Aloha PTC Colleagues,
I am honored to communicate with you as the newly
elected Chairman of the PTC Advisory Council, with
Gregg Daffner as Vice-Chairman. We are entering an
exciting era in PTC and in the global information and
communication environment. We are all part of it. We
want PTC to continue leading in it. That simple vision
becomes a complex mission. In PTC, we can share the
benefits of succeeding in our mission together.
PTC Advisory Council—Voluntary High-Level
Consultation to Board of Governors
Einstein said “Everything should be made as
simple as possible, but not simpler.”
Our industry is one of the most complex in the world.
It changes constantly. If it were a sport it would
be ice hockey, not basketball or football. It’s
fast, and it can be rough. In this complex arena we
work and play in, we need all the information we can
process. We need all the teamwork we can get. PTC’s
leadership structure meets our field’s complexity.
Our leading players are on the PTC Board of Governors
(BG), which gives direction to the Secretariat, our
professional administration. PTC’s Bylaws allow
for 14 elected Governors.
For planning and voluntary consultation, they are
backed up by the PTC Advisory Council (AC). At present,
we have about 33 Advisors. Current AC issues range
from the mission, vision, purpose of PTC, to its sustainability,
Bylaws revision, planning for the Mid-Year Seminar,
and others.
PTC is a Key Node in Professional Information Networking
PTC as a whole can serve you as a similar kind of
high-level advisory body for consultation on issues
significant to your organization and to you as a professional.
Our field is too complex for any one person to figure
out alone. Yet together as an information network,
we can master and prosper in its complexity, guiding
each other and literally the world, in improving information
and communication.
PTC’s annual meeting in Hawai’i, the crossroad
of the Pacific, is a key information node. The “Land
of Aloha” is a perfect place—with its cross-cultural
heritage, its openness and acceptance of differences,
and its willingness to adapt and change—as a
meeting place for professionals from the entire Pacific
hemisphere. And PTC Mid-Year meetings will continue
to move around the entire Pacific region so you can
also move professionally, learning from your global
colleagues. PTC Mid-Year was in China in 2004, Japan
in 2003, Canada in 2002. The Advisory Council will
take your suggestions for future sites anytime.
A Story of How PTC Can Benefit You, and How You
Can Benefit PTC
In PTC I am struck by how productive the information
and the networking can be. The deeper your involvement,
the richer your experience. To illustrate, I will finish
with a true professional story I told the Advisory
Council.
When I was a researcher at Bellcore, the R&D corporation
of the USA Regional Bell Holding Companies, our group
approached a famous international company for a research
relationship. The client executive listened carefully
to our proposal. Then he said, as attractive as it
sounded, he would rather the relationship between the
professionals of the two companies function as “work
friends”.
Work friends, he explained, are people from different
companies or organization who honor and respect each
other. When a professional is uncertain or in need
of advice on a decision, he doesn’t necessarily
talk to the people in his own company. They are too
close, and sometimes he has delicate relationships
with them. Instead, he calls his work friend from another
company, that does not work directly with him, but
who cares about him, and who will listen and give supportive
yet objective advice.
That’s how the Advisory Council benefits the
Board of Governors. That is how the Pacific Telecommunications
Council can benefit you. PTC can serve you as a network
of information, professional contacts, and potential “work
friends”. And that’s how you can benefit
PTC. You can serve your fellow members the same ways.
Start with the PTC members around you and then bring
in some new ones, a few good people and organizations
that would help us grow PTC and prosper together. It’s
going to be an exciting era to be a member of our leading
organization.
Mahalo,
Jay Gillette
Chairman
PTC Advisory Council
Featured Member Report: The Aceh
Telecom Relief Project
by Anne LeBoutillier*
International companies have launched an unprecedented
multi-donor telecommunications relief effort in Aceh
Province, Indonesia, in order to support humanitarian
assistance and long-term development there. Aceh is
one of the areas that were most dramatically affected
by the 26 December 2004 tsunami disaster, and the area
has become one of the focal points for relief and recovery
operations.
The purpose of the multidonor effort is to restore
and enhance telecommunications services to the area.
In the short run, that will allow relief and recovery
agencies to better coordinate their activities. Longer
term, the effort will provide tools for economic and
social development using information technology and
improved telecommunications access.
The initiative incorporates a wireless broadband infrastructure
with both satellite and undersea fiber optic communications,
which will enable communications within Aceh, and between
Aceh and the rest of the world. The infrastructure
will be established entirely with donated equipment.
Among the international companies committed to the
project are Intel Corporation, which will provide equipment
and technical expertise for wireless telecommunications;
Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company, Ltd. (AsiaSat),
which is providing satellite connectivity in response
to immediate requirements of relief organizations;
and Global Marine Systems Limited, which is coordinating
the design and construction of undersea fiber optics
connecting Aceh Province into the existing global fiber
optic network.
