Telecommunication
Development Sector
Regional Preparatory Meeting for the Americas Region
(RPM-AMS) for WTDC-14
Montevideo, Uruguay, 19 - 21 August 2013
Document RPM-AMS13/50-E
12 August 2013
Original: English
SOURCE:
Federative Republic of Brazil
TITLE:
Preliminary discussion for the revision of Question 10-3/2 for the new Study Period
Priority area :
Other proposals
Description
After participating in several meetings of ITU-D study groups, Brazil recognizes the pivotal value of Question
10-3/2. As a sector especially concerned about developing countries, ITU-D shall continue to play a key role
on the exchange of relevant information about public policies, regulatory issues and other related aspects of
telecommunications/ICT for rural and remote areas.
Brazil considers as a crucial challenge the provision of telecommunication services in rural and remote areas.
National surveys indicate that 10% of rural households have internet access and 11% have a fixed-phone line.
To tackle this problem, the Federal Government relies on the provision of telecommunication services through
the 450 MHz radio frequency band, which is scheduled to begin in 2014 and will cover all Brazilian
municipalities by the end of 2015, reaching approximately 90% of the total rural population of the country.
Worldwide the use of the 450 MHz band is indicated for rural service because it allows large areas to be
covered by the propagation of the electromagnetic signal from a single cell site, reducing the cost in relation
to the provision through higher frequency bands. However, even when using the 450 MHz band, the cost per
user is greater than in urban areas.
Due to this fact and aiming to reduce the price that will be charged to end users, the Brazilian government
passed bills instituting tax exemptions for infrastructure deployment, acquisition of network and end-user
equipment and revenues associated with the provision of telecommunications services through the 450 MHz
band.
Besides availability and price, the Brazilian government is also concerned about the quality of broadband that
will be offered in rural areas since this is a determinant factor of the potential economic and social impact of
this type of service. For this reason, public resources were invested in the development of a Long-Term
Evolution technology suited for providing broadband through the 450 MHz band (LTE 450), which will make it
possible to deliver a broadband quality in rural areas very similar to that currently offered in urban centers.
This new telecommunications network has been considered by policy-makers, service providers,
manufacturers and vendors around the globe. Indeed, it is in the process of being standardized by the 3GPP,
the international forum that establishes industry standards for telephony and mobile broadband. Once this
process is completed, different manufacturers will be able to produce mutually compatible network elements
and end-user terminals, enabling the commercial adoption of LTE 450 by operators.
Since other solutions targeted at providing enhanced broadband connectivity to rural and remote areas
already exist or could be developed, Question 10-3/2 should support the dissemination of information on the
challenges, public policies and regulatory actions associated with the deployment and operation of LTE 450
Contact point:
Name/Organization/Entity: Andrea Grippa, Delegation of Brazil, Brazil
Phone number:
+55 61 23122063
Email:
[email protected]
ITU-D/RPM-AMS13/50-E
Page 2
and other types of networks based on interoperable International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)
450 MHz radio frequency band
in the
Hence, it is Brazil’s opinion that during the upcoming WTDC-14 a discussion on the deployment and operation
of networks based on interoperable IMT in the 450 MHz radio frequency band, such as LTE 450, as potential
solutions for providing enhanced broadband connectivity in rural and remote areas should be included in
Question 10-3/2.
Accordingly, this document proposes revisions of Question 10-3/2 in order to contemplate a discussion on
interoperable IMT in the 450 MHz radio frequency band on the new study period.
Objective(s)
This document proposes revisions in the Terms of Reference
discussion on the deployment and operation of networks
Telecommunications (IMT) in the 450 MHz radio frequency
coverage and connectivity in rural areas at affordable prices to
of Question 10-3/2 in order to contemplate a
based on interoperable International Mobile
band, suited to provide enhanced broadband
the end users.
Expected results
To consider the proposed revisions
discussion/preparation for WTDC-2014
in
the
Termos
of
Reference
of
Question
10-3/2
for
the
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Preliminary discussion for the revision of the Terms of Reference for Question
10-3/2 on the new Study Period.
1. DISCUSSION
After participating in several meetings of ITU-D study groups, Brazil recognizes the pivotal value of Question
10-3/2. As a sector especially concerned about developing countries, ITU-D shall continue to play a key role
on the exchange of relevant information about public policies, regulatory issues and other related aspects of
telecommunications/ICT for rural and remote areas.
Brazil considers as a crucial challenge the provision of telecommunication services in rural and remote areas.
National surveys indicate that 10% of rural households have internet access and 11% have a fixed-phone line.
To tackle this problem, the Federal Government relies on the provision of telecommunication services through
the 450 MHz radio frequency band, which is scheduled to begin in 2014 and will cover all Brazilian
municipalities by the end of 2015, reaching approximately 90% of the total rural population of the country.
Worldwide the use of the 450 MHz band is indicated for rural service because it allows large areas to be
covered by the propagation of the electromagnetic signal from a single cell site, reducing the cost in relation
to the provision through higher frequency bands. However, even when using the 450 MHz band, the cost per
user is greater than in urban areas.
