2014年-世界发展银行全球_ICT_Sector_Policy_Note_for_Panama___Enabling_Inclusive_Development_through_Information_and_Communications_Technologies_50页_2mb

Summary of ICT Sector Policy Note for Panama

Core Content

This ICT Sector Policy Note for Panama, published on August 6, 2014, provides an in-depth analysis of the country's ICT sector, focusing on its growth, challenges, and opportunities for inclusive development. The report outlines the current state of the sector in terms of supply and demand, and highlights the importance of cybersecurity and broadband connectivity in rural and remote areas. It also proposes strategic directions and potential World Bank support to enhance the sector's development.

Main Points

ICT Sector Growth and Impact

• The ICT sector in Panama is growing faster than the overall economy, contributing significantly to GDP and job creation.
• In 2011, the sector contributed B/. 2,245.1 million to national GDP, showing a 13% year-on-year increase, outpacing the overall GDP growth of 10.6%.
• The sector's gross income increased from B/. 830 million in 2010 to B/. 871 million in 2011, mainly due to the mobile telephony industry.
• Mobile telephony represents more than half of the ICT sector's business, indicating its critical role in the economy.

ICT Access and Usage

• Access: Panama has made progress in ICT access, particularly in urban areas, but rural and indigenous communities lag significantly.
• Penetration: Mobile phone penetration is very high, while computer and internet penetration remain moderate.
• Universal Access Fund (UAF): Established in 2008, the UAF is used to finance public and semi-public phone networks and the National Network for Universal Internet Access (RNI). It is funded through a 1% levy on telecom providers and 0.01 Balboa per minute for international calls by foreign operators.
• The UAF receives about USD8M annually, with a portion allocated to maintaining over 14,000 public phones and supporting 1,157 free Wi-Fi sites across 41 cities and towns.

ICT Demand Drivers

• Economic and Social Factors: High mobile phone penetration suggests a strong demand for connectivity, but lower computer and internet usage indicates a need for improved access and affordability.
• Government Demand: Panama has a well-developed ICT infrastructure for eGovernment, with a Strategic Digital Agenda (SDA 2012-2014) and the creation of a national payment portal. However, there is still a need for more comprehensive legal and regulatory frameworks in areas like open data, personal data protection, and cybersecurity.
• Private Sector Demand: Despite the availability of ICT services, many workers in the private sector do not use the internet effectively, highlighting a skills gap that limits the sector's potential.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Challenges:

  • Institutional, Legal, and Regulatory Framework: While some progress has been made in eGovernment legislation, other areas like open data, data protection, and cybersecurity are still in early stages.
  • eTransformation: The country has a good foundation for digital transformation, but needs to strengthen its institutional capacity and legal support.
  • Cybersecurity: Although some initiatives have been launched, a comprehensive inter-institutional strategy is needed.
  • Broadband Connectivity: Access to broadband in remote areas remains a challenge, with limited infrastructure presence in indigenous communities.

• Opportunities:

  • Infrastructure Sharing: Joint infrastructure initiatives between telecom and other sectors (e.g., electricity) could increase investment profitability and improve access.
  • Prepaid Mobile Broadband: Prepaid models offer affordable access and could complement fixed broadband to expand connectivity.
  • Digital Inclusion: Expanding free internet access sites and improving ICT skills could help reduce the digital divide.

Key Information

International Connectivity

• Panama has five submarine cables, with two more planned for 2014, providing a maximum capacity of 33,425 Gbps.
• The country consumes about 335.9 Gbps of international bandwidth in 2012, which is significantly lower than its available capacity.
• International internet bandwidth per user in 2012 was 30.8 kbps, which is higher than most regional countries but lower than some like Chile and Barbados.

National Connectivity

• The country's internet backbone is managed by C&W (incumbent), Cable Onda, and UFINET.
• UFINET, originally an electricity provider, has a large fiber optic network and operates as a carrier of carriers, offering competitive prices.
• There are cross-sector initiatives for infrastructure sharing, such as the agreement between AIG and ETESA to share fiber networks for remote access.

Fixed Telephony Market

• Cable & Wireless Panama is the incumbent, controlling the market with a 49% state ownership.
• Fixed telephony prices are relatively high, making mobile telephony more attractive.
• Public phone usage has declined, likely due to the rise of mobile services.

Mobile Telephony Market

• Four major operators dominate the market: Más Móvil (Cable & Wireless Panama), Movistar (Telefónica), Digicel Panama, and Claro Panama (América Móvil).
• Mobile telephony is affordable and has high penetration, contributing significantly to the sector's growth.

Fixed Broadband Market

• Fixed broadband is competitive and affordable, with a growing demand.
• However, rural access remains limited, and the market needs more investment and policy support.

Mobile Broadband Market

• Mobile broadband is becoming increasingly important, with prepaid models being a key enabler for affordability.
• The market is still developing, with opportunities for expansion in remote areas.

Strategic Directions

• Institutional, Legal, and Regulatory Environment: Strengthening the legal framework, especially in open data, data protection, and cybersecurity, is essential.
• eTransformation: Promoting eGovernment and digital services can enhance public administration and service delivery.
• Cybersecurity: A comprehensive, inter-institutional strategy is needed to protect critical information infrastructure.
• Broadband Connectivity in Remote Areas: Addressing the digital divide through infrastructure sharing and targeted policies is crucial for inclusive development.

Possible World Bank Support

• The World Bank can support Panama in enhancing its institutional and regulatory framework.
• Assistance in eTransformation and cybersecurity strategy development is also proposed.
• Funding for expanding broadband access in remote and indigenous areas could be part of the World Bank's support.

Calendar of Proposed Activities

• The report outlines a calendar of proposed activities aimed at improving the ICT sector, including policy reforms, infrastructure development, and cybersecurity initiatives.

Conclusion

Panama has made significant strides in the ICT sector, but challenges remain in terms of rural and indigenous connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital skills. The report emphasizes the need for strategic policy reforms, infrastructure sharing, and World Bank support to ensure inclusive and sustainable development through ICT.