Barbara Wanner Archives

Mobile Broadband Spectrum Shortage Requires Immediate Action

Published on October 20, 2011
ICC says that mobile broadband spectrum policy must co-exist with other critical societal priorities such as broadcast services
ICC says that mobile broadband spectrum policy must co-exist with other critical societal priorities such as broadcast services

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) today called for governments and regulators to accelerate efforts to allocate and assign adequate spectrum to support the ever-increasing traffic demand for mobile broadband.

In a discussion paper developed by the ICC Task Force on Internet and Telecoms Infrastructure and Services (IT IS), ICC expressed concern about the strain on spectrum supply to meet the demand created by the growing number of subscribers and machine-to-machine technologies, and by the increasing consumption of voice minutes and data capacity ICC emphasized that it does not attach a greater importance to the use of spectrum for one particular mobile technology over another, and said that mobile broadband spectrum policy must co-exist with other critical societal priorities such as broadcast services.

Eric Loeb, chair of IT IS, said: “Given the enormous contribution of mobile broadband to innovation, competition, and job and economic growth in developed and developing countries, it is crucial that the unprecedented potential of mobile broadband is not stifled by a lack of adequate spectrum.”

The speed at which governments implement additional spectrum plans is critical. “The skyrocketing uptake of 3G services and mobile devices is already putting tremendous pressure on the current spectrum allocations,” said Mr Loeb. “As 4G adoption kicks in widely, that pressure will substantially increase. This entirely predictable spectrum shortage needs to be tackled as a priority today.”

Click here to read more on ICC’s website.

Staff contact: Barbara Wanner

More on USCIB’s Information, Communications and Technology Policy (ICT)

ICC website

APEC Completes CrossBorder Data Privacy Project

Published on September 28, 2011

4167_image002Events on data protection held during the APEC senior officials meeting in San Francisco earlier this month marked the completion of the APEC Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Pathfinder project.  USCIB and its members have been active participants in the development of the APEC Privacy Framework and its implementation, including the CBPR Pathfinder, which was launched in 2007.

The purpose of the CBPR system, which companies will be able to voluntarily participate in after its launch next year, is to ensure that personal information continues to be protected when it is transferred to another participating APEC member economy, without unnecessarily hindering the flow of vital business information across borders.  The CBPR system is based on a four-step process: self-assessment, a compliance review by an accountability agent, recognition, and dispute resolution and enforcement, underpinned by a cross-border enforcement agreement signed by regulators in 2009.

In San Francisco, Heather Shaw, USCIB’s vice president for ICT policy, organized an APEC-funded workshop on the “APEC Cross-Border Privacy Rules: The Value Proposition for Industry, Consumers and Governments.”  More than 90 participants from across the APEC region joined the workshop, which won high praise from a number of USCIB members.  Following upon several capacity-building workshops, held in conjunction with previous APEC meetings, that established an understanding of the purpose of the CBPR, workshop participants examined a cost/benefit analysis of participating in the cross-border privacy rules system, and identified issues to be addressed in its implementation.

Panelists at the workshop called the CBPR system unique, in that its development served as an opportunity for stakeholders to shape a new framework, as opposed to a top-down process imposed by regulators.  Initial participants in the CBPR program are expected to be global companies who are early-adopters, have existing company privacy standards in place, and want predictability and mechanisms to demonstrate their programs.

“In general, companies following the development of CBPRs believe that the process holds a lot of promise, especially in its potential to be a stepping-stone to global interoperability across data protection regimes,” said USCIB’s Ms. Shaw.

Panelists considering the system from a consumer perspective saw the key benefits as lowered cost and more efficient processing of data, but mentioned the need for flexibility and an ability for the system to be able to account for new uses of information and technological abilities.  Another panel featured privacy regulators from Canada, New Zealand, Chinese Taipei and France, who discussed the benefits of certification, confirmation and demonstration of compliance, and their experience with reviewing and approving private sector codes. To them, CBPRs present an opportunity for new spaces for regulators and new ways to encourage compliance.

Future work is expected to consider how to make the CBPR system interoperable with other validation mechanisms, such as the European Union’s binding corporate rules on privacy or sector-specific regulatory examination processes.  This could lower costs and mitigate barriers to participation, by allowing companies to build on what has already been done and focus on the gap needed to demonstrate compliance with the APEC framework.  Delegates in San Francisco pledged to continue discussions, and to respond to a proposal tabled by USCIB toward this end during the 2012 APEC process.

More on USCIB’s Information, Communications and Technology Committee

At Internet Governance Forum, Business Calls for Fair and Open Approach

Published on September 27, 2011

IGF-KenyaAt the opening of the UN Internet Governance Forum in Nairobi, global business representatives said technologies and services such as cloud computing, social media and mobile Internet have created a fresh new set of policy challenges – which can only be effectively addressed if all relevant stakeholders work together on an equal footing.

