REPORT OF THE REGIONAL WORKING GROUP ON
SATELLITE COMMUNICATION APPLICATIONS
ON ITS SEVENTH MEETING
Bangkok, Thailand, 6-8 May 2002
I. SUMMARY
A. Conclusions and recommendations
1. The seventh meeting of the Regional Working
Group on Satellite Communication Applications noted with
satisfaction the progress of member countries in the area
of satellite communication applications, particularly
in the increase in Internet accessibility, distance learning,
and telemedicine. These developments are significantly
contributing to rural and urban development, poverty alleviation,
and bridging the digital divide in the region. The meeting
agreed to enhance regional cooperation in the conduct
of projects and activities of common interest, and in
the exchange of information, best practices and experience.
2. Newly developing broadband satellite
technology, and improved integration of space technology
applications with the information superhighway suggest
important advances in social and economic benefits in
the foreseeable future. The meeting recognized the necessity
of the region to be appropriately prepared and to take
use of the advantages.
3. The meeting expressed its satisfaction
that ESCAP had continued to support the activities of
the Regional Working Group by promoting regional cooperation
and information sharing. The meeting also noted the continued
efforts of the ESCAP secretariat to implement the recommendations
of the Second Ministerial Conference on Space Applications
for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific.
4. The meeting noted the eagerness of countries
in the region to participate fully in satellite communication
applications. In view of interest produced by this and
previous meetings and the recent technological developments,
the Regional Working Group agreed that it would keep its
momentum to continue its effort in promoting regional
cooperation in this expanding field.
5. The meeting noted that, despite considerable
progress in many countries, there remains a form of digital
divide, in which some countries and regions are not benefiting
from progress made in some other countries and regions.
The meeting noted that further efforts are needed to bridge
this gap, including through the work of the Regional Working
Group.
6. Two areas of interest to participants
were (a) the timeliness of discussing community teleservice
centres (CTC), including the development of national requirements
documents for these, and (b) the possible synergy between
developments in satellite communications and enhanced
services for disaster preparedness and response. The meeting
agreed to explore the concept of CTCs as information accessing
environment supporting disaster management, and the potential
role of specially configured transportable CTCs that can
be rapidly deployed for disaster response.
7. The meeting created a task force for
the purpose of better documenting and sharing feasibility
designs, requirements, and experiences regarding community
teleservice centres.
8. The meeting agreed to promote the development
and realization of a regional arrangement using space
technology to support natural disaster management. The
Regional Working Group would contribute to the development
and demonstration of relevant technical and institutional
components.
9. The meeting noted with satisfaction that
more industries were interested in participating and cooperating
with the Working Group. In particular, the meeting expressed
its appreciation to the Shin Satellite, a private company
of Thailand that would launch the communication satellite
iPSTAR in 2003, for its offering to cooperate with the
Group on relevant activities.
10. The meeting noted with great appreciation
the offer made by the representative of China to host
the next meeting of the Working Group in China back to
back with the conference titled "China Satellite
2003", subject to the approval of the Government
of China and confirmation with the secretariat. The meeting
also decided to explore the schedules of related events
in order to determine the optimum timing for the eighth
Regional Working Group meeting.
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B. Recommendations
11. The meeting noted problems in coordinating
activities among national contact points (NCP) and in
soliciting their active participation in the Working Group
activities. In order to enable the coordination office
to implement the recommendations of the Group, the members
of the Regional Working Group were strongly encouraged
to renew the nomination of their NCPs to ensure regular
correspondence and participation in the activities of
the Group and to make appropriate decisions on relevant
matters in a timely manner.
12. Acknowledging the importance of information
exchange among the members and the need to disseminate
information about the activities of the Working Group,
the meeting recommended that the Web site of the RWG be
moved from its current developmental site to the operational
location at the coordination office and updated regularly
with information on relevant national programmes. It further
recommended that the Group's home page provide appropriate
links to the Web sites of appropriate national and regional
activities. The coordination office could also set up
a bulletin board for easier and more frequent exchange
of information on topics relevant to the Working Group.
13. The meeting urged participants to provide
regular information through the coordinating office for
use on the Group's re-invigorated Web site.
14. The meeting recommended that sessions
on the role of communications satellite technology be
organized at the Regional Workshop on the Use of Space
Technology for Disaster Management in Asia and the Pacific
in November 2002 in Bangkok, which is to be jointly organized
by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and
ESCAP, with the cosponsoring of the Geo-Informatics and
Space Technology Agency (GISTDA) of Thailand. The meeting
further recommended that a technical demonstration on
combined applications of satellite broadband service and
space information applications for disaster management
could be arranged by GISTDA and Shin Satellite during
the Workshop to promote synergies between satellite communications
and Earth observation.
15. The meeting also recommended that a
seminar on community teleservice centres be conducted
with the next meeting, and that this seminar be coordinated
with the China Satellite 2003 conference for maximum exposure,
subject to approvals of this arrangement by relevant parties.
Several members noted the high value of such coordinated
thematic symposia/workshops, and expressed their interest
in this arrangement.