“I think many firms, Global Marine among them,
experience a strong urge to help but have a hard time
defining what they could do independently. Establishing
a coordinated effort among a number of firms has given
so many of us a very positive way to support the relief
organizations and ultimately the people of Aceh,” said
Andy Bax, Head of Submarine Network Systems at Global
Marine.
More than 100 relief agencies are working in the area,
including Mercy Corps International, which is participating
in the telecom relief effort by helping to define voice
and data requirements for relief and recovery work.
The network is intended to directly benefit the Aceh
community. The area already has some available services
for journalists and relief workers, but will benefit
from additional wireless and fiber optics capacity
which will address both short-term requirements of
relief and reconstruction and will provide long-term
community assistance such as e-learning.
Should your company wish to participate in
this effort, please contact Anne LeBoutillier at telecomrelief@tsoja.com.
The relief effort is currently awaiting Indonesian
government licenses and approvals for the project,
but once those have been received, there will be
immediate requirements for equipment transport, fuel,
and containerized data centers.
_____________________
*Intel initiated the telecom relief effort in response to
requests from Mercy Corps and other relief agencies. The
effort expanded into satellite and cable connectivity through
an approach to Anne LeBoutillier, Asia Pacific Director,
T Soja & Associates, Inc.
2005 PTC Mid-Year Seminar
The Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) is pleased
to invite you to participate in the 2005 PTC Mid-Year
Seminar, currently scheduled for 21-22 September 2005
in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Aptly themed “Global Telecommunications in Times
of Crises and Turmoil”, the seminar topics will
focus on:
- Disaster mitigation planning
- Natural disaster recovery systems and programs
- Telecom system reliability and recovery planning
- Challenges and opportunities unique to developing
nations
- The demand for broadband capacity in government,
military, humanitarian relief environments
- Telecom applications for homeland security
- Regulatory impediments to providing disaster relief
Program and registration information for the seminar
will be forthcoming. Please visit www.ptc.org for
updates.
For more information concerning speaking opportunities
or sponsorship, please contact Sharon Nakama at Tel:
+1.808.941.3789 x110 or Email: snakama@ptc.org.
PTC Essay Prize 2005 Competition
Returns
PTC is pleased to announce again for 2005 an annual
essay competition designed to stimulate fresh inquiry
into telecommunications-related topics. The competition
is open to all individuals who are either actively
working on a graduate degree or have obtained graduate
level degrees (MA, MS, JD, PhD, etc.) within the last
five years.
PTC will award a prize, which will include a trip
to its 28th annual
conference, PTC'06, from 15 - 18 January 2006 in Honolulu,
Hawaii, to the author(s) of the best research and/or policy
papers.
The prizewinning entrant will also be invited to present
his/her paper at PTC'06, and the paper will be published
in the conference proceedings.
Deadline for submission of papers is 31 May 2005.
The following categories should merely serve as guidelines/suggestions
for appropriate essay topics:
- Positive and negative implications of Information
and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on social and
economic development, including ethical issues.
- Technological and managerial issues in network
interconnection.
- Network-based entrepreneurship: e-commerce for
development.
- Policy/Regulation/Trade issues.
- Barriers to providing universal services.
- New telecommunication technologies and services.
- Social, economic or political implications of telecommunication
services.
- Uses of wireless Internet for development.
For further information and application forms, see http://www.ptc.org/conference/essay2005.html.
You may also contact Kim Hunter at Tel: +1.808.941.3789
or email kim@ptc.org.
We look forward to your participation!
PTC'06 Conference & Exhibition
15-18 January 2006
Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa
Honolulu, Hawaii USA
Look out for the theme and topics in the next Members’ Bulletin.
Additional Member News and Articles
An excerpt: “It’s no surprise that, as
a recognized and respected leader in his field, Tony
Gardiner PEng—APEBGC’s 2004 RA McLachlan
Memorial Award winner—has accumulated an enviable
list of accomplishments during his 40-year career in
the telecommunications industry. But when you ask him
what he takes most pride in professionally, his answer
has nothing to do with the many technological breakthroughs
that have been realized under his watch as the leader
of an international telecommunications consulting business.”
Full text of this Cover Story available in the January/February
2005 issue of Innovation magazine, pgs. 12-15.
_____________________
*Rogers, Richard L. “Anthony Gardiner PEng: A High
Frequency Achiever.” Innovation. January/February
2005: 12-15.
An excerpt: “From a tower in Beijing’s
inner city, a new President Mao gazes down at the imposing
walls and gates of the Forbidden City, the traditional
heart of power in China. This Mao, however, is Robert
Mao—president and chief executive officer of
the China operations of Nortel Networks Corp.—and,
to be honest, he would rather give up the glamorous
view and move to the suburbs.”
Full article available for subscribers at: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/Page/document/
hubsv3/tgamHub?hub=Search&query=robert+mao.