This was the key message delivered at the opening of IGF Kenya by Subramanian Ramadorai, vice chairman of Tata Consultancy Services, who chairs Business Action to Support the Information Society (BASIS), an initiative of USCIB’s affiliate the International Chamber of Commerce.

Heather Shaw, USCIB’s vice president for ICT policy, is joining a number of USCIB members in attending the Internet Governance Forum, which concludes September 30.

Addressing over 1,700 business leaders, government officials, technical experts, academics and civil society representatives, Mr. Ramadorai said: “The explosion of social media, adoption of cloud services and proliferation of mobile devices and smartphones has transformed the Internet governance landscape and created a fresh set of policy challenges that threaten to counteract the benefits delivered by these exciting new technologies. It is vital we continue to work together to make the right governance choices that help to develop the Internet in a way that doesn’t diminish its open spirit.”

Earlier, addressing over 100 ministers and delegates at the Kenyan-ITU Ministerial forum, ICC Secretary General Jean-Guy Carrier noted that innovations, investments and economic growth will only occur in partnerships where fair and open approaches to Internet governance are sought.

“Private sector investment and innovation plays an important role in driving such development and growth,” he said.  “We recognize that governments are critical allies and investors, and IGOs – including development activities supported by UNDP, development banks and others – create opportunities for advancing the development of businesses and entrepreneurship, through public/private partnerships.”

More on USCIB’s Information, Communications and Technology Committee

ICC Warns of Harmful Regulatory Proposals for Internet Backbone

Published on September 6, 2011
Market-based incentives are fostering investment in local network capabilities that reduce the need for higher-cost international traffic
Market-based incentives are fostering investment in local network capabilities that reduce the need for higher-cost international traffic

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), USCIB’s affiliate, today released a Discussion Paper highlighting how a commercially-driven framework has allowed Internet Backbone Interconnection Agreements to fuel the massive growth of the Internet across the globe.

The paper, written by the ICC Task Force on Internet and Telecoms Infrastructure and Services (ITIS), highlights data from various sources. This includes a 2011 Analysis Mason study that shows how commercial interconnection agreements negotiated in a market-based regulatory environment have resulted in more efficient global network usage, improved network performance, international expansion and investment growth.

One important example analyzed in the paper, is the evolution of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) locations. From international Internet traffic originally being routed through IXPs located primarily in the US 15 years ago, the deployment of large numbers of IXPs quickly spread to OECD countries. Today, IXPs are increasingly being established and expanded in emerging markets.

Despite the huge success of the private-sector driven commercial model for Internet Backbone Interconnection Agreements, there have been proposals to regulate these agreements. Proposals appear to be based on the assumption that regulation would promote further investment within particular countries. The ICC paper explains that this view ignores the pertinent facts and policy options. In turn, the paper demonstrates that the desired new investments are actually being enabled and stimulated by the existing commercially-driven framework. In particular, although current proposals to regulate Internet infrastructure agreements would aim to shift costs between countries, the commercial model already is adapting to, and even enabling, the more fundamental shift in the underlying traffic flows that result in those costs. That is, market-based incentives are fostering investment in local network capabilities that reduce the need for higher-cost international traffic.

More on USCIB’s Information, Communications & Technology (ICT) Committee

ICC website

Get Ready for New TopLevel Internet Domains

Published on May 26, 2011

Internet_DomainsInternational policymaking around the Internet is in fashion. French President Nicolas Sarkozy recently hosted the “e-G8” summit in Paris to discuss it, deliberations are underway in the United Nations about it, and the OECD will be hosting a high-level meeting on it. But perhaps the most striking change to the Internet for many users may come about as a result of the next month’s meeting of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in Singapore, where discussions will focus on the finalization of the rules around the introduction of new top-level domains (TLDs).

ICANN’s board of directors may vote for a large-scale expansion of the domain name space (DNS) beyond the familiar .com, .net, .org, and country code designations. How would the possible introduction of new TLDs like .music, .eco, and .[your brand] affect the landscape of the Internet?

Over the past three years, ICANN put forward a number of proposals to expand the Internet’s domain name space. Some stakeholders are keen to see new TLDs introduced, arguing that their presence will help increase innovation and competition in the DNS marketplace, decrease prices for domain names, and increase consumer choice. Others see any rollout of TLDs as potentially problematic, citing important concerns over intellectual property protection, possible consumer confusion, and stress on the technical security and stability of the DNS itself.

Governments have been particularly vocal in recent months in seeking to ensure that ICANN proceed in a way that safeguards the global public interest as it works to expand the DNS. On May 22, ICANN’s Board and the Government Advisory Committee held a teleconference to discuss current concerns with the program and agreed to meet again in person at the upcoming meeting in Singapore. Currently, the ICANN Board is scheduled to consider finalizing the program in Singapore on June 20.