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II. PROCEEDINGS
A. Organization of the meeting
16. The seventh meeting of the Regional
Working Group on Satellite Communication Applications
was held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok,
Thailand, from 6 to 8 May 2002. The meeting was organized
by ESCAP.
B. Attendance
17. The meeting was attended by 19 participants
from the following member countries and from ESCAP: China,
Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Pakistan,
Philippines, Russian Federation and Thailand. 21 observers
from Thailand and Shin Satellite PLC as resource persons
were also present. A list of participants is attached.
C. Opening
18. The meeting was opened on 6 May 2002.
The Executive Secretary of ESCAP, in his message delivered
by the Director of the Environment and Natural Resources
Development Division, pointed out that space technology
applications and its products are important for the well-being
of each country in the region. He emphasized the important
contribution of space information and communication technology
applications in the efforts of ESCAP towards bridging
the digital divide, and that modernizing and improving
the space-related infrastructure would benefit the region
regarding resources management and environmental protection,
handling the disasters and planning for future developments.
19. The Executive Secretary reported on
the preparatory initiatives taken by ESCAP, in close cooperation
with other international organizations, towards to the
World Summit on Information Society in 2003 and 2005.
20. The Director of the Geo-Informatics
and Space Technology Development Agency of Thailand, Mr.
Suvit Vibulsresth, addressed to the meeting on behalf
of the host country. He spoke of the great influence of
practical applications of space technology, particularly
satellite communications, in terms of improved education,
health and disaster management in the Asia-Pacific region.
He expressed the willingness of Thailand to contribute
to the World Summit on Information Society to be held
in 2003 and 2005; he also expressed confidence that the
Regional Working Group would over the next few days advance
its efforts on implementing the Regional Strategy and
Action plan.
D. Election of officers
21. The meeting elected the following persons
as members of its Bureau:
Mahammad Hakkak (Islamic Republic of Iran),
Chairperson;
Yang Qianli (China), Vice-Chairperson;
Philip A. Varilla (Philippines), Rapporteur.
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E. Adoption of the agenda
22. The Regional Working Group on Satellite
Communication Applications adopted the following agenda:
1. Opening of the meeting.
2. Election of officers.
3. Adoption of the agenda.
4. Report of the coordination office on the work of the
Regional Working Group over the preceding year.
5. Progress in implementing the Strategy and Action Plan:
(a) Regional report of the ESCAP secretariat:
(b) Country reports of the national contact points.
6. Perspectives on satellite broadband applications and
development of substantive regional cooperation activities.
(a) Community teleservice centres;
(b) Integrating space applications with the information
superhighway.
7. Tentative work plan for 2002-2003.
8. Venue and provisional agenda of the eight meeting of
the Regional Working Group.
9. Other matters.
10. Adoption of the report.
F. Report of the coordination office on
the work of the Regional Working Group
over the preceding year
23. The Coordinator of the Working Group
reported to the meeting on the Group's activities since
the previous meeting. The Government of China, through
the national focal point of China to the Regional Space
Applications Programme (RESAP), agreed that the coordination
office of the Group be hosted by the National Remote Sensing
Centre of China, Ministry of Science and Technology, and
assigned Mr. Yang Qianli as the Coordinator of the Regional
Working Group.
24. The coordination office report noted
several areas of progress, such as a visit by a Philippine
SatCom delegation to China, and several seminars, meetings
and panels. The coordination office also described the
national China Satellite Conference (<www.chinasatellite.org>),
typically attended by 450 participants. The coordination
office invited the Working Group to hold its next meeting
in conjunction with the China Satellite 2003 conference,
anticipated to be held in Beijing between August to October
2003. This invitation was accepted with enthusiasm.
G. Progress in the implementation of the
Strategy and Action Plan
1. Regional Report of the ESCAP secretariat
25. The ESCAP secretariat presented a report
highlighting the main activities and achievements attained
at the regional level in the past year. Three focal areas
of ESCAP attention were emphasized, namely (a) poverty
alleviation, (b) ameliorating the negative impacts of
globalization upon developing countries, including bridging
the digital divide, and (c) tackling emerging socio-economic
problems in the region. The meeting was reminded of the
vision of the RESAP II - contributing to the region's
sustainable development and improved quality of life through
use of space-based information and communication technologies.
26. The ESCAP secretariat, among its activities,
(a) organized and serviced the meetings of four Regional
Working Groups and the Intergovernmental Consultative
Committee under the regional cooperation network on space
technology applications, (b) developed and initiated the
implementation of three projects with the financial and
in-kind support from China, France and India, (c) continued
regional information service through its two publications
and Web site, (d) conducted a study on operational integration
of space technology applications (satellite-based remote
sensing, communication, meteorology, and positioning services)
for sustainable development with the information superhighway,
(e) organized and held the third meeting of the Dialogue
Forum on Harmonization of Regional Initiative for Space
Cooperation, and (f) provided 35 fellowships to support
the training and education activities hosted by China,
India and Indonesia on a technical cooperation among developing
countries basis.
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2. Country reports by the national contact
points
27. The meeting noted that considerable
progress had been attained at the national level, as summarized
below by the national contact points or representatives
of participating countries.
