News Stories Archives

Business Gears Up for Global Telecom Policy Conference

Published on February 7, 2012

4244_image001This December in Dubai, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the specialized UN agency that addresses telecom and related policy matters, will hold a major treaty-writing conference – the 2012 World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT).  At the conference, ITU member states plan to renegotiate the International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRs), a major telecommunications treaty last revised in 1988.

In the course of the preparatory process for WCIT, member states have proposed adding or modifying provisions of the ITRs that are likely to impact international ICT services and markets.  For example, some proposals could give the ITU regulatory authority over international economic regulation of Internet connectivity, international mobile roaming rates, cyber security and spam, number misuse, Internet governance, and various other topics related to the economics of the international ICT sector.

USCIB and its global network, including the International Chamber of Commerce, are gearing up for WCIT.  In a recent briefing note to members, leaders of our Information, Communications and Technology Policy Committee wrote: “We believe that major policy dialogues like WCIT must be informed by relevant, reliable, and current facts.  We also believe that, at present, some of the proposals for modifying the ITRs are not informed by complete facts.”  The note was sent by Eric Loeb, vice president of international external and regulatory affairs with AT&T and chair of ICC’s Task Force on Internet and Telecommunications; Ambassador David Gross of Wiley & Rein, chair of USCIB’s Information, Communications and Technology Policy Committee; and Heather Shaw, USCIB’s vice president for ICT policy.

In addition, USCIB is organizing a February 9 briefing on WCIT with Ambassador Philip Verveer, deputy assistant secretary of state and the U.S. coordinator for international communications and information policy, at Wiley Rein in Washington, D.C.

Staff contact: Heather Shaw

More on USCIB’s Information, Communications and Technology Committee

At UN Internet Governance Forum Business Emphasizes Need for an Open Internet

Published on October 24, 2011

4183_image002At the UN’s Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which took place September 27-30 in Nairobi, USCIB joined business representatives from around the world in underscoring the importance of maintaining an open, multi-stakeholder approach to international discussions of the Internet’s development. Many USCIB members attended the 2011 IGF and participated in a range of substantive sessions on Internet policy.

Heather Shaw, USCIB’s vice president for information, communications and technology policy, participated in a panel discussion aimed at promoting awareness of the OECD’s Principles for an Open Internet.  The principles were agreed at a June OECD High-Level Meeting on the Internet Economy.

Ms. Shaw was joined on the panel by: Ambassador Philip L. Verveer, deputy assistant secretary of state and the U.S. coordinator for international communications and information policy; Rod Beckstrom, president and CEO of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), who spoke on behalf of the Internet Technical Advisory Committee to the OECD; Dimitri Ypsilanti of the OECD, who chaired the session;  Professor Luis Magalhães, the head of Portugal’s “knowledge society” agency; Alice Munyua of Kenya’s ministry of information and communications; and Anriette Esterhuysen, CEO of the Association for Progressive Communications, who spoke on behalf of the Civil Society Information Society Advisory Council to the OECD.

The OECD principles aim to ensure the openness and dynamism of the Internet.  Ms. Shaw explained they would be valuable going forward, particularly in the lead-up to the World Congress on Information Technology, to be held in October 2012 in Montreal.  She said USCIB was pleased to convey the views of the broader OECD business community to the IGF, which it regards as an ideal place to draw greater awareness of the OECD principles given the IGF’s broad and diverse participation.

Ms. Shaw said the principles “serve as a basis for greater international coherence on these issues, vital for issues related to the internet where there are no borders, although countries will continue to set their own policies and regulations, adapting international principles to suit their individual cultures, legal systems and priorities.”  She said another added value of the OECD principles is their broad scope and flexibility, which, she said, “means they can be applied on topics where technology and business models are still evolving and emerging.”  Ms. Shaw stressed that interoperability of national policies must be maintained for information flows to continue across borders, promoting greater investment and innovation.

The OECD has been a pioneer in integrating the view of all stakeholders’ in Internet policy discussions.  The need for wide stakeholder involvement was further stressed by ICANN’s Mr. Beckstrom, as an essential to drive the Internet forward.  “We can look at the multi-stakeholder model as something that’s absolutely essential in this system,” he said.  “It’s part of the architecture of the system that, in many ways, reflects the Internet itself,” driving collaboration between different groups.

Ambassador Verveer said that “we in the United States are making it a point to try to recommend these [principles] to other administrations whenever we have the opportunity to do so.”

Also at the IGF, members of the International Chamber of Commerce’s BASIS (Business Action to Support the Information Society) initiative highlighted the essential role of the private sector in driving the Internet’s growth and evolution.  BASIS serves as the voice of global business on how the Internet and ICTs can serve as engines of economic growth and social development.

Speaking during the IGF’s closing ceremony, Herbert Heitmann, executive vice president for external communications with Royal Dutch Shell and chair of the ICC Commission on E-Business, IT and Telecoms, said: “As a dynamic innovator, investor and user, business contributes to the development of the Internet through education initiatives, promoting innovation and creativity, public-private research and development partnerships.”

Staff contact: Barbara Wanner

More on USCIB’s Information, Communications and Technology Committee

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

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.

More on USCIB’s ICT Committee

More on the ICC EBITT Commission

More on the ICC BASIS initiative

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)

 

More on USCIB’s ICT Committee

More on the ICC EBITT Commission

More on the ICC BASIS initiative

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

More on USCIB’s Information, Communications and Technology Committee