See also: Communication Technologies in Tunisia Tunisia Internet Agency   ICT'S IN TUNISIA NATIONAL STRATEGY The concerns that prompted Tunisia to propose, in 1998, the organization of a World Summit on the Information Society (www.smsitunis2005.tn) underlie the Tunisian strategy adopted for the development of the communication technologies sector. This strategy revolves around the following axes : Developing, modernizing and making use of the new technologies, in order to establish a communications infrastructure that meets the needs of an economy increasingly based on knowledge, especially with the reinforcement and extension of fixed and mobile telephone infrastructures and the development of data transmission networks through the use of the available modern technologies Consolidating the organizational and regulatory platform in order to ensure the openness of the sector to competition, especially with the reinforcement of the regulation function and the consolidation of the presence of private operators Reinforcing the human, technical and technological capacities, by promoting research, academic training and continued training, and through a wide dissemination of the digital culture that contributes to the establishment of the information and knowledge society Developing a network of innovative and high-performance enterprises with high added value, capable of achieving integration within the global market and of making Tunisia a regional technological pole of excellence. Source : www.infocom.tn THE WORLD SUMMIT ON THE INFORMATION SOCIETY (Tunis 2005) Genesis of the Summit : In November 1998, Tunisia submits a request to the Conference of plenipotentiary delegates of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), held at Minneapolis for the holding of a World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). The ITU Conference accepts the request and in 2001 it calls for the holding in two phases of the WSIS. An initial phase, in December 2003 in Geneva, for the adoption of a declaration of principles and an executive plan with a view of establishing the information society second phase in November 2005 in Tunis to look into specific development problems and to adopt the executive plan. The second phase will also be known as the "summit of solutions". The Tunis Summit : A real success According to all participants, the second phase of the World Summit on the Information Society, hosted by Tunisia on November 16-18, 2005, has been a great success. This success finds its illustration in the excellent organisation of this major global event, in the large participation it has witnessed, and in the positive results it has achieved. A successful organization : Participants have been unanimous in commending the professionalism of the Summit organization. Whether in the airport, in the Badging center, in hotels or in the Summit venue, all facilities have been available, and organization has been irreproachable, with a Tunisian expertise that has proved to be up to the event and up to the country's reputation in this regard. Hence the numerous messages of thanks to the Tunisian authorities and people addressed by the Summit participants. A record and diverse participation, making of WSIS-Tunis the largest Summit ever organized by the United Nations With more than 21.000 participants, WSIS-Tunis has beaten all records of participation in a UN-sponsored summit. This participation has also been quite divers, with the presence of a large number of Heads of State and Government, about 6.000 representatives of civil society, more than 4.000 heads of private businesses, and more than one thousand journalists. A Summit of Solutions WSIS-Tunis has been considered as the "Summit of Solutions". Regarding the three main issues included on the Summit agenda, namely funding the reduction of the digital divide, Internet governance, and following up the implementation of decisions, consensual decisions have been reached in Tunis. More than 200 projects for the reduction of the North-South digital divide hae taken shape in Tunis, such as the American 100-dollar laptop project aimed at the countries of the South, and the ITU's "Connect the World" initiative which aims to connect 800.000 villages by the year 2015. Other decisions have been taken to improve the existing funding mechanisms and to consider the Digital Solidarity Fund as a mechanism complementing the others. Regarding Internet governance, a multilateral forume fo governance has been recommended and called on to meet during the second half of 2006, under the supervision of the UN Secretary General. Adoption of the "Tunis Agenda"and the "Tunis Commitment" On Friday November 18, 2005 the Tunis WSIS concluded its work by the unanimous adoption of two documents which will remain known as : the "Tunis Commitment" and the "Tunis Agenda". The "Tunis Commitment" reaffirms the commitment of member states in favour of the edification of a global information society, geared towards development, placing humanity at the center of its concerns, on the basis of the United Nations Charter, international rule of law, diversity and total adhesion to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, so that all the peoples of the earth can have access to knowledge and information, use them and share them in the service of the internationally agreed upon