Due to this fact and aiming to reduce the price that will be charged to end users, the Brazilian government
passed bills instituting tax exemptions for infrastructure deployment, acquisition of network and end-user
equipment and revenues associated with the provision of telecommunications services through the 450 MHz
band.
Besides availability and price, the Brazilian government is also concerned about the quality of broadband that
will be offered in rural areas since this is a determinant factor of the potential economic and social impact of
this type of service. For this reason, public resources were invested in the development of a Long-Term
Evolution technology suited for providing broadband through the 450 MHz band (LTE 450), which will make it
possible to deliver a broadband quality in rural areas very similar to that currently offered in urban centers.
This new telecommunications network has been considered by policy-makers, service providers,
manufacturers and vendors around the globe. Indeed, it is in the process of being standardized by the 3GPP,
the international forum that establishes industry standards for telephony and mobile broadband. Once this
process is completed, different manufacturers will be able to produce mutually compatible network elements
and end-user terminals, enabling the commercial adoption of LTE 450 by operators.
Since other solutions targeted at providing enhanced broadband connectivity to rural and remote areas
already exist or could be developed, Question 10-3/2 should support the dissemination of information on the
challenges, public policies and regulatory actions associated with the deployment and operation of LTE 450
and other types of networks based on interoperable International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) in the
450 MHz radio frequency band
Hence, it is Brazil’s opinion that during the upcoming WTDC-14 a discussion on the deployment and operation
of networks based on interoperable IMT in the 450 MHz radio frequency band, such as LTE 450, as potential
solutions for providing enhanced broadband connectivity in rural and remote areas should be included in
Question 10-3/2.
Accordingly, this document proposes revisions of Question 10-3/2 in order to contemplate a discussion on
interoperable IMT in the 450 MHz radio frequency band on the new study period.
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PROPOSED REVISIONS FOR THE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR QUESTION
10-3/2
The proposed revisions are shown below as revision marks on the current text of Question 10-3/2, as
approved by WTDC-10.
Question 10-3/2: Telecommunications/ICT for rural and remote areas
1
Statement of the situation
In order to meet the objectives set by the WSIS Geneva plan of action including those in the Millennium
development goals for improving connectivity and access in the use of ICT to be achieved by 2015 for all
on this planet, the challenge of infrastructure development in the rural and remote areas of developing1
countries, where more than half of the world population are dwelling, is an essential foundation for
providing valuable ICT applications outlined in C7 of Tunis agenda for quality of life of residents in the
marginalized, harsh climate and difficult geographical terrain.
The rapid migration of population of developing countries to urban areas may cause the adverse effect to
the poverty alleviation unless measures are taken to improve the environment of the life in rural and
remote areas possibly by deploying telecommunications/ICT for these areas.
The important aspect related to installation of cost effective and sustainable basic telecom infrastructure in
rural and remote areas needs further studies and specific outcome needs to be available for the vendor
community to develop a suitable solution to meet the challenges in the rural and remote areas.
The existing network systems are most of the time primarily defined for urban areas where necessary
support infrastructure (adequate power, building/shelter, accessibility, skilled manpower to operate etc.)
for setting up a telecommunication network is assumed to exist. Hence the current systems need to meet
more adequately the rural specific requirements in order to be mass deployed.
Some of the known challenges that developing countries planning to spread ICT to rural and isolated areas
must be tackled are the following ones:
1) Shortage of power
2) Expense of maintaining power backup usually diesel and environmental hazards thereof
3) Difficult terrain
4) Difficult access and transportation
5) Lack of skilled manpower
6) Installation and maintenance of networks is quite challenging and difficult
1
This includes least developed countries (LDCs), small island developing states (SIDS), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs)
and countries with economies in transition.
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7) Very high operating cost
8) Low potential ARPU
9) Sparsely populated and scattered population cluster.
More detailed study on challenges of deploying cost effective and sustainable ICT infrastructure in rural
and remote areas is expected to be taken up within ITU-D study group taking into account the global
perspective.
Therefore, "Connect villages with telecommunications/ICT and establish community access points"
should be promoted more intensively by emerging broadband technologies for various e-application
services to vitalize the social and economic activities of rural and remote areas. Multipurpose community
telecasters (MET), public call office (PICO), community access centres (CAC), e-posts are still valid for
cost effectiveness for sharing infrastructure and facilities by the community residents leading to the goal of
provision of individual telecommunication access.
Therefore, it is proposed to deal with the challenges and system requirements of fixed and mobile
networks for rural deployments in developing nations.
