CONTENTS

1. Introduction

1.1 Towards equitable economic growth
1.2 The information society: opportunities and challenges
for policy formulation

2. Building the information superhighway

2.1 Enabling technologies on the information superhighway

2.1.1 Wireline systems
2.1.2 Wireless systems
2.1.3 Mobile telephony
2.1.4 Wireless local loop
2.1.5 Satellite communication systems
2.1.6 Internet services

3. Space technology on the information superhighway: broadband access through satellites

3.1 Space technology for digital bridging
3.2 Broadband access through satellites: advantages and challenges
3.3 Spectrum considerations
3.4 Broadband satellite applications
3.5 Broadband satellites: market scenario
3.6 Connecting to the Internet edge: leverage of satellite-based delivery networks
3.7 Regulatory issues

4. Earth observation in the information superhighway era: moving towards a new order

4.1 Regulations and policy considerations
4.2 Emerging scenario: Quo vadis?
4.3 Data policy considerations on the information superhighway

4.3.1 Data access
4.3.2 Pricing policy
4.3.3 Archival policy
4.3.4 Map policy considerations

4.4 Earth observation data on the World Wide Web
4.5 Towards an integrated data policy framework for Earth observation: evolution of the Integrated Global Observation Strategy and policy imperatives
4.6 Earth observation policy framework in the Asian and Pacific region

5. Building spatial data infrastructures: national and global imperatives and initiatives

5.1 Spatial data infrastructure
5.2 The Global Spatial Data Infrastructure
5.3 Challenges for policy formulation

6. Space technology applications on the information superhighway: dissemination models, success stories and lessons learned

6.1 Dissemination models
6.2 Success stories

6.2.1 Electronic governance (e-governance)
6.2.2 Value-added services for community development
6.2.3 Targeting natural disasters: vulnerability and risk
6.2.4 Disaster management through international cooperation

6.3 Lessons learned

7. The convergent environment: challenges for policy formulation

7.1 The digital divide and the convergence of technologies
7.2 National aspirations
7.3 Challenges of convergence
7.4 Policy formulation in a convergent environment

8. Positioning the policy framework

9. Conclusions

9.1 Regulatory framework considerations and challenges

References

LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1. Number of Internet users in the Asian and Pacific region
Table 3.1. Representative broadband satellite systems
Table 3.2. Enterprise IP via satellite services market
Table 3.3. Consumer broadband satellite revenue
Table 4.1. Ground resolution requirements for militarily significant targets

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1 Satellite communication applications
Figure 3.1 Satellite bandwidth as a percentage of Internet bandwidth
Figure 6.1 Making the transition to e-governance
Figure 6.2 Concept of value addition
Figure 6.3 Flood management: targeting for relief and rehabilitation

LIST OF BOXES

1. Broadband scenario in Asia and the Pacific
2. ICT Market in Asia and the Pacific in 2002
3. Satellite broadband services: market forecasts
4. Role of the Working Group on Information Systems and Services of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites
5. Integrated Global Observing Strategy: benefits and applications
6. Definition of GSDI
7. Characteristics of an “Ideal” spatial data infrastructure
8. National spatial data infrastructure in India
9. Geoportals provide diverse content
10. Andhra Pradesh
11. Information Village Research Project
12. Disaster management support activities in India
13. International Charter on Space and Major Disaster in action: some real-life examples
14. “Do you want bread or computers?” “I want both!”
15. By the people and for the people