to deal with rural communication, bridging digital divide, wireless IP pilot projects) Telecommunication Development Advisory Group(TDAG) Task Force on Gender Issues

6 6 Programs of IsAP-02 P1:Regulatory reform P2:Technologies and telecommunication network development P3: E-strategy and e-services/applications P4:Economics and finance including cost & tariffs P5: Human capacity building P6: Special program for least developed countries

7 3 Focus Group 7 s Final Report (New technologies for rural applications)

8 Focus Group 7 Final Report The report addressed the access network, including the local loop, and end-user terminals, as well as off-grid or renewal energy solutions. The report identified a need for low-cost, wireless access technologies with packet-based networks for the possible delivery of multimedia applications. Based on the report s findings, six recommendations are addressed to the BDT.

9 FG7 Recommendations 1. Promote the development of low-cost information appliances for rural use. 2. Create a renewable energy handbook on small-scale power systems for rural ICTs. 3. Increase collaboration with micro-finance organizations to develop communication-based rural businesses and applications. 4. Conduct pilot projects of packet-based wireless access infrastructure for multimedia applications. 5. Maintain and expand FG7 Web site. 6. Hold a symposium on new technologies for rural applications.

10 Telemedicine Electrocardiogram monitor that transmits patient data over a regular telephone line Videophone Telemedicine in Indonesia

11 Tele-education African Virtual University New Skies Satellite Content Provider (university or studio) Uplink Facility (Washington D.C., Europe, Canada Partner Institutions (Africa) Classroom Classroom AVU classroom at the Ethiopian Civil Service College (left)

12 Trends in rural applications Specialized expertise used to design applications in education, health care, administration, etc. Widespread adoption of Internet platform and multimedia content Presence of multiple actors: PTOs, Governments, NGOs, UN Agencies Lack of telecom connectivity still #1 barrier in rural areas

13 Country Infrastructure: Limited and Expensive April 02 ITU SPU Uplink/downlink capacity Population (million) Proportionate cost per 64 Kbit/s unit/month Lao PDR 1.644/ Mbit/s 5.23 n.a. Rwanda 1.256/1.5 Mbit/s 7.73 n.a. Mali 2/3 Mbit/s USD Samoa 512/2.256 Kbit/s 0.18 USD 840 Cambodia 3.5/6 Mbit/s USD 625 Mozambique 1.6/2.2 Mbit/s n.a. Gambia 5/5 Mbit/s 1.30 USD 625/265 Nepal 5.5/10 Mbit/s USD 625 Uganda 4/12 Mbit/s n.a.

14 LDCs are falling behind Source: ITU/SPU April 2002 World: 360 million LDCs: 0.58 million Estimated Internet Users 0.13% Total: 6 billion LDCs: 680 million Population 10%

15 Wireless Access Technologies EXISTING VHF radio PMP/Cordless WLL VSAT Digital satellite radio PHS-WLL EMERGING CDMA450 IMT-2000 Wireless routers(voip) Two-way satellite Internet access

16 Wireless IP-Based Networks at PSTN Edge Recommended technology for rural applications Wireless IP Phone Network WAN link over rough terrain Gateway to PSTN(H323)

17 Packet-Based Wireless Technology combined with Internet Protocol(IP) Routers Advantages over circuit-switched networks becoming the platform : alternative for new telecommunication network Data-path(channel) to be shared simultaneously among users in the network(low cost services) It can be multi-media platform including voice services(voip), facsimile etc. Automatic rerouting capability(protection for facility failure)

18 Wireless has advantage over copper wire Important tool for reducing the digital divide Provide fast roll-out time Lower maintenance cost and greater network flexibilities

19 Powering rural and remote telecom installations Micro Hydro power Wind Energy Solar Power

20 Taking advantage of low-cost multimedia devices Price Range for Low-End Multimedia Devices, September 2000 Retail Prices, US$ $1000 $800 $600 $400 $200 Appliance Digital Satellite Radio Cellular Phone Handheld Computer PC + monitor $0

21 Lowering the technical skills:barrier using information appliances To install a pre-configured appliance: insert batteries plug in telephone line turn on machine To install PC-based connect hard disk drive, monitor, keyboard and mouse plug computer & monitor into 110/220 AC outlet boot up the hard drive navigate the file management system install software configure dial-up access number, modem rate, SMTP server, etc.

22 Guidelines for Rural ICTs Modularity and scalability Use of wireless technologies Low frequency bands Remote network management Simple configuration & operation

23 Guidelines for Rural ICTs (con t.) Accessible user interface Long life cycle Multi-user terminals Standards compliance Low power requirements

24 FG7 Task Force set the goal, February 2001 Priority was set to conduct pilot projects of packet-based wireless access infrastructure for multimedia applications to be provided in an affordable and sustainable manner Objective and Criteria for the launch of pilot projects were created BDT could seek the resources within the ITU from Telecom surplus fund BDT could identify potential partners for the pilot projects for mobilizing resources from outside-technological, human, and monetary -

25 8. Pilot Projects

26 Objective of Pilot Projects 1) To create exemplary practical example of the introduction of new technologies; to set-up modern telecommunication applications to facilitate the understanding of the possibilities and benefits of ICT for rural areas in developing countries 2) To test the suitability of packet-based wireless IP infrastructure for delivering multimedia applications such as tele-education, telemedicine, local business development, and so forth, cost effectively in rural areas

27 Selection Criteria for Pilot Projects Location (Natural Environment) Rural or remote areas, preferably in a LDC countries The presence of a mass of needy users Presence of telecom-related infrastructure elements needed Appropriate geographical and meteorological conditions for the equipment to be installed

28 Selection Criteria for Pilot Projects (Continued) (General context) A favorable regulatory environment An identified demand(existing or potential) for telephone service, as well as multimedia applications such as tele-education, telemedicine, environmental monitoring, and so forth Socioeconomic impact of the pilot project on the rural community(the pilot projects should be developed to have the widest developmental impact, including support for education, health, small business development, governance and poverty reduction The level of commitment from the government, local authority etc.