China
28. In 1999, the Government of China issued
the white paper China's Aerospace, which fully described
the national policy for China's space industry. The cornerstone
of the paper is to promote the industrialization of space
technology and applications.
29. Satellite engineering: China started
to design and manufacture a series of mini-satellites
as well as the large ones, including the large-capacity
communication satellite DFH-4 with 50 transponders and
15-year lifetime.
30. VSAT applications: At present, China
has 30 firms specializing in VSAT communication service
for more than 15,000 end-users. More than 15,000 new VSAT
terminals will be established. By the end of 2001, the
number of Internet users had reached 33.7 million, up
49 per cent compared with that in 2000.
31. TVTEV service: Since 1998, China has
successfully provided TVTEV (TeleVision programmes To
Every Village) service via satellite in Ku band. Up to
now, 189,000 satellite ground receiving stations have
been established.
32. Tele-education service: China has built
a nationwide satellite television education system since
the 1980s, the largest distance education network in the
world. More than 30 million people have benefited from
the education and training by this method. Current distance
education trends are in the direction of broadband multimedia.
33. In 1999 the Government of China began
to establish a satellite broadband multimedia transmission
platform, providing integrated services of distance education
and information technology. In February 2001, the project
of modern distance education for high and primary schools
in western China was formally initiated. During the following
two years, nearly 10,000 education stations will be set
up.
34. The China Golden Health Network, linking
up more than 100 hospitals, mainly provides tele-healthcare
services. The China Tele-Health Education Network is a
two-way distance learning system aimed at 6 million medical
workers. In 2002, the pilot system, with more than 400
remote stations, will provide services in four provinces
as the first step.
35. China has also launched a service to
distribute high-quality digital movies by Satcom.
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Indonesia
36. At present, there are five Indonesian
satellites in operation: Palapa-Telkom-1, Palapa B4, Palapa-C1,
Cakrawarta, and Garuda-1 (ACeS). Palapa Telkom-1 satellite,
using 24 transponders in C-band and 14 transponders in
ext-C band, is located at 108 degrees east. Palapa B4
is currently operational at 118º E, providing 24
transponders in C-band. The Palapa-C satellite has a total
of 34 transponders (24 C-band, 6 ext-C band and 4 Ku-band
transponders). These satellites are used for telecommunications,
VSAT, television broadcasting, and Internet via satellite
both for domestic and regional use.
37. Indostar-1 (also called Cakrawarta)
is a satellite designated for domestic direct-to-home
digital television and audio services located at 107.7º
E. Indostar-1 has five S-band transponders at a ratio
of eight to one MPEG-2 Digital Compression for television
broadcasting. One of the channels, called the Swara channel,
broadcasts nationwide 24-hour information about the activities
of House of Representatives members.
38. The Asia Cellular Satellite (AceS) system,
which uses a Garuda geostationary satellite, is a personal
mobile communications system, designed exclusively for
the Asia-Pacific region, and providing dual-mode (satellite-GSM
900) voice, data, Internet services and global roaming
capability to subscribers at a competitive cost. ACeS
is jointly operated by an Indonesian private sector company,
PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara, with PLDT-Philippines, and
Jasmine-Thailand. There are two kinds of ACeS applications
to support penetration of basic telecommunication services:
(a) BYRU is a GSM satellite service based
on the ACeS network using a small, lightweight handset;
(b) PASTI is a fixed application of satellite-based mobile
telecommunication service using the ACeS system.
39. Indonesia plans to launch the new generation
satellite called Telkom-2 in 2003, replacing Palapa-B4.
This satellite has bigger coverage and higher power than
the previous one had. It is planned to fulfil the demand
on data communication system and also to support the national
telecommunication backbone. Indonesia is also developing
the Multi-Media (M2A) satellite system. M2A is designed
to bring the converging worlds of telecommunications,
information and entertainment together into a single,
flexible platform for Asia. M2A is designed with extensive
coverage throughout Asia and the Pacific, including Australia,
Far East Asia, and South-East Asia.
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Islamic Republic of Iran
40. The Islamic Republic of Iran introduced
a new mobile satellite service in the country through
the Thuraya GSO satellite, and remarkable expansion of
Internet services has taken place over the last year.
It activated the private sector Internet service providers
towards providing Internet protocol (IP) telephony under
license, in addition to data communications.
41. Several institutions in the Islamic
Republic of Iran are experimenting or initiating tele-education
via satellite and tele-health programmes. It was reported
that the Payam Noor University is now initiating nation-wide
distance learning for its correspondences students.
42. The Iran Telecom Research Centre is
continuing its CTC pilot project, which is to be completed
next year. Results are expected to be presented in the
proposed seminar on CTC experiences that will be held
back to back with eighth meeting of this Working Group.
Japan
43. The implementation the i-Space Project,
an effort to promote new communications satellites experiments
and applications plans to run from 2001 through 2005 and
afterward.
44. The project includes pilot experiments,
the promotion of utilization experiments of the Engineering
Test Satellite (ETS) VIII, the Wideband InterNetworking
engineering test and Demonstration Satellite (WINDS),
and the mission study for the Quasi-zenith Satellite System.