“Whenever and however a program for new TLDs is approved, it is incumbent on ICANN to ensure that it is done in transparent and accountable manner,” according to Chris Martin, USCIB’s manager for marketing & advertising policy, ICT and banking. “On the broader question of Internet policymaking, many eyes are watching ICANN in its stewardship of the DNS. It is important that it get it right, so that policymakers, wherever they may reside, have confidence in the private-sector model of Internet governance that ICANN embodies and which USCIB supports.”

USCIB has participated in a number of discussions around new “gTLDs” and has stated that any program for their introduction should enhance innovation, competition, the protection of consumers and intellectual property rights, and preserve the security and stability of the DNS. USCIB has also said that it is vital that ICANN work diligently with stakeholders to address remaining key concerns of the initiative with the Internet community.

Fashions may change, Mr. Martin said, but correctly managing governance of the Internet is of vital importance to U.S. business.

 

More on USCIB’s Information, Communications and Technology Policy Committee

Cooperation Key to Maximizing Internet and ICTs ICC Tells UN Commission

Published on May 23, 2011

When it comes to development of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs), business stands at the forefront – as a dynamic innovator, investor and user. This was the message delivered by Herbert Heitmann, chair of the Commission on E-Business IT and Telecoms at USCIB’s affiliate, the International Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Heitmann, executive vice president, external communications, Royal Dutch Shell, spoke at the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) today in Geneva.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the 14th session of the CSTD, Mr. Heitmann said: “From fast-tracking literacy rates to enhancing agricultural productivity, every day the products and services business develops are helping to empower and improve the lives of millions of people around the globe.”

Mr. Heitmann told delegates that when the right conditions are put in place, the private sector can play an important role building infrastructure and delivering required goods.

“Business contributes to establishing enabling environments through education initiatives, promoting innovation and creativity, public – private research and development partnerships,” he said.

UN Under Secretary General’s letter confirms strong business input into Internet Governance Forum preparations

ICC and its Business Action to Support the Information Society (BASIS) initiative have welcomed the recent announcement by UN Under Secretary General, Sha Zukang confirming continued strong representation of business in the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) that will steer preparations for the 6th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) – an open forum for policy dialogue on issues of Internet governance.

Mr Sha’s letter recognized the proven expertise and balanced representation of Internet stakeholders in the MAG including governments, business, civil society and the Internet technical community. Commending the MAG’s valuable contribution to IGF preparations each year, he said: “The MAG has more than proven its worth and the successful meetings that have been held in Athens, Rio de Janeiro, Hyderabad, Sharm-El-Sheik and Vilnius are [testament] to the work of its members.”

The MAG – a special advisory group to the UN Secretary General – is made up of representatives from all Internet interest groups.

To see a modified list of business representatives of the MAG and to read more on ICC’s website, click here.

 

To read Mr. Heitmann’s speech at CSTD, please click here.

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Stakeholder Involvement is the Key to Continued Internet Development and Economic Growth

Published on May 11, 2011

As the e-G8 gets underway in Paris on May 24-25, USCIB’s affiliate the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has reiterated its long-standing belief that Internet policy issues are most effectively addressed with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders on an equal footing, and highlighted global business positions on several policy topics to be discussed at the event.

Business acknowledges the positive contributions of the Internet to the global economy and advocates a favourable Internet governance environment as a pre-condition for continued investment, innovation and development in this dynamic network of networks.

ICC believes that effective Internet-related policies can foster economic recovery and growth.

“The e-G8 meeting is a positive recognition of the importance of the Internet sector, and the importance of taking a multistakeholder approach to Internet issues,” said ICC Secretary General Jean-Guy Carrier. “Helping more people to gain access to the Internet is the most effective way to ensure diversity of content and users. A regulatory environment that helps obtain development goals through private sector competition, is the most sustainable way to attract investment, promote innovation and help build necessary infrastructures to bring the benefits of the Internet to the next billion users.”

Read more on ICC’s website.

Related: Cooperation Key to Maximizing Internet and ICTs, ICC Tells UN Commission (May 23, 2011)

 

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USCIB Contributes to ICANN Leadership Selections

Published on September 9, 2010
ICANN manages the Internet’s domain name system
ICANN manages the Internet’s domain name system

Since its creation, the multi-stakeholder Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which oversees the Internet domain name system, or DNS, has forged close links with private sector groups including USCIB.  This partnership has most recently included our participation in the nominating committee for new ICANN board members and other leadership positions.

