..Press Release................................ UNESCAP News Services

Date 13 November 2006
Press Release No. N/41/2006

Trends in Information and Communication Technology :
Broadband Becoming the new"Utility",
says UNCTAD’s Information Economy Report 2006

UNCTAD’s Information Economy Report 2006 will be launched by Dr. Susan Teltscher, Chief, ICT Policy and Analysis Unit and E-Business Branch, SITE of UNCTAD and co-author of the Report on Thursday, 16 November 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok.

The Report reviews the annual trends in information and communication technology (ICT) and notes that broadband is becoming such an important tool in the business world that it is reaching the status of a "utility" -- as necessary as electricity and water.

The Report 2006 also says that broadband availability is becoming the new chasm between rich and poor countries. -- Broadband subscribers increased by almost 15% in the last half of 2005 in the globe's industrialized nations, reaching 158 million; and business broadband connectivity jumped from 53% of European Union enterprises in 2004 to 63% in 2005.

Broadband availability is so scarce in developing countries that only 71 of 151 nations submitted data on the subject. And 48 of those 71 said broadband penetration rates were under 1%. Expanding access is thus vital in the poorer regions of the world or firms in those countries will face a growing competitive disadvantage and whole nations may lose out on significant economic growth. In some cases, wireless technology and satellites can help to make up for the missing infrastructure needed to make broadband available.

The 2006 Information Economy Report or IER also explores the following topics:

 Intensive application of ICT to oil production and distribution can help developing countries process, market, and export oil much more profitably, especially in this current era of high prices. It even recommends that oil-exporting nations in the developing world consider setting up oil spot and futures markets.

 Governments in developing countries should establish ICT policies that encourage competition and innovation, and notes that currently 44% of developing and transition countries have national plans for fostering their information societies, and 20% are developing such plans. However, the report says, few of the countries that have such plans scrutinize how effective they are.

 National or international steps to govern the Internet should be taken carefully so that they do not stifle innovation or reduce the opportunities the Internet offers for entrepreneurs and for economic growth in developing countries.

NOTE TO EDITORS: You or your representatives are cordially invited to attend the launch of UNCTAD’s Information Economy Report 2006 on Thursday, 16 November 2006 at 10:30 a.m. in the Theatre of the United Nations Conference Centre on Rajadamnern Nok Ave., Bangkok. Refreshments will be served before the launch.

This report, and all information concerning it, is under embargo until 5 p.m. GMT on 16 November 2006.

In order to facilitate the entrance and limited parking space, we would appreciate it if you could please confirm your attendance together with your transportation details (plate number, make, model & colour) to unisbkk.unescap@un.org or fax: 02 288 1052.

For further information please contact:

Mr. Jean-Michel Sadoul
ICTPS/ICSTD - United Nations ESCAP
Tel: +66.2.288.1681 / Fax: +66.2.288.1085
Email: sadoul@un.org

For media inquiries please contact:

Mr. David Lazarus, Chief
UN Information Services Bangkok
Tel: (66-2) 288-1861-66; Fax: (66-2) 288-1052
Email: unisbkk.unescap@un.org

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