The goal of ETS-VIII goal is satellite mobile communications
technology development. The goal of WINDS is high-data-rate
Internet satellite communications technology development.
The Quasi-zenith system aims to advance satellite mobile
communications and positioning technology.
45. Examples of i-Space Project experiments
include (a) demonstrations of communications network technology,
(b) new applications such as constructing new information
networks for land management and disaster monitoring,
new backbone construction for education, and overcoming
the digital divide, and (c) IT promotion in agriculture,
forestry, fisheries, and medicine, as well as basic research
in communications technology.
Pakistan
46. As the national space agency, Pakistan
Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO)
is responsible for implementation of the national space
programme, with the main objective of promoting peaceful
exploration and applications of space science and technology
in the areas such as satellite communication, resource
surveying, environmental management, global positioning,
navigation, meteorology, disaster monitoring and others.
47. Pakistan's second experimental microsatellite
BADR-2, designed and developed by SUPARCO scientists,
was successfully launched into low Earth sun-synchronous
circular orbit of 1,050 km on 10 December 2001. In addition
to objectives laid down for BADR-1 (Pakistan's first experimental
satellite, which was successfully launched in 16 July
1990), BADR-2 was designed to meet other useful objectives
as well. SUPARCO has played a pivotal role in finalizing
the system configuration of PAKSAT, Pakistan Communication
Satellite. Pakistan also has plans to launch its own Earth
Observation Satellite System (EOSS). As a part of International
COSPAS-SARSAT programme, the existing PALUT/PAMCC station
is being upgraded for the next-generation satellites.
48. Human resource development is an increasingly
high priority and various approaches are being employed
to achieve this, including the establishment of Islamabad
Aerospace Institute. Pakistan is also pursuing an extensive
portfolio of international cooperation, through participation
with international organizations such as the Committee
on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), ESCAP, the
Asia-Pacific Multilateral Cooperation in Space Technology
and Applications (AP-MCSTA), and many individual space
agencies. Pakistan was also a participant in the Small
Multi-mission Satellite Project, jointly with China, the
Islamic Republic of Iran, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea,
and Thailand. The noteworthy success that Pakistan has
had in its space programme will give a boost to its plans
for peaceful use of outer space.
Philippines
49. The Department of Transport and Communications
believes that satellite systems provides an essential
and critical infrastructure to link the people of the
Philippines and to provide social services, especially
education, health and other government services in rural
areas.
50. Satellite-based, multi-purpose telecentres
provide a quick solution to establish an access point
for those municipalities and barangays that are far from
terrestrial-based telecom facilities. These telecentres
will become the access point for telehealth, education
and other information and entertainment services, as well
as access to Internet and other communication services.
51. Satellite-based telecentres can use
a hybrid system of Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite services
and VSAT system. Content may be developed through live
demonstrations, or a tape may be digitized, loaded and
played in the uplink facilities for reception at remote
sites. The uplink facilities may be connected to the Internet
to provide Internet services to the remote sites. Moreover,
to introduce interactive voice communications the VSAT
system can be configured to provide voice communications
between the remote terminal and any other location in
the Philippines. This system may be implemented in a phased
approach considering different services available for
the remote sites. This can be implemented with collaboration
among concerned national and local agencies.
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Russian Federation
52. The Russian Aviation and Space Agency
reported that Russian enterprises are developing and manufacturing
a whole series of large, mid-sized, and mini communication
and telecasting satellites. Reported capabilities include
manufacturing and test facilities for communication satellites
with up to 48 transponders in C-band and Ku-band. More
than 1,000 communications and navigation satellites for
different applications were manufactured. Five communications
satellites of the Express AM series with masses of about
2,600 kg each are planned for launch in 2003-2005 by the
Proton launch vehicle, and two 3,000-kg satellites for
2003-2006. Currently under development are the Express-1000
series of 830-kg satellites for a modified Soyuz launch
vehicle or Proton launch vehicle; a series of mini Gnom
satellites of 430 kg, designed as a piggyback on a Proton
launch; the mid-sized satellites of the Yamal-100 series
of 1,300 kg, for launch by the same vehicle type; the
Ruslan MM mini satellites of 500-600 kg, placed in orbit
by the Strela launch vehicle; and Dialog mini satellites
with mass of 500-600 kg, for launch by the Rokot vehicle.
53. The Russian Aviation and Space Agency
(Rosaviakosmos) is operating and further developing the
Gonets low-orbit communication system. The satellites
allow addressing issues such as (a) modern satellite communication
services for different types of uses, including remote
locations lacking adequate ground communication infrastructure,
(b) distance education, (c) rural broadcasting and tele-health,
(d) monitoring of industrial facilities and control for
transportation systems, and (e) supervision of fishery
areas and natural resources development.
54. The Russian Federation is ready for
active cooperation with all stakeholders in ESCAP member
countries in developing satellite communication systems.