The NomCom, as it is known, has announced its selection of seven new appointees.  These include three new ICANN board members: Cherine Chalaby of Egypt, currently chairman of Rasmala Investment Bank and former managing partner with Accenture; Bertrand de la Chapelle of France, currently special envoy for the information society in the French Foreign Ministry; and Erika Mann of Germany, executive vice president with the Computer and Communications Industry Association and a former European parliamentarian.

“These new leaders bring strong board governance, and international business and political experience, to ICANN’s leadership at an important time in ICANN’s evolution,” according to Chris Martin, USCIB’s manager for DNS policy, who served on the 2010 NomCom.

ICANN faces a number of challenges, according to Mr. Martin.  “It must wisely develop and implement important current initiatives, such as the potential rollout of new top-level domains like .eco or .music,” he observed.  “More broadly, the private sector-led and multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance embodied by organizations like ICANN is facing renewed pressure from some stakeholders, who seek to increase government involvement.”

Mr. Martin expressed confidence that the new leaders appreciate the important role that ICANN plays, and can help it successfully navigate these challenges not only as strategic decision-makers within the organization, but also as advocates for ICANN’s private-sector model and its central role in coordinating the Internet’s DNS.

The NomCom is charged with ensuring that ICANN’s leadership is diverse in geography, culture, skills, experience and perspective.  It evaluated over 80 candidates in the last round.  View the full announcement and list of selections by clicking here.

Staff contact: Barbara Wanner

ICANN website

More on USCIB’s Information, Communications and Technology Committee

Government Action Urged to Sustain US Leadership in Science and Engineering

Published on February 23, 2010
Source: National Science Board
Source: National Science Board

The U.S. government needs to take careful note of developments in science and engineering around the world in order to maintain America’s technological edge, according to a new report from the National Science Board (NSB).  The board is a congressionally chartered body that regularly assesses the state of science and technology at home and abroad.

The report, “Globalization of Science and Engineering Research,” was released February 19 at the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s annual meeting in San Diego.

“U.S. economic and social growth depend upon having a skilled workforce and being competitive in the global marketplace,” according to Art Reilly, senior director for science and technology policy with Cisco Systems, Inc., and chair of USCIB’s Information, Communications and Technology Committee, a member of the NSB.  “Education and innovation are critical to maintaining strengths in both of these.”

Last month, in releasing its biennial science and engineering indicators, the NSB said that “the state of the science and engineering enterprise in America is strong, yet its lead is slipping.”

The new NSB report notes that science and engineering research is becoming an increasingly internationalized, largely because governments are championing R&D as a spur to economic growth, employment, and overall social well-being.

“While increased global science and engineering research capacity holds great promise for the advancement of scientific knowledge and collaboration in S&E across international borders, the U.S. government must be attentive to developments in S&E capacity around the world and take proactive steps to maintain our nation’s competitive strength,” NSB Chairman Steven Beering, professor emeritus at Purdue University, writes in the report.

The NSB report is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/nsb1003/?org=NSF.

Staff contact: Heather Shaw

National Science Board website

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Multinationals Welcome Plans for Anti-Counterfeiting Pact

Published on October 23, 2007

BASCAPNew York, N.Y., October 23, 2007 – Plans for a new international agreement to coordinate enforcement efforts to curtail counterfeit goods won a thumbs-up today from representatives of America’s top global companies.  The United States Council for International Business (USCIB), whose members include more than 300 U.S.-based multinational companies and affiliated organizations, said better enforcement was urgently needed to stop an epidemic of intellectual property rights theft.

Representatives of the United States, European Union, Japan and other countries plan to launch negotiations leading to a new multilateral agreement to strengthen common standards for intellectual property rights enforcement.  The governments said they hoped other developed and developing countries committed to intellectual property rights enforcement would quickly sign on to the agreement.

“If successful, this initiative could be a major turning point in the worldwide fight against fake products,” said USCIB President Peter M. Robinson. “Rampant counterfeiting and piracy threaten not just companies’ bottom lines, but also the health and safety of consumers, the competitiveness of national economies and the foundations of our global economy.  There are few more pressing concerns for global companies.”

The proposed International Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement would spell out measures for better international coordination of anti-counterfeiting efforts, put forward agreed best practices for enforcement and align signatories’ legal frameworks to ensure that adequate criminal, civil and border protection measures are in place.

USCIB supports a statement from leaders of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and its BASCAP (Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy) initiative, offering to provide business views and expertise to reinforce this new commitment by governments. BASCAP is a global effort to coordinate the business community’s response, across industry segments and across national boundaries, in the fight against counterfeiting and piracy.

USCIB promotes an open system of global commerce in which business can flourish and contribute to economic growth, human welfare and protection of the environment.  Its membership includes over 300 U.S. companies, professional service firms and associations whose combined annual revenues exceed $3.5 trillion.  As American affiliate of the leading international business and employers organizations, including ICC, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide and works to facilitate international trade.

ICC/BASCAP release

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