29 Selection Criteria for Pilot Projects B. Equipment As described in the FG7 recommendations, the technology to be installed is expected to be packet based and wireless(ism band) C. Shared use concept The pilot projects will most likely to take place within a shared-facility such as a university extension center, hospital, post office, etc. The exact configuration of such telecenters has yet to be worked out and will vary according to the local environment. However, most telecenter are expected to offer phone, fax, , and Internet services Projects will be implemented in conjunction with the BDT s telecenters.

30 ITU s Pilot Projects (Candidates) AMERICAS Brazilian Proposal(National Virtual Library) The community center in a fishing village in the outskirt of Rio de Janeiro to be covered by the wireless IP network and to be connected via satellite internet to Brazilian national project of multimedia digital library. The service may be expandable to Portuguese speaking countries in Africa(Angola, Mozambique, etc.) EUROPE Bulgarian Proposal(Multimedia Telecentre) This project proposal was received by the Ministry of Transport and Communication in July 2001 and they are patiently awaiting the ITU s decision to fund a rural extension of a EU funding telecentre network into the outlaying rural area of Septemvri. In addition to testing the viability of packet-based wireless IP technology, this proposal aims to provide advanced telemedicine applications. ASIA Sri Lankan Proposal(Open University) Basically it is a open university project to provide youth in villages of Sri Lanka who can not afford to attend the Mumbai University. Multimedia service platform can also provide telemedicine and information services to cover the rural areas in the outskirt of Mumbai

31 Pilot Projects(continued) AFRICA Ugandan Proposal (Rural Extension of Nakaseke Community Telecentre) This proposal aims to extend the services offered by the ITU/UNESCO/IDRC Multipurpose Community Telecentre into rural and remote areas by testing the use of packet-based wireless IP technology. This project proposal received by a consortia of AFRICA: government and private sector players, where local and national partners will be subsidizing the costs in terms of e-applications, PSTN connection, microwave links, interconnection costs, labour and facility costs. Regular meetings with all stakeholders have been coordinated by the Ugandan Communications Commission who is keen to implement their rural communications policy and to test the use of Voice over IP using this technology as a precursor to possible regulatory reform. ARAB STATES Yemenese Proposal (Rural Network extension using Wireless IP) Yemen has been working on a rural connectivity strategy and policy for the last three years and this project complements existing strategies for low-cost wireless IP access. The project involves the connection of 10 rural settlements to the PSTN. The project is being supported by the ITU Office in Cairo together with ITU experts currently working with Yemenese partners on their rural communications strategy.

32 Marrakesh Resolution on Bridging the Digital Divide instructs the Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau to take appropriate measures to implement the resolution and the following items: i) to replicate the pilot model for bridging the digital divide by taking into consideration the deployment of cost-efficient, IPbased network technology and client terminals applicable to rural and remote communities; ii) to conduct the pilot projects in conjunction with planned telecentre or community centre projects for evaluation of various new technologies available from the market, and also evaluate their sustainability, affordability, and applicability to teleeducation, telemedicine, small business development and gender issues in rural areas; iii) and evaluate models for affordable and sustainable systems for rural access to information and communications on the global network

33 Wireless IP community networks implemented in Japan

34 Wireless IP experiment in Malaysia sponsored by APT Distance of 1,260m ; Between the Construction Office and Kenyalang College (Students dormitory)

35 Wireless IP experiment in Malaysia sponsored by APT Distance of 5,250m ; Between Kuching North City Hall (Cat Museum) and UNIMAS FMHS* Bld. * Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

36 Tokai University - East Bhutan Tele-ECG Project Japan s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Project (GGP) Objective: To install tele-ecg equipments(12-lead ECG & Cardio echography) linking over Wireless IP network for district hospitals in remote East Bhutan Project description - Two hospitals, i.e. Trashiyangtse Hospital & Lhuntse Hospital, will be linked with Thimphu via wireless IP(ISM band) - 12-lead ECG analyzer with a laptop computer will be installed at each hospital linking with dial-up style PSTN to support tele-consultation. - Training and tutorial course will be provided Benefits: - Improved medical care for cardiac and emergency patients - Early detection of pediatric abnormality - Cost-saving on referral cases - Reduced isolation and provision of CME(Continuous Medical Education) for health-care workers through the Internet

37 Tele-ECG analysis in Bhutan

38 Cardio Echography( included this system) tested over dial-up PSTN in Bhutan

39 Sir Donald Maitland(Author of Missing Link Report), planting a little tree in Arusha, Tanzania, in 1984

40 Thank you!