Thailand
55. The Distance Learning Project, by the
Distance Learning Foundation (DLF), was inaugurated in
1996, using the Thaicom-3 satellite to provide six channels
of education programmes from M1 (grade 7) to M6 (grade
12) in Ku-band to 3,000 schools and communities. This
was expanded to 24-hour operation in 1999. The up-to-date
digital broadcast station in Wang Klaikangwon, Hua Hin,
is connected via 200 kilometres of fibre optic cables
to the Thaicom uplink station in Patumthani, near Bangkok.
56. After successfully completing secondary
schooling organized by the Department of General Education,
students may continue their education with recently launched
evening and night programmes operated by the Vocational
Colleges and Rajamangala Institutes of Technology, H.M.
the King's Sight Seeing Education Programme of more than
100 stories, and the English channel (UBC channel 17)
for international programmes. The latter was established
in February 2002 for five neighbouring countries (Cambodia,
Kunming in southern China, Lao People's Democratic Republic,
Myanmar and Viet Nam), as the DLF's second distance learning
project.
57. The third distance learning project
- the so-called DLF e-learning Project - was officially
inaugurated on 5 May 2002 in honour of H.M. the King's
Coronation Day, because of his strong support of the project.
The DLF e-learning Project operates through the Internet,
and is thus accessible by users all over the world. Thus
Thailand has two programmes under operation - a live broadcast
in the daytime and the "learning on demand"
anytime in the day.
58. At this time, DLF operates seven channels
for the three projects mentioned above. In the near future,
probably by late 2002, DLF will establish its fourth distance
learning project, which is for primary education from
P1 (Grade 1) to P6 (Grade 6). This will benefit 30,000
schools under the 10-year programme organized by the Department
of Primary Education. Hence, another six channels, plus
another channel for vocational education level expansion,
will be operated by DLF, making a total of 14 channels
from the year 2003 on.
H. Perspectives on satellite broadband applications
and development
of substantive regional cooperation activities
59. Recent developments in communication
satellites and technology convergence with the information
superhighway have demonstrated the competitive strength
of satellite broadband in providing information and communication
technology infrastructure, applications and services to
areas or locations where ground infrastructure is not
available or not sufficient. Satellite-based broadband
will be able to provide affordable infrastructure and
services to rural and remote areas on a community shared
basis, to act as a major player for virtual private networking.
It is expected to play an active role in bridging the
digital divide between developed and developing countries,
as well as between areas at different stages of development
inside a country.
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1. Community teleservice centres
60. The satellite-based community teleservice
centre concept was developed by the Regional Working Group.
The previous meeting of the Regional Working Groups suggested
that it focus its work on this field by organizing a task
force on CTC applications. The meeting discussed the status
and action to be taken for the next years, and suggested
substantive activities to promote CTC applications.
61. The Shin Satellite Public Company, a
private satellite operator and service provider, briefed
the meeting on recent progress in CTC-related activities
and their plans for CTC applications, with particular
reference to potential broadband services and applications
from the iPSTAR system. The company offered to give a
technical tour of its facilities to participants. This
offer was received with enthusiasm; the tour was conducted
on Wednesday morning, 8 May.
62. The National Space Development Agency
(NASDA) of Japan discussed its i-Space Project, with related
technical inputs for realizing CTC. It is noted that NASDA
satellites would be usefully utilized in the future, and
NASDA could participate in a study of regional CTC requirements
for i-Space satellite experiments. Discussion following
this presentation supported such a concept.
63. A task force on CTC was organized by
the meeting, with following agreed details:
Task force name: Community teleservice
centre development and applications.
Members: China, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan,
Pakistan, Philippines, and Thailand.
Leader of the task force: China or Philippines, subject
to the approval of relevant organizations.
Mandate: 1. Collecting information on requirements of
various countries for CTC.
2. Documenting experiences - CTC planning and implementation.
3. Collecting information on national policies of various
countries on CTC.
4. Sharing this information among member countries.
5. Organizing seminars on this topic, coordinated with
other meetings.
6. Promoting collaboration in developing CTCs in the region.
7. Development and implementation of pilot projects.
The meeting also suggested that the coordination
office disseminate the information to national contact
points who were not able to attend the meeting. The meeting
encourages every member country to appoint a contact person
for the task force.
2. Integrating space applications with the
information superhighway
64. Satellite-based Earth observation is
known to be a powerful tool to support informed decision-making
for sustainable development, including natural resources
management, natural disaster reduction, and environmental
protection. However, for most developing countries, accessibility
and utilization of such techniques is still difficult.
Universal access and dissemination of such data and services
has been a concern of the international community, and
is one of the major areas addressed for bridging the digital
divide. It is currently a challenge impeding national
efforts towards sustainable development of many countries,
particularly least developing countries.
65. Many commercial or semi-commercial organizations
provide space-derived data, images, products and services
in developed countries and in some developing countries.
Many information resources can be accessed through the
Internet free of charge. Many countries and international
initiatives have committed themselves to providing space
information data, products and services free of charge
to support national disaster management during major disasters.
By packaging appropriate offerings, such organizations
can better target users in developing countries, thereby
stimulating the growth of localized information service
industries, which will substantially help even less developed
countries and small user communities to benefit more easily
from such information.