development goals, among whom the Millenium Goals. "The Tunis Agenda" reaffirms the commitment of member states in honouring the pledges taken during the Geneva Summit, reaffirming the importance of financial mechanisms in order to bridge the digital divide as well as the question of the internet. A Summit that has confirmed Tunisia's propulsive role, and its image as the country of peace, dialogue and tolerance WSIS-Tunis has confirmed the high status enjoyed by Tunisia in terms of ICTs promotion. Tunisian ICT specialistes have made sure the Summit proceedings go quite smoothly, and Tunisian start-ups have been distinguished by their high technical skills and know-how during he "ICT4all" exhibition in which all major ICT multinational firms have participated. The image of Tunisia as the country of peace, dialogue, tolerance and solidarity has been reinforced during this Summit. All participants have enjoyed their stay in optimal conditions of security. Being the country of dialogue and consensus, Tunisia has assumed, during the Summit, a facilitator role, which has made it possible to reach consensus on crucial issues. The Summit has also consolidated Tunisia's image as the land of tolerance and solidarity. All countries, without exception, have been invited to take part in this inclusive event. Moreover, thanks to the Tunisian sense of solidarity, African civil society associations have been able to travel to Tunisia and play an active part in the Summit proceedings. The Tunis Summit in figures : Number of Heads of State and Government 36 Number of invited personalities 104 Number of parallel events 309 Number of parallel events organizers 216 Number des exhibitors 333 Number of journalists 1.100 Number of visits to the exhibition 65.000 Number of registered persons 30.280 Number of participants 21.146 Including representatives Governments 5.625 International organizations 1.362 Civil society 5.982 Private sector 4.171 MAIN ACHIVEMENTS ORGANIZATIONAL AND STATUTORY PLATFORM A new Telecommunications Code organizing the telecommunications sector and consecrating the openness on the private sector. Establishing a regulation authority Establishing a statutory framework governing postal activities through the adoption of the Code of the Post. A statutory framework governing the exercise of activities in the telecommunications sector. The fields of activity covered by this reform are : - The activities of telecommunications enterprises - Public communications centers - Added-value telecommunications services Enactment of the law 2004-5 dated February 3, 2004 concerning computer security and establishing the National Agency for Computer Security. LIBERALIZATION OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR Opening the Tunisian telecommunications market to competition, following the attribution of a first concession for the establishment and operation of a mobile digital telephone public network, and a second concession for the establishment and operation of a public network for data transmission via satellite. Changing the legal form of the National Telecommunications Office from a public, non-administrative public establishment to a limited company. COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES Telecommunications A telecommunications network, one of the most modern networks in the Mediterranean Basin, composed of seven knots at the national level, equipped with high-speed multi-service switches integrating telephone traffic, Internet traffic and multimedia. This network will be extended into the regions through regional networks adapted and designed to bring closer services to urban areas and to the main sites of activity A fully digitalized telephone network covering 100% of the national territory. At the end of 2005, there were: 1.257 million subscribers to the fixed telephone service 5.681 million subscribers to the mobile telephone service Two mobile telephone network operators: "Tunisie Telecom and Tunisiana" Rural telephony: WLL and MobiRif technology operating according to GSM standard Two international gateways; sub-marine cable and digital spatial links 11,350 public telecommunication centers in all the regions of the country Tunisian participation in satellite telecommunication projects, such as the Arab THOURAYA project, the African RASCOM project, and the international SEAMEWE 4 project; the aim being to ensure total connectivity. Internet and data transmission An internet network covering all the country, accessible through 12 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) (7 public and 5 private), with an international pass band having a capacity of 750 Mbits/s at the end of 2005. Use of the new technology "voice over IP A data transmission network using various technologies (LS, ADSL, Frame Relay, Vsat…). A data transmission network via satellite Vsat managed by a private operator. Post Extension of the postal network to more than 1429 contact points at the end of 2005; thus providing a postal coverage of 7055 inhabitants per contact point . Reinforcement of mobile post units in rural areas; the number of units was brought up to 45 in 2005, providing services to over one million citizens. 