Information & Communications Technology

For the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB), providing affordable and reliable communications facilities to all its citizens has always been a challenge due to the country’s rugged and mountainous terrain, small and scattered population, and landlocked nature. Nevertheless, recognizing the potential of information and communications technology (ICT) in boosting socioeconomic development, the RGoB has committed to the roll out of a national fibre-optic backbone infrastructure since 2015, through its National Broadband Masterplan Implementation Project.

The waves of information and communications technology (ICT) development in the Pacific subregion are so enormous that they cannot be ignored. A decade ago, no one could have imagined the rapid ICT progress and changes experienced today in the Pacific subregion. No one would have thought that it was possible for Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, and even Yap and Palau to be connected by submarine cables. What’s more, plans are underway to connect the small and remote islands of Tokelau and Tuvalu to submarine cables.

Social media applications have been the subject of much study and analysis, yet the scope and impact remain difficult to understand. As part of a fast growing and quickly changing Internet ecosystem, these applications have been used by billions of people across the globe. With such high use rates, the potential for beneficial impact on economic growth and social development is significant.

Despite rapid technological advancements reported in some of the member countries of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), rural schools in developing countries are left largely unconnected and under-resourced. The slow progress poses two challenges.

Most countries in Asia and the Pacific have built their own fibre-optic backbone networks. Many cross-border terrestrial fibre-optic cable systems have been established between neighbouring countries through bilateral agreements. Yet, this regional network of terrestrial cables is not effectively managed and utilized because of operational challenges.