66. There is a need for the region to develop
a regional cooperative mechanism to assist the countries,
particularly least developing countries, to benefit from
space information applications, with emphasis on accessing
the information services committed by some countries and
international organizations to support disaster management.
The concept of integrating space applications with the
information super-highway will provide a technical basis
to promote the development and implementation of the regional
cooperative mechanism. The Regional Working Group suggested
that members further develop the concept and consider
the contributions that could be made by satellite communications.
I. Tentative work plan for 2002-2003
67. The tentative work plan for 2002, which
had been approved by the ICC at its seventh session in
Hanoi in June 2001, and the proposed work plan for 2003
were presented to the Regional Working Group. The meeting
suggested that a seminar on CTC be included in conjunction
with the next meeting of the Group.
J. Venue and provisional agenda of the eighth
meeting
of the Regional Working Group
68. The meeting appreciated the offer by
the representative of China to host the eighth meeting
of the Regional Working Group on Satellite Communication
Applications in Beijing, subject to the approval of the
Government of China and confirmation with the secretariat.
69. The provisional agenda of the eighth
meeting should focus on implementation of substantive
project activities as refined by the members at the present
meeting. The next meeting agenda should also include status
reports on CTC development and applications, and contribution
of satellite communications to the evolution of space
application systems for disaster management. Further details
of the provisional agenda would be worked out by the secretariat
in consultation with the Coordinator of the Regional Working
Group.
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K. Other matters
70. No other matters were raised.
L. Adoption of the report
71. The report was adopted on 8 May 2002.
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
CHINA
Mr. Yang Qianli, Advisor/Researcher, China
Electronic System Engineering Company, 20 Fu-Xiang Road,
P.O. Box 101, Beijing 100840. Fax: (86-10) 6827-8365,
tel.: (86-10) 6821-9614, email: yql@public.gb.com.cn
Mr. Wang Yanguang, Professor, Chinese Academy
of Space Technology, P.O. Box 2417-1, Beijing 100081.
Fax: (86-10) 6837-8366, tel.: (86-10) 6874-4069, email:
wyg@apple.cast.ac.cn
Mr. Wang Meng, Engineer, Beijing Institute
of Satellite Information Engineering, Satellite Remote
Sensing Engineering Department, P.O. Box 2747, Beijing
100080. Fax: (86-10) 6837-9512, tel.: (86-10) 6837-9174,
email: wm503@263.net
Mr. Zhang Xiaodong, Director of Market Strategies
and International Corp. Division, Chinese Academy of Space
Technology, P.O. Box 2417-50, Beijing 100081. Fax: (86-10)
6837-8237, tel.: (86-10) 6837-9416, email: wjc@mail.cast.ac.cn
INDONESIA
Mr. Denny Setiawan, Head of Technical Cooperation
Section, Directorate of Spectrum and Satellite Orbit,
Directorate General of Posts and Telecommunications, Gedung
Sapta Pesona, 7th Floor, Jl. Medan Merdeka Balat, 17 Jakarta
10110. Fax: (62-21) 386-7500, tel.: (62-21) 383-5961,
email: denny@postel.go.id
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Prof. Mahammad Hakkak, Senior Advisor, Iran
Telecom Research Centre, P.O. Box 14155-3961, Tehran 14399.
Fax: (98-21) 800-9885, tel.: (98-21) 800-5515, email:
mhakkak@itrc.ac.ir
JAPAN
Mr. Toru Ohue, Associate Senior Engineer,
National Space Development Agency of Japan, National Trade
Centre Building, 4-1 Hamamatsu-cho, 2 chome, Minato-ku,
Tokyo 1058060, Japan. Fax: (81-3) 5402-6517, tel.: (81-3)
3438-6264, email: ohue.toru@nasda.go.jp
PAKISTAN
Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Leghari, Assistant Manager,
Satellite Research and Development Centre, Space Electronics
Wing, Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission,
SUPARCO Box 8402, Karachi-75270. Fax: (92-21) 814-4928,
tel.: (92-21) 814-4667-74, email: suparco@digicom.net.pk,
alee_space@yahoo.com
PHILIPPINES
Mr. Philip A. Varilla, Supervising Communications
Development Officer, Department of Transportation and
Communications, 89 Columbia Tower, Oiltigas Avenue, Mandaluyong
City, Manila. Fax: (63-2) 727-7984, tel.: (63-2) 724-6446,
email: philipvari@yahoo.com
Mr. Thiti Phoophet, Technical Computer Officer,
Information Technology Office, Office of the Permanent
Secretary for the Ministry of Public Health, Tiwanont
Road, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand. Fax: (66-2) 590-1216,
tel.: (66-2) 590-1207, email: thiti@health.moph.go.th
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Mr. Georgy M. Polyschuk, Deputy Director-General,
Russian Space Agency, 42 Schepkina St., Moscow 129090.