304 public postal centers "Publipostes in all the regions of the country, providing various postal services. Launching the guaranteed fast mail service (the following day before 10 a.m.), and the two-way fast mail service (obtaining an acknowledgment of receipt). Modernization of postal and financial services through the use of new ICTs, the use of electronic banking, and the Tunisian Post's integration within the telecompensation system. Introducing fully securized electronic currency (e-dinar), making possible the online payment of commercial transactions from Tunisian business websites. Creating a new multi-function card: universal e-dinar. It is an electronic purse used as an online means of payment, as well as for the payment of purchases by TPE in commercial malls, and for the withdrawal of money from the post or from banks through the DAB network. Creating a website for remote financial operations (balance consulting, transfer…); (www.ccpnet.poste.tn). Creating a website for the payment of bills (water, electricity, telephone …); (www.fatouranet.poste.tn). Developing a telegram web system which allow to track parcels through the Internet. Establishing the immaterial post which allows the remote processing of electronic transmissions by enterprises (invoices, …). Developing an electronic system connecting post offices to social security funds. Creating a stamp collecting center, and designing a business website for postal stamps. Establishing the virtual school of the Tunisian Post for remote continued training. TV and radio broadcasting Total coverage of the national territory in terms of radio broadcasting. Creating "Youth radio, and extending the network of regional radio stations to 5 stations. Creating an SW radio broadcasting station covering the Arab World, Europe and North America. Increasing the rate of coverage of the national TV channel "Channel 7 and of the youth-oriented TV channel "Channel 21 to reach 99.7% of the population. Satellite broadcasting of "Channel 7 programs, which now cover the Arab world, Europe and North America. Creating a private radio station and a private TV channel Offering services with added value, such as high-speed Internet service, call transmission, and the digital radio mail service Establishing a network of lightning impact detection. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES Computer projects Horizontal projects INSAF: Computerized system of management of civil servants : It makes possible the management of 402,000 civil servants with a network of 700 terminals established in 350 sites. The Arabized version of this system has been operational since 2003. ADEB: System of aid for budget decision. Central ADEB and regional ADEB, with a network of 650 terminals established in 230 sites. The Arabized version of this system has been operational since 2003. SINDA : Automated system of customs information (A network of 1225 terminals). RACHED: System of follow up of orders for missions abroad (A network of 800 terminals). Implementation of several EDI projects: the "Single Form (Tunisian foreign commerce network) whose role consists in facilitating exchanges with foreign countries through the dematerialization and simplification of procedures, information exchanges and the banking telecompensation. National projects MADANIA : Management of civil status through a network of 433 sites. This application is operational on the WAN network with 850 terminals allowing citizens to be offered services related to the civil status regardless of the place of birth. GIS : Geographic Information System : Implementation of pilot projects; establishment of digitalized geographic platform; conception of a database for urban networks; and testing of the real-estate information system. Common administrative projects SDICA : Computer plan for common administrative applications : The project covers 8 administrative applications : mail management; stock management; fleet management; management of the state fleet; management of state movables; management of projects, contracts and public orders; management of institutions under supervision; follow-up of inspection files. An plan of action has been recently set up for the generalization of applications installed on pilot sites. Applications identified as part of the communication-based administration program : The program covers tens first-generation applications : Single form; tax declaration; electronic payment; enterprise creation; civil status documents; social security service; virtual university; virtual school; tourist services; online payment of bills. Online sectoral projects SICAD : Online information and communication system : This system covers 1,500 administrative services in Arabic and French. e-commerce : - Recognition of electronic documents and signatures - Electronic payment platform : bank cards, electronic purse : e-dinar - Electronic signature platform : PKI infrastructure - Adoption of appropriate legislation : Law 83 of August 2000 concerning exchanges and electronic commerce. e-learning : - Virtual university : Project implemented since 2003; 20% of the courses will be given virtually by the year 2006 - Virtual school : project experimented since 2002; it is being gradually generalized. - Virtual school of the Tunisian Post : Providing continued training for the Post staff (www.postelearning.poste.tn) Remote registration : The website offers the possibility of online registration for students in 166 public higher education institutions. Registration fees