Livelihood Opportunities and Culture Preservation through Sustainable and Eco-friendly ICT Telecenter

Transcription

1 Asia Pacific Telecommunity The 8 th Asia Pacific Telecommunication and ICT Development Forum (ADF-8) June 2011, Macao, China Document No. ADF-8/21 30 June 2011 Livelihood Opportunities and Culture Preservation through Sustainable and Eco-friendly ICT Telecenter By Mr. Rommel Natividad Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Marshall Islands

2 APT Extra Budgetary Contribution Japan (EBCJ2) HRD (Human Resource Development) programme for Exchange of ICT Researchers and Engineers Livelihood Opportunities and Culture Preservation through Sustainable and Eco friendly ICT Telecenter REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS Rommel Natividad Ministry of Transportation and Communications Where is Marshall Islands? Republic of the Marshall Islands is located middle of Australia and Hawaii, north of the equator and west of the date line. 29 Atolls and 5 Islands are distributed over 200 million square km of vast sea, across latitude 4-14 degrees north, degrees of east longitude. Population is about 59,999 and by Saturday 60,000. Over , Japan was governing territory. Later, passing through the trust territory under the U.S.A., it became independent in 1986 as the free associated states with the U.S.A. It became a member of United Nations in September 17, 1991, and was accepted as the independent State. Became an ITU member February 22, 1996 and Became a member of APT in 24 February 2005 How to get there originating in ASIA ISLAND HOPPER (MoWeFr) Tokyo - Guam - Chuuk Phonpei Kosrae Kwajelein, Marshall Islands - Majuro, Marshall Islands Manila - Guam - Chuuk Phonpei Kosrae Kwajelein, Marshall Islands - Majuro, Marshall Islands STRAIGHT FLIGHT (Sa) Tokyo Guam Majuro Manila Guam - Majuro OR (STRAIGHT FLIGHT (TuThFr) (Tokyo / Manila) Guam Honolulu - Majuro Outbound for GUAM is MoTuThSa Outbound for HONOLULU is MoWeFrSa Monopoly of CONTINENTAL MICRONESIA Airfare is 1,400 USD Special or 2,000 USD Open VISA REQUIREMENTS: US visa thru Guam and 90 days RMI VISA FREE. 1

3 Refresher course Mushroom-shaped cloud and water column from the underwater Baker nuclear explosion of July 25, Photo taken from a tower on Bikini Island, 3.5 mi (5.6 km) away. The atoll, however, has always been called Bikini by the native Marshall Islanders, from Marshallese "Pik" meaning "surface" and "Ni" meaning "coconut". The name was popularized in the United States not only by nuclear bomb tests, but because the bikini swimsuit was named after the island in The two-piece swimsuit was introduced within days of the first nuclear test on the atoll, when the name of the island was in the news. [ Introduced just weeks after the one-piece "Atome" was widely advertised as the "smallest bathing suit in the world", it was said that the bikini "split the atome". For more information please go to Wikipedia and type Operations Crossroads and Bikini History of RMI APT EBCJ2 application: 1.September 14, 2009 (Submission of RMI EBCJ3 application) 2.November 2, 2009 (APT s recommendation to reclassify from EBCJ3 into EBCJ2) 3.November 24, 2009 (RMI EBCJ3 reclassified and resubmitted as EBCJ2 application) 4.March 8, 2010 (APT chose RMI EBCJ2 as one of the fortunate recipient of EBCJ2 project amounting to 37,536 USD 5.March 31, 2010 (RMI sent the acceptance letter through Foreign Affairs) 2

4 Preparations for the visits: 1.Endorsement from Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to the RMI Expert team for necessary entry visa. 2. Endorsement of the Japan Expert team by Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) to the MOFA for necessary entry visa. 3. Acquisition of Temporary License to Import and Operate BGAN 4. Working on schedule of meetings OBJECTIVES To promote actions that will lead to economic growth and help reduce the poor quality of life in Mejit by researching on multimedia services over the broadband IP platform that can be deployed such as local e-commerce, money remittance services, credit card transaction services, e-governance, mobile phone services, and internet services available to the remote island of Mejit. To educate the Mejit inhabitants that there is a more efficient way of communicating, for the purpose of business or personal, other than the HF radio and that is broadband solutions in order to attract tourists as well as social welfare of island dwellers, thus promoting tourism, associated investment, empowering the local economy and enriching the life of inhabitants. To research on what broadband technology will be applicable to Mejit that will be sustainable and tap into prospected sponsors to kick-start the phase two of the project, which is deployment. To encourage the inhabitants that they can utilize technology to preserve the culture of leaf-weaving and rope making and to enrich the next generation population on the isolated island through higher quality basic education of urban standard. To study the technology options, applicable services, maintenance and operation, sustainability, economic viability, possibility of public private partnership for the plan of Mejit Network Project for implementation and its replication to other atolls. 3