_____________________
*York, Geoffrey. “Nortel Continues its Far East Expansion”. GLOBEANDMAIL.COM.
Online Edition: Friday, March 18, 2005 08:55 AM. Bell Globemedia
Publishing Inc. DOA: April 6, 2005.
An excerpt: “There are numerous challenges for
anyone other than local utilities or Incumbent Local
Exchange Carriers to build the last mile fiber. Local
municipalities control access of much needed rights
of way. Most significantly, the last mile fiber carrying
conduit design and installation has been in the hands
of mostly telecom personnel with little or no input
from civil engineers, resulting in expensive and laborious
implementation adding further to the problems surrounding
the last mile. If the optical fiber technology could
be rolled out at a faster pace, with fewer hurdles
in rights of way acquisition, and at a lower cost,
then end-to-end optical fiber connectivity could solve
the last mile in America for us to stay competitive
in a global economy.”
Full text available at: http://home.earthlink.net/~jkjeyapalan/intro/id11.html.
Membership Update
New Members since 15 March 2005
| NAMEûûû |
CATEGORYû |
DATE |
| Mr. Eby Thankaraj |
IND |
28 March 2005 |
Telecom Industry Events
USTDA Southeast Asia Connections Conference,
27-29 April 2005, Bangkok, Thailand
The Governments of the United States and Thailand will co-host
this major regional conference on communications and information
technologies, addressing key public policy issues and private
sector market opportunities in Southeast Asia. The event
is sponsored by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)
with the support of the U.S. Department of State and the
U.S. Department of Commerce. Supporting industry organizations
include the US-ASEAN Business Council and American Chambers
of Commerce (AMCHAM) in the region. For more information,
visit http://trademeetings.com/ssMeetingDetails.asp?meetingId=130.
Wireless & Mobile WorldExpo, 18-19 May 2005,
Toronto, Canada
The 2005 Wireless & Mobile WorldExpo is the global event
for the wireless and mobile industry, attracting decision-makers
who want to learn about and purchase the latest products
and solutions, including: Wi-Fi/802.11/802.16, Security,
VoIP, RFID, ZigBee and many others. Register now using code: øPTCPÓ for
free Expo passes and discounts on conference passes. Further
details are available at http://wirelessandmobile.wowgao.com,
or call +1.416.292.0038 ext. 821 or email WorldExpos@wowgao.com.
e-Gov Forum & Expo, 9-10 June 2005, Ottawa,
Canada
The 2005 e-Gov Forum & Expo is one of the most anticipated
events for IT professionals from all levels of government
in Canada, including federal and MASH sectors. Technologies
featured include Information Management, Privacy, Security,
G2C Electronic Service Delivery, Benchmarking and many others.
Register now using code: øPTCPÓ for free Expo passes and
discounts on conference passes. For details, visit http://e-gov.wowgao.com,
or call +1.416.292.0038 ext. 821 or email us at WorldExpos@wowgao.com.
CommunicAsia 2005, 14-17 June 2005, Singapore
Expo
Asia's most established and comprehensive Communications & IT
event, is scheduled to be held from 14¨17 June 2005 at Singapore
Expo. For more information, visit www.communicasia.com/Press_Releases.html.
Thai Telecom Forum 2005, 23-24 June 2005,
Thailand
The Thai Telecom Industry is in the midst of a significant
paradigm shift. Keep abreast of these exciting developments
in Thai Telecom Forum 2005, which will include the highlights
of NTC plans related to the reform and liberalization of
the telecom industry as well as its licensing criteria and
requirements. PTC Members are entitled to a 10% discount
on registration. For more, go to www.abf-asia.com/project/672PTC.pdf.
APSCC 2005 Satellite Conference & Exhibition,
27-29 September 2005, Meritus Mandarin Singapore
The Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council (APSCC)
proudly presents APSCC 2005 Satellite Conference & Exhibition
on 27-29 September 2005 in Singapore. As one of the most
important events in Asia, APSCC 2005 attracts the largest
audience from all sectors in satellite/space related industries.
Creating a globally integrated platform, it will be a truly
international Mecca for the satellite community. As a special
member benefit, PTC Members may claim a special 20% discount
on registration. For more information, visit www.apscc.or.kr/event/Work%20APSCC2005%20Satellite.asp.
PTC Members' Bulletin
PTC’s online and email bulletin to members is
now distributed once a month. You should receive your
next copy on, or soon after, 13 May 2005. Please send
your questions or suggestions to Kim Hunter at kim@ptc.org.
If you or your company representatives wish to resume
informing other PTC members of new or improved products
and services, or of individual achievements via the
Members’ Bulletin, please express your wishes
to Lorie Sugiki by emailing lorie@ptc.org.
Please note that for news and headlines, we will only
publish items that include a link to the cited article.
If you do not wish to receive the email version of
the PTC Members’ Bulletin, please forward the
email to info@ptc.org with “Unsubscribe” in
the subject line.
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