can be paid online via e-dinar. Virtual library Establishment of a virtual library for the communication technologies sector (www.emaktaba.tn). The books and documents contained in the library are being scanned and digitalized. e-health : - Online access to certain services offered by social security funds - Modernization of the management of medical files - Online appointment for medical consultations in hospitals - Development of services in the field of telemedicine (videoconference, telepathology, …). Training and dissemination of digital culture Basic training Establishment of 5 higher education institutions for the training of ICTs specialists in 14 areas of specialization, during the period 2002-2005. Establishment of 11 areas of specialization for the training of ICTs specialists in higher education institutions non-specialized in this field, during the period 2002-2004. Establishment of a higher education cycle for the training of specialists in computer security, and complementary training cycles in computer security in ENSI and 3 private universities The number of higher education graduates in ICTs specialties reached 4,500 for the 2003-2004 academic year, which represented more than 10% of the total number of university graduates. Training as part of the education syllabus Testing the virtual university in 18 ISETs (Higher institutes of technological studies), as well as the virtual school which offers students virtual courses. Pursuing the generalization of education in the field of computer science in the two final years of secondary education Pursuing the integration of information technologies in basic education programs, at the level of the technological education subject. Continued training Open school for civil servants: This is a remote continued training via Internet allowing civil servants in office to prepare and participate in competitions for access to high education institutions. Complementary training The training program (21-21) consists in upgrading job-seeking university graduates in the fields of computer science, multimedia and new communication technologies Training of trainers in the fields of free software, web techniques and technological communications. Dissemination of the digital culture The presidential "family computer program, was launched in April 2001, it has allowed modest-income families to benefit from specific advantageous modalities. At the end of 2004, the number of computers purchased as part of this program amounted to 42.520. Tunisian families benefit from a monthly subscription to the Internet with an amount of 10 dinars. This amount includes the subscription costs and offer a 15-hour navigation. The national center of computer for children (CNIPE) and the regional centers of computer for children (CRIPEs) offered training to 88,000 children during the period 2002-2004. Online training and registration services are being established. A computer center for disabled children, and other spaces intended for this social category, are gradually being created within the CRIPEs. In 2004, they offered training in computer science and multimedia to 1,000 children. The mobile computer laboratory: during the period 2002-2004, 22,400 participants benefited from action of sensitization to computer culture. The "November 7 Internet bus? visited, during the period 2002-2004, more than 170 institutions, offering services to more than 10,000 beneficiaries. DEVELOPMENT OF A NETWORK OF INNOVATIVE AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE PRIVATE ICTS ENTERPRISES Technological parks The aim is to establish a policy of operational, scientific and industrial partnership in conjunction with private operators in the fields of telecommunications at the national and international levels, in such a way as to integrate Tunisia within the information society, by monitoring technological, and research developments and innovations in the ICTs field. The pole is ranked 16th among 42 international poles on the occasion of the 2004 Davos World Economic Forum. Cyberparks Establishment of 5 regional cyberparks for remote labor in the Governorates of Monastir, Le Kef, Gafsa, Siliana and Kasserine, covering, in 2004, 44 enterprises with a staff of more than 220 employees. Two cyberparks are being established in Kairouan and Hammam Sousse, and will be operational in 2006 Three cyberparks are planned to be established as part of the 2004-2009 Electoral Program. Business incubators A support team provides material and immaterial support to young project promoters. During the phase of incubation, the project promoter pays neither the rent nor any other costs 40 enterprises operating in the ICTs sector are currently "housed? in the technological park. RITI To encourage the creation of innovative enterprises in the information technologies field, young Tunisian promoters holding university degrees may have access to the system of encouragement of innovation in the information technologies field (RITI), for new projects whose cost does not exceed 500 thousand dinars, as well as for projects of extension whose cost does not exceed 500 thousand dinars, including the net fixed assets. RITI's participation can reach 49% of the project capital, and may not exceed 120 thousand dinars. The promoter's contribution should be at least 2% of the project capital. Source: www.infocom.tn