DECLARATION OF QUITO

At the conclusion of the Second Regular Assembly of the Inter-American Telecommunications Commission (CITEL) in Quito, March 2-6, 1998, representatives of the telecommunications administrations of CITEL’s Member States  

Declare:

 That the strategic importance of telecommunications compels governments to cooperate in strengthening this sector in order to achieve their social and economic goals. 

That our countries must prepare themselves to face the challenges of the twenty-first century. In this regard, and given the sheer pace of the changes ahead, the development of telecommunications infrastructure is a top priority. It must combine the introduction of state-of-the-art technologies that ensure the efficient handling of information, and the adoption of policies, strategies and programs that foster development of the telecommunications sector in ways that raise the standard of living and reinforce the skills and know-how of all our citizens. 

That we must combine our efforts in order to ensure the development of the telecommunications infrastructure and services essential to developing the economic, social, cultural and political well-being of our Member States.

That the Inter-American Telecommunications Commission of the Organization of American States (CITEL) is the senior technical telecommunications body in the Americas for recommending actions to further the development of the region’s telecommunications sector.

That, acting as a catalyst with respect to the consideration of the views of Member States on issues of mutual interest, CITEL has made possible the presentation in the International Telecommunication Union and other international telecommunications fora of common Inter-American proposals benefiting all countries of the Americas and Associate Members.

And thereby resolve: 

• To consolidate CITEL’s capabilities, so that it can fully implement the instructions issued by heads of state in the Summit of the Americas process, in view of the fact that telecommunications is a fundamental element in the sustainable development of the region.

• To encourage the development of basic telecommunications infrastructure as well as new telecommunications services and technologies within a legal framework that is predictable, consistent, nondiscriminatory and transparent.

• To strengthen coordination with telecommunications bodies of the Americas in developing programs regarding infrastructure, training and research.

• To promote the development of projects designed to make available the basic telephone services and the benefits of new technologies required to meet the communications needs of more remote areas and of lower-income groups, particularly with regard to telemedicine, distance learning and access to the Internet.

• If appropriate, to establish mechanisms to reinforce and facilitate the participation of CITEL, as a specialized technical telecommunications organization, in the region’s various processes of integration.

In witness thereof, the Delegates of the Member States taking part in the Second Regular Meeting of the Inter-American Telecommunications Commission adopt this declaration in the City of San Francisco de Quito, March 6, 1998.

 Mario Burbano de Lara

CHAIR OF THE ASSEMBLY