5 STAKEHOLDERS 1. KDDI provide expertise and consultation 2. KDDI Foundation provide expertise, consultation and transfer of technologies 3. Ministry of Transportation and Communications provide expertise in installation, configuration, echo training and consider regulatory and policy settlement as necessary for isolated islands in the atoll. 4. Ministry of Education provide education to youths and individuals thru ICT 5. Ministry of Health improve healthcare service through tele-consultation telemedicine services from the hospital in Majuro. 6. Mejit Atoll Local Government (mayors and council) encourage community to prepare for small scale businesses and building the tele-center for socio-economic development. 7. Mejit Senator lobby for the support of fellow legislators regarding technological advancement. 8. Chief and Landowners provide approval on construction of buildings and towers 9. Marshall Island Yatch Club provide necessary marketing to incoming yatchies. 10. Marshall Energy Company provide expertise on solar power troubleshooting. 11. RMI Telecommunications Authority provide support on post research/project implementation and operation & maintenance period MEJIT ISLAND REASON FOR SELECTION For the J2 project proposals, three candidate places of Maloelap, Mejit and Lae had been picked up from RMI side. From these three places, Mejit Island was chosen because they were most keen on and interest in the project application. DEMOGRAPHICS Total population 434 (80 house holds) Number of school children 15/class x 8 classes with total of about 130 pupils. Number of people above 65 years 6 persons 1 male 5 female including one female of 98 years old. 4

6 EXPECTED OUTPUT 1.Upon completion of the research project, the community will be well educated on the benefits they will harness from technologies that will be introduced for their quality of life to be provided by various ICT services in the near future. 2.Formulation of local development committee for promoting Mejit ICT network project. 3.Local government, teachers, and health workers will be expectant that the latest information, educational, and medical tools will soon be readily available for e-government, tele-education and telemedicine in the remote island. 4. Since Mejit is known for their special way of weaving mats and rope making, businesses will be encouraged to start investing in the RMI center of mat weaving and rope making. 5.Technological advancement will be appreciated by the community and will get positive feedback for future ICT deployment. Community locations: 5

7 Community locations: Community locations: 6

8 Community locations: Actual EBCJ2Visit May 17 22, 2010 (RMI Experts) KDDI facility visit (upcoming technologies for health and education sector) Secretary Phil Philippo Rommel Natividad Tony Joab Darrel Jotai 7

9 Actual EBCJ2Visit June 1 14, 2010 (Japan Experts TECHNICAL TEAM) to carry out technical site survey for selecting most suitable telecommunication network and sustainable applications in Mejit Island, RMI to prepare the proposal to the APT for the construction of new network mentioned above Technical Details of interconnection Entity for payin cost APT (KDDI) NTA other Note Satellite HUB station Internet PoP VSAT (antenna, modem, installation) Satellite subscription fee If NTA can install and burden it, the APT project can divert that money to other equipment purchase. PC TV conference system (USB camera, microphone, speaker) Telecenter Applications (e-health, e-education) WiFi (router, terminal) Small base station (femtocell base station) Mobile phone system Security GateWay Rich applications will not be installed. if necessary In a case of budget constraint, WiFi handsets are alternative systems. Mobile phone Electric Power Solar panel, battery - - MoRD 8

10 Technical team visit: Mr. Yuki Umezawa: Director, International Cooperation Department, KDDI Foundation Mr. Naoki Fuke: Assistant Manager, International Network Department, KDDI 1.Marshalls Energy Company 2.National Telecommunications Authority 3.Ministry of Education 4.Ministry of Resource and Development 5.Ministry of Health 6.College of the Marshall Islands Telecom Operator s Major Role NTA preferred to integrate the Mejit extension system into their DAMA satellite system over NSS9 satellite they are now providing to seven other atolls and islands for call centers and GSM services. NTA has the plan to expand the satellite link to up to 24 atolls and Islands where services are commercially viable. Service provision to Mejit has lower priority compared to other atolls and islands. Expert team (APT program grant) will be OK to integrate Mejit system into NTA s DAMA as far as NTA accept the transfer of Mejit extension network and integration of system into NTA services. Provision of internet and GSM services by NTA s Telecards (internet and cell phone) for Mejit islands are recommended by Expert team (APT program grant) and MT&C, and NTA will positively study its introduction into Mejit. 9

