I.1. LAC INTERNET STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP

Networks and PTT representatives, users and experts will examine the=20
achivements and most important problems ahead for the LAC Internet=20
development.  This group will search for regional solutions to shared=20
needs.

The main topics of the workshop will be (footnote 1):

     - PARTICIPATION IN THE INTERNET SOCIETY (ISOC).  During the=20
       last ISOC meeting, INET 95, the enormous changes ocurring=20
       within the Internet were a main point of discussion.  Low=20
       LAC representation in the ISOC has restricted real=20
       participation of the region in ISOC=92s decision-making=20
       processes.  There is great interest to combine our efforts=20
       in order to participate more actively in those processes.

     - THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL NETWORKS. National networks, which=20
       bring together the efforts of the non-profit, academic,=20
       gubernamental, private and non-governmental sectors, have the=20
       potential to ensure the stability of Internet access to LAC=92s=20
       civil society.  The workshop will closely examine the lessons=20
       learned by national networks, in order to define their=20
       role in the development of LAC.

     - STRENGTHENING OF TIES BETWEEN NETWORKS AND PTTs.  Networks=20
       and PTTs have often seen each other as competitors.  This=20
       workshop will gather representatives from both sides in order=20
       to find areas in which the two can work together.

     - THE ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT. The existance or lack of national=20
       policies and regulations on information and=20
       telecommunications have had an important impact on the=20
       Internet development.  We need to understand the current=20
       state of these policies and regulations in order to find=20
       areas in which we can act, and to plan for the development of=20
       our services.

     - COMMERCIALIZATION OF THE INTERNET.  One of the hottest topics=20
       in 1995 has been the commercialization of the Internet. In=20
       this new context we must protect the interests of all end=20
       users.

     - INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET.  The Internet is more than=20
       simply cables and plugs. It is a space for information=20
       exchange.  We are capable of providing technical support to=20
       place Spanish- and Portuguese-language information resources=20
       on-line.  The complex relationships among different=20
       information resources, and the creation of infomation about=20
       on-line information will be two important areas of work=20
       during the following years.

     - LAC BACKBONE.  The importance of strengthening our regional=20
       infrastructure has been widely discussed for years.  One of=20
       the crucial points is the creation of a regional backbone=20
       that can provide various access points to the global=20
       Internet.  Before the start of the Forum we will make=20
       available on the Web the latest backbone developments so that=20
       they can be discussed during the Forum.

     - SELF-SUSTAINABILITY AND FUND RAISING. Participants will=20
       analize the alternatives for achieving financial=20
       sustainability, taking into consideration the creation of=20
       mechanisms of coordination and mutual support, as well as the=20
       role of the donor community.

     - CREATION OF A PERMANENT LAC COORDINATING ENTITY. One of the=20
       most important points of this workshop will be deciding=20
       whether or not we should create an executive and coordinating=20
       body for LAC Internet development.  If so, the Forum=92s=20
       participants will define its mission and mode of operation.=20


In another memo which will be sent before the start of the Forum, the=20
Organizing Committee will offer the details of the workshop=20
methodology, which will make use of strategic planning tools applied=20
by professional consultants.


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