International Communications and Information Policy

Information and communication technologies provide access and opportunity for people from all parts of the globe [photo provided by the International Telecommunication Union]

“[O]ne of the things that makes the Internet profoundly different and makes our time profoundly different than any other time in human history [is] the ability for everyone, when they have access to the Internet, to have access to the world's knowledge. Through that access to the world's knowledge, people can find the path forward to economic development, social improvement, and, ultimately, of course, to political freedom.”

Ambassador David A. Gross, Deputy Assistant Secretary and U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy
Remarks to the Second Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Calendar of Upcoming Events:

May 12-15	ITU Telecom Africa 2008 – Cairo, Egypt
June 17-18	OECD Ministerial – Seoul, Korea
July 8-10	West Africa Access Conference – Accra, Ghana
July 15	Meeting of the Advisory Committee on International Communications and Information Policy

Save the Date: West Africa ICT Road Map to Opportunities Conference - July 8-10,2008 at La-Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana

The International Communication and Information Policy (CIP) group is one of seven issue-oriented organizations within the Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. CIP advocates international policies for expanded access to information and communication technologies (ICT), improved efficiency in the worldwide ICT and telecommunications market through increased reliance on free-market forces, and fair opportunities for U.S. companies to participate in this important sector around the globe. In supporting such policies, CIP supports foreign policy goals of empowering people by giving them fuller access to a wealth of educational opportunities, information resources and forums for exchange of ideas. Additionally, an efficient ICT and telecommunications global structure creates a healthier environment for U.S. companies doing business in all sectors, improving the standard of living at home and abroad.