11 Actual EBCJ2Visit August 4 23, 2010 (Japan Experts SUSTAINABILITY TEAM) a) To follow up the technical feasibility study of the first mission team b) To engage with all government ministries and agencies, especially MoE and MoH, others for the usage of ICT facilities and network on Mejit Island after its completion for the education and healthcare services, and their sharing operational expenditure for the second year and thereafter. c) To seek the partnership with MINTA for the provision of satellite link and associated network facilities between Majuro and Mejit Island and the possibility of transfer of the O&M of satellite link and network facilities to MINTA after its completion. d) To seek the possibility for provision of labor force to install the satellite antenna, ICT equipments, computers and other ICT equipments at the site and their maintenance and operation after the project implementation. e) To discuss the possibility of the participation of local community for investment to ICT facilities at the community center and/or internet kiosk on Mejit Island, and discuss the business model for sustainability of community center/internet kiosks and cell phone service for private users. f) To investigate if there is land ownership problem for the site for satellite antenna and wireless tower and community center etc. g) To discuss billing method for the use of ICT facilities at the community center and private cell phones if provided. h) To investigate the availabilities of present power supply facilities at the school for the ICT facilities to be provided at community center, school and health dispensary etc. i) To recommend the creation of steering committee consisting of senators, relevant ministries and organizations etc., and Mejit community development committee for management/operation of community center/internet kiosks and operation/maintenance of ICT facilities etc. by local experts. j) To discuss the Marshallese future plan of the replication of rural broadband connectivity model to other unconnected atolls and islands. Sustainability team visit: 1. Mr. Yasuhiko KAWASUMI, Advisor to the ITU AJ 2. Mr. Yukio MIYOSHI, Advisor to the ITU AJ 1.Office of Senator Dennis Momotaro (Mejit Island) 2.Ministry of Transportation and Communications 3.Ministry of Foreign Affairs 4.Ministry of Education 5.Ministry of Health 6.College of the Marshall Islands 7.Embassy of Japan 8.JICA 9.Mejit Local Government and Local Leaders 10.Health Dispensary 11.MEC Technicians 12.Office of Senator Dennis Momotaro (Mejit Island) 13.Office of Minister Kenneth Kedi (MOTC) 14.Anthony Muller, CEO of National Telecommunications Authority 10

12 Meeting with Hon. Minister Kenneth A. Kedi Taking into account the wrap up of the meetings in Majuro and Mejit Island as aforementioned, MT&C coordinate the senators, relevant ministries, MINTA, organizations and Mejit local government including pledges of concerned ministries and organizations for sharing communication usage charge for public use and the development of business model to manage the private use of community center and cell phones in close collaboration with MINTA. Mr. Kawasumi, Hon. Minister Kedi, Secretary Philippo, Mr. Miyoshi Memorandum of Understanding between MOTC and MINTA The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to establish a mutually agreeable framework for cooperatively addressing the short and long term sustainability plan for Marshall Islands outer islands telecenters that are not viable for business while providing the basic telecommunications services and to provide a smooth implementation of EBCJ projects and other similar projects All parties to the MOU agree that it is to their mutual interest and benefit to work cooperatively in planning, installing, operating, and managing a sustainable and eco friendly telecenters in order to serve communities that are not viable to telecommunications services. All parties also agree it is to their mutual benefit to work cooperatively to educate, train, and share Technology with agency personnel and the general public about telecenter benefits, and to work cooperatively to seek funding to address the sustainability aspect of the telecenters. 11

13 APT Secretariat visit to the Marshall Islands Mr. Salvador (APT Secretariat), Hon. Minister Kedi (RMI), Mr. Kajiwara (APT Secretariat), Mr. Natividad (RMI) Challenges Air transport services Sea transport services Potable Water Jellyfish sting Mosquito bites 12

14 Warm hospitality of Marshall Islands Mr. Kawasumi and Honorable Senator Dennis Momotaro and sibling s family Mr. Kawasumi and His Excellency RMI President Jurelang Zedkaia 13

15 Before I end my presentation. 14

16 Kommol Tata Thank you very much Xie xie 15