Decisions that may drive first the examination and then the choice of particular techniques and solutions
for the provision of multimedia telecommunications/IT services may be influenced by, inter alia, the
following:
a) Increasing availability of telecommunications/ITS that provide enhanced broadband connectivity at
progressively lower costs, lower energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
b) Experience gained since the previous study cycles of WTDC in many parts of the world in developing,
implementing and refining major rural telecommunication programmes, as more countries respond to
particular situations and in-country demand using "best practices" as outlined in the work of ITU-D.
c) The influence of cultural, social and other factors in producing differing and often creative responses to
meeting the demand for multimedia services from residents of rural and remote areas of developing and
least developed countries.
d) Progress being steadily made on human resource development/management issues which are
fundamental to establishing sustainable telecommunication infrastructure.
2
Question for study
There are a variety of several (new and old) issues that members will be interested in addressing within the
four coming years of this Question. It is proposed that the main new key issue for study continues to beis
the range and scope of techniques and solutions that are expected to play a significant role in the provision
of e-application services for rural and remote areas, with particular attention to the provision of broadband
access through networks based on interoperable International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) in the
450 MHz radio frequency band. It is further proposed that the study should progress in stages to cover a
four-year cycle in the following manner:
Step 1 – to continue identification of the full range of potential techniques and solutions that can
significantly impact on the provision of telecommunication/ICT applications in rural and remote areas,
with emphasis on those that employ the latest broadband technologies, such as the Long-Term
Evolution technology in the 450 MHz radio frequency band (LTE 450), and those designed to lower
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infrastructure capital and operating costs, assisting convergence between services and applications,
taking into considerations reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Step 2 – to continue to investigate and report on how the techniques identified above can be used to
best deliver the range of services, and applications required by rural and remote communities and
adapted to the needs of their users.
Step 3 – to identify, assess and consolidate the challenges faced by developing countries in setting up
or upgrading a low cost sustainable telecommunication infrastructure in rural areas of developing
nations,, especially those aimed at providing enhanced broadband connectivity through networks based
on interoperable (IMT) in the 450 MHz radio frequency band.
Step 4 – to report on the public policies and regulatory measures carried out by developing countries to
overcome or mitigate the above-mentioned challenges.
Step 45 – to describe the evolution of system requirements for rural network system specifically
addressing such identified challenges of rural deployment.
Step 56 – to continue consideration of the quality of the services provided, the cost effectiveness, the
degree of suitability in different geographies and the sustainability of the techniques and solutions
identified in the above-mentioned steps.
Step 67 – to augment the report on the range of case studies that clearly demonstrate how a range of
techniques, based on new technology aimed at providing reduced capital and operating cost solutions,
reducing (GH G) emissions and enhancing community participation, can maximize the benefits of
broadband telecommunication/ICT infrastructure in rural and remote areas.
In dealing with the above studies, the work under way in response to other Questions being dealt with in
ITU-D, and close coordination with relevant activities of the Questions, [in particular Questions 14-2/2,
18-1/2, 20-2/2 and also Questions 7-2/2 and 18-1/1 (Study Group 1), are highly relevant]. In the same
way, the studies shall take into account cases related to indigenous communities, isolated and poorly
served areas LDCs, and small island developing states (SIDS) and landlocked developing countries
(LLDCs), and highlight their particular needs and other particular situations which need to be considered
in developing telecommunications/ICT facilities for these areas.
3
Expected output
The output will be a report on the results of the work conducted for each step above, together with one or
more recommendations at appropriate times, either during the course of or at the conclusion of the cycle.
4
Timing
The output will be generated on a yearly basis. The output from the first year will be analysed and
assessed in order to update the work plan for the next year, and so on.
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Proposers
The Question was originally approved by WTDC-94, revised by WTDC-98, WTDC-02, WTDC-06 and
WTDC-10.
6
Sources of input
Contributions are expected from Member States, Sector Members and Associates, as well as inputs from
relevant BDT programmes, particularly those that have successfully implemented telecommunication/ICT
projects in rural and remote areas. These contributions will enable those responsible for work on this
Question to develop the most appropriate conclusions, recommendations and outputs. The intensive use of
correspondence and on line exchange of information and experiences is encouraged for additional sources
of inputs.
7
Target audience
Target audience
Relevant policy-makers
Telecom regulators
Rural authorities
Service providers/operators
Manufacturers including
software developers
Vendors
Developed countries
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Developing countries2
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
a) Target audience
Depending on the nature of the output, upper- to middle-level managers among operators and regulators
in developing countries including relevant rural authorities are the predominant users of the output. Such
study outcome will ensure adequate attention of vendors to focus on their development efforts to meet
the needs of developing countries.
b) Proposed methods for the implementation of the results
To be decided during the study period.
8
Proposed methods of handling the Question
Within Study Group 2.
9
Coordination
The ITU-D study group dealing with this Question will need to coordinate with:
– Focal points of the relevant Questions in BDT.
2
This includes least developed countries (LDCs), small island developing states (SIDS), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs)
and countries with economies in transition.
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– Coordinators of relevant project and programme activities in BDT.
– Regional and scientific organizations with mandates covering the subject matter of this Question.
– Other relevant stakeholders (see Recommendation AAA).
As may become apparent within the life of this Question.
__________________
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