Action Team on Knowledge-sharing

Brief mission statement:

Promotion of the use of space-based communication services to improve knowledge-sharing.

Findings:

(a) The ability to communicate is fundamental to development for many communities in the world. Serving isolated areas such as islands and mountainous areas using terrestrial means is often not possible. Space-based communication services are not restricted by geography and, as such, become the only option for many communities;
(b) Space-based communication systems are capable of providing high-end technology such as broadband communications, mobile telephony and bandwidth on demand;
(c) Space-based communication services have always been large-scale projects and are generally undertaken by the private sector in response to competitive market forces;
(d) The creation and application of new knowledge is essential to the survival of almost any economy and can be used to generate future economic benefits. In order to make knowledge-sharing a reality, appropriate information and communication technology infrastructure should be available. Space-based communication services could provide the connectivity to improve such knowledge-sharing.

Recommendations for further action:

(a) Identify existing and planned space-based communication infrastructure that is committed to universal access;
(b) Identify the barriers to the implementation of a space-based communication system;
(c) Develop policies and strategic plans that could lead to promoting the use of space-based communication systems in improving knowledge-sharing.

Implementation already initiated:

A survey is currently being conducted to assess the current space-based communication capabilities within Member States. A questionnaire has been prepared and, with the assistance of the Office for Outer Space Affairs, circulated to Member States.

Indication of impediments to implementation:

Impediments have not been identified as the survey findings have yet to be reviewed.

Benefits to be derived from implementation:

Promoting national, regional and global cooperation on using space-based communication services to improve knowledge-sharing.

Progress made by the Action Team:

(a) The Action Team held two meetings in Vienna during the sessions of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and its Scientific and Technical Subcommittee;
(b) The Action Team held a meeting in Bangkok in conjunction with the Workshop on the Contribution of Space Communication Technology to Bridging the Digital Divide, which was organized for the benefit of the countries in the Asia and Pacific region;
(c) The Action Team is in the process of compiling information on space-based communication infrastructure within Member States.