1. I International Forum e-Panama Panama, 6-7 April 2004 Adrian Scrase Chief Technical Officer, ETSI Towards an Information Society And the Knowledge Economy: Dilemmas and Opportunities

2. Capital Labour Land And, in addition: Infrastructures for: Utilities (water, electricity, food…) Transport (Tele) Communications What does it take to build a Prosperous Economy?

3. Assumption #1 Development of an Information Society is ALWAYS the prime Objective. But, what does that mean?

4. What Does an Information Society Provide? Connectivity Accessibility for All Information at your Fingertips Equal opportunity for Everyone No Discrimination Fair Competition User Satisfaction Excellent Business Opportunities Etc., Etc.

5. Assumption #2 The development of the Information Society is not only a question of “bits & bytes”

6. Policy making Regulation Trade policies Investment & Financial issues Market access related issues (Certification & TA…) Business practices Etc., Etc. And this implies a need for: STANDARDS Also touches upon:

7. HOW TO CREATE STANDARDS IN AN ENVIRONMENT CHARACTERIZED BY PERMANENT CHANGE?

8. Industrial players (new businesses, new entrants) Regulatory bodies Standards making organizations (formal or not) More policy makers Industry associations Organizations involved in market access issues Etc… Look, how many new players?:

9. In spite of this plethora: One assumption is shared globally: Liberalization and deregulation is the solution!

10. The big plea for freedom! But should it be without restriction ?

11. Without clearly defined rules, freedom is like a fox in a chicken run!

12. In ETSI, there are three strategic tracks: 1/Open standards level the playing field and are a tool for fair competition 2/ Technical standards provide business benefits 3/The future is built through Partnerships

13. 1/ Open Standards provide balance of power Representation of all market players Decisions by consensus Standards applied voluntarily Contribute to market openness A fight against technical barriers to trade

14. Influence evolution of technologies/standards Input market requirements into standardization process Co-operate to build critical mass Provide access to new markets Parallel product/service development Reduced lead times Standards ensure consistency and protection of investments 2/ Technical Standards provide Business Benefits

15. Reference to standards & recommendations for: licencing schemes, tenders, optimum spectrum usage, numbering, dispute resolution etc. To structure the market on a long term basis with a view to cater to the end user interests. Regulators & policy makers:  Identify potential regulatory issues embedded in standard-making  Impact on elaboration of standards to fulfill: competition rules, obligations provided by Directives optimum use of scarce resources, etc. 2/ Technical Standards provide Business Benefits

16. ICT sector is a 650billion US $ per annum global industry, the largest sector in the world, accounting for more than 2% of world GDP and representing nearly 20% of world trade. (lirne.net) Up to 80% of trade (equivalent to $4 trillion annually) is affected by standards or associated technical regulations (Estimate OECD) In case you think standardization is for idealists…

17. From a technical point of view: Do-it all alone strategy, a recipe for disaster! Let’s become Partners with the most relevant players in every domain. From a regional point of view: Build bridges to increase market relevance and reach of ETSI’s deliverables. Combination of both: the Partnership Project model 3/ The Future is built through Partnerships

18.  Central America is traditionally a standards taking region. It opts for technical solutions that will best fit markets’ needs.  What is at stake is choosing options that will allow for best market developments, whilst not getting locked into proprietary solutions or becoming a hostage of alien industrial battles.  Open standards create market conditions that benefit all (policy makers, industrial players as well as end users) … /… What does this mean for Central America (1)

19.  ETSI produces open standards fit for global markets and creating conditions for Information Society for All (mobile communications, digital TV etc).  @LIS allows for increased co-operation between ETSI/3GPP and Latin America players.  ETSI Members are very keen to open the dialogue on standardization… let’s go!!! What does this mean for Central America (2)

20. Gracias, Thank you scrase@etsi.org