Fax: (095) 288-9063, (095) 975-1167
Mr. Dmitry Birichevskiy, Attaché,
Assistant Permanent Representative of the Russia Federation
to United Nations ESCAP, Embassy of the Russian Federation,
78 Sap Road, Suriwongse, Bangkok 10500, Thailand. Fax:
(66-2) 237-8488, tel.: (66-2) 268-1169, 234-9824
Mr. Vladimir A. Lukoyanov, First Secretary,
Embassy of the Russian Federation, 78 Sap Road, Suriwongse,
Bangkok 10500, Thailand. Fax: (66-2) 237-8488, tel.: (66-2)
268-1169, 234-9824
THAILAND
Mr. Charasroj Bothadamrih, Director, Town
and Country Planning Information Centre, Department of
Town and Country Planning, 224 Rama IX Road, Huaykwang
District, Bangkok. Fax: (66-2) 245-9966, tel.: (66-2)
201-8070, email: jarasroj@dtcp.go.th
Mr. Chulapongs Chullakesa, Secretary General,
Distance Learning Foundation, 139 Rajadamnern Avenue,
Bangkok 10300. Fax: (66-2) 281-5783, tel.: (66-2) 628-5700
Ms. Navanit Aphicholati, Engineer, Geo-Informatics
and Space Technology Development Agency, 196 Phahonyothin
Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900. Fax: (66-2) 561-2472,
tel.: (66-2) 940-5662, email: navanit@gistda.or.th
Mr. Keattisak Amonprasertsook, Engineer
7, Department of Town and Country and Country Planning,
224 Rama IX Road, Huaykwang District, Bangkok. Fax: (66-2)
246-0181, tel.: (66-2) 201-8226, keatt@dtcp.go.th
Commander Chairit Kirdpol, Royal Thai Navy,
Deputy Director, Cartographic Division, Hydrographic Department,
222 Thanon Rim Thang Rod Fai Kao, Bangkok 10260. Fax:
(66-2) 475-4766, tel.: (66-2) 475-4769
Mr. Cholatit Iamsumang, Director, Thaicom
Distance Education Centre, Sri Ayutthaya Road, Rajathevee,
Bangkok 10400. Fax: (66-2) 644-9764, tel.: (66-2) 247-7064
___________________________
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RESOURCE PERSONS
Mr. Ayedee Ace M. Domingo, Director (OIC),
National Telehealth Centre, University of the Philippines
Manila, IT Complex, 3rd Floor, Dietary Building, Philippines
General Hospital, Taft Avenue, Manila 1000. Fax: (63-2)
526-2265, tel.: (63-2) 526-2265, email: ayedee@info.com.ph
Mr. Yongsit Rojsrivichaikul, Chief Commercial
Officer Vice President, Shin Satellite Public Co., Ltd,
41/103 Rattanathibet Road, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
Fax: (66-2) 591-0706, tel.: (66-2) 591-0736, email: vongsitr@thaicom.net
Mr. Li Jijun, Regional Manager, Asia Pacific,
Shin Satellite Public Co., Ltd., 41/103 Rattanathibet
Road, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand. Fax: (66-2) 591-0706,
tel.: (66-2) 591-0736, email: lij@thaicom.net
Mr. Pradeep Unni, Department Manager, Shin
Satellite Public Co., Ltd., 41/103 Rattanathibet Road,
Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand. Fax: (66-2) 591-0706, tel.:
(66-2) 591-0736, email: pradeepu@thaicom.net
___________________________
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OBSERVERS
Ms. Salin Weerabutra, Director of Academic
Service, Science Centre for Education, 928 Sukhumvit Road,
Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110. Fax: (66-2) 391-0522, tel.:
(66-2) 392-3160
Ms. Panitan Boonyakiat, Chief, Coordination
Section, Space Affairs Division, Ministry of Transport
and Communications, Rajadamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok. Fax:
(66-2) 280-1237, tel.: (66-2) 283-3106, email: space@motc.go.th
Mr. Chiyan Peungkiatpairote, Chief, Communication
Satellite Project Section, Space Affairs Division, Ministry
of Transport and Communications, Rajadamnern Nok Avenue,
Bangkok. Fax: (66-2) 280-1237, tel.: (66-2) 283-3114,
email: space@motc.go.th
Ms. Kobkul Motana, Chief, Space Programme
Development Section, Space Affairs Division, Ministry
of Transport and Communications, Rajadamnern Nok Avenue,
Bangkok. Fax: (66-2) 280-1237, tel.: (66-2) 283-3116,
email: space@motc.go.th
Ms. Srisuda Prommanuwat, International Affairs
Officer Class 6, International Services Division, Post
and Telegraph Department, 87 Phahonyothin Road, Bangkok
10400. Fax: (66-2) 278-1736, tel.: (66-2) 278-7054, email:
srisuda@ptd.go.th
Mr. Nattawut Ard-Paru, Telecommunication
Engineer Class 4, Spectrum Engineering Group, Frequency
Management Division, Post and Telegraph Department, 87
Phahonyothin Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. Fax: (66-2)
278-2530, tel.: (66-2) 271-0151-60 ext. 316, email: chezz@ptd.go.th
Mr. Nopparath Kasemboonsiri, Telecommunication
