Road map set for global development of telecom and ICT

Hyderabad,Jun 4: The Hyderabad Action Plan adopted today by the ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference outlined a road map to foster the global development of information and communication technology (ICT) networks and services over the next four-year cycle.The roll out of next-generation networks (NGN) and increased access to broadband services, wireless technologies and the Internet were recognized as catalysts to achieve the broader development goals.The Hyderabad Declaration states: ''Broad access to telecommunications and ICTs is essential for the world's collective economic, social and cultural development, and the building of a global Information Society. This access brings new opportunities for interaction amongst people, for sharing of the world's knowledge resources and expertise, for transforming people's lives, and for contributing to the global development agenda.'' The fifth World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-10), which concluded today, attracted 924 participants ''The increasing role of ICT in the life of the common man cannot be overemphasised. Keeping in view the latest technological developments in ICT, the Hyderabad declaration adopted by WTDC-10 will play a decisive role in the development of the ICT sector across the world, especially in developing countries,'' Mr P J Thomas, Secretary in the Department of Telecommunications of the Government of India, who was elected Chairman of the Conference, said. (photo by RSJ Thomas)
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