Engineer Class 4, Frequency Section II, Frequency Management
Division, Post and Telegraph Department, 87 Phahonyothin
Road, Bangkok 10400. Fax: (66-2) 278-2530, tel.: (66-2)
271-0151-60 ext. 313, email: nopparath@ptd.go.th
Mr. Pasu Srihirun, Telecommunication Engineer
Class 4, Frequency Section II, Frequency Management Division,
Post and Telegraph Department, 87 Phahonyothin Road, Bangkok
10400. Fax: (66-2) 278-2530, tel.: (66-2) 271-0151-60
ext. 312, email: pasu@ptd.go.th
Mr. Worapat Patram, Telecommunication Engineer
Class 4, Spectrum Engineering Group, Frequency Management
Division, Post and Telegraph Department, 87 Phahonyothin
Road, Bangkok 10400. Fax: (66-2) 278-2530, tel.: (66-2)
271-0151-60 ext. 315, email: worapat@ptd.go.th
Ms. Parita Wongchutinat, Telecommunication
Engineer Class 4, Frequency Section II, Frequency Management
Division, Post and Telegraph Department, 87 Phahonyothin
Road, Bangkok 10400. Fax: (66-2) 278-2530, tel.: (66-2)
271-0151-60 ext. 318, email: parita@ptd.go.th
Ms. Lalida Limwuthigaijirat, Telecommunication
Engineer Class 4, Frequency Section II, Frequency Management
Division, Post and Telegraph Department, 87 Phahonyothin
Road, Bangkok 10400. Fax: (66-2) 278-2530, tel.: (66-2)
271-0151-60 ext. 313, email: lalida@ptd.go.th
Mr. Prasopchai Phengphon, Chief, Special
Meteorological Observations Subdivision, Meteorological
Observations Division, Meteorological Department, 4353
Sukhumvit Road, Bangna, Bangkok 10260. Fax: (66-2) 398-9838,
tel.: (66-2) 398-9838, email: p_phengphon@yahoo.com
Mr. Tosporn Simtrakarn, Vice President,
International Telecommunication Transmission, Communications
Authority of Thailand, 99 Chaeng Watthana Road, Laksi,
Bangkok 10002. Fax: (66-2) 573-5476, tel.: (66-2) 574-4586
Mr. Pinit Rattanadilok Na Phuket, Engineer
Class 5, Satellite Department, Communications Authority
of Thailand, 99 Chaeng Watthana Road, Laksi, Bangkok 10002.
Fax: (66-2) 574-6053, tel.: (66-2) 506-3296/4213, email:
rpinit@adm.cat.or.th
Mr. Thongchai Charuppat, Director, Forest
Resources Assessment Division, Royal Forest Department,
Phahonyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900. Fax: (66-2)
579-9484, tel.: (66-2) 579-9484, email: thongchai@forest.go.th
Mr. Tanin Youkhaw, Engineer Class 8, Engineering
Department, Satellite Department, Communications Authority
of Thailand, 99 Chaeng Watthana Road, Laksi, Bangkok 10002.
Fax: (66-2) 574-4794, tel.: (66-2) 573-2206, email: ytanin@adm.cat.or.th
Mr. Supan Karnchanasutham, Director, GIS
and RS Subdivision, Office of Agricultural Economics,
Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900. Fax: (66-2) 940-7036, tel.:
(66-2) 940-7035, email: supan@mozart.inet.co.th
Maj. Gen. Choompon Kirdnark, Deputy Director
General, Defence Space Technology Centre, 47/433, Moo
6, Nonthaburi 11120, Thailand. Fax: (66-2) 980-5953, tel.:
(66-2) 980-5856
Mr. Pranot Pajongsilvivat, Director of Radio
Transmission Engineering Division, Telephone Organization
of Thailand, 89/2 Moo 3, Chaeng Watthana Road, Laksi,
Bangkok 10210. Fax: (66-2) 5749179, tel.: (66-2) 505-2442,
email: pranotp@tot.or.th
___________________________
SECRETARIAT
Mr. Guoxiang Wu Chief, Space Technology Applications Section,
Environment and Natural Resources Development Division,
ESCAP Secretariat, United Nations Building, Rajadamnern
Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10200. Tel.: (66-2) 288-1456, fax:
(66-2) 288-3012, email: wugu@un.org
Mr. Nokeo Ratanavong Scientific Affairs
Officer, Space Technology Applications Section, Environment
and Natural Resources Development Division, ESCAP Secretariat,
United Nations Building, Rajadamnern Nok Avenue Bangkok
10200. Tel.: (66-2) 288-1458, fax: (66-2) 288-3012, email:
ratanavong.unescap@un.org
Mr. David Hastings GIS Officer, Space Technology
Applications Section, Environment and Natural Resources
Development Division, ESCAP Secretariat, United Nations
Building, Rajadamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10200. Tel.:
(66-2) 288-1457, fax: (66-2) 288-3012
Mr. Cihat Basocak GIS Officer, Space Technology Applications
Section, Environment and Natural Resources Development
Division, ESCAP Secretariat, United Nations Building,
Rajadamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10200. Tel.: (66-2) 288-1523,
fax: (66-2) 288-3012, email: basocak.unescap@un.org
