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Bhutan
ICT4D Resources on Bhutan
| Quick Facts |
|
|---|---|
| Total population |
646,851 |
| GDP per capita |
USD 1,414.01 |
| Life expectancy at birth |
66.25 |
| Key economic sectors by contribution to GDP |
hydropower, tourism, minerals, forest products |
|
Computers per 100 inhabitants |
1.86 |
| Fixed-line telephones per 100 inhabitants |
4.40 |
| Mobile phone subscribers per 100 inhabitants |
38.96 |
| Internet users per 100 inhabitants |
5.9 |
| Domain names registered under '.bt' |
247 |
| Internet domestic bandwidth |
200 Mbps+ (2004) |
| Internet international bandwidth |
78 Mbps+ (January 2008) |
| Internet subscribers (lease lined) |
95 |
| Dial-up Internet subscribers |
12,000 |
Source: Digital Review of Asia Pacific 2009/2010
Digital Review of Asia Pacific 2007/2008
Digital Review of Asia Pacific 2005/2006
Digital Review of Asia Pacific 2003/2004
Druknet - Bhutan Telecom Limited
Ministry of Information and Communications, Kindgom of Bhutan
General Resources
Development Gateway's Country Resources
Resources on E-Co Hub
Bhutan ICT Human Resources Development Master Plan and Strategies 2007 (Version 4.0)
The objective of Bhutan ICT HRD Master Plan and Strategies (BIHMPS) is to enable Bhutan to become a knowledge-based information society. The master plan, intended to be relevant for a period of five years, has been developed using a consultative approach with stakeholders taking into account the specific context and needs of the country. This master plan document is divided into five chapters. Chapter 1 presents a brief background on Bhutan. Chapter 2 focuses on the key developments and initiatives in the field of ICT in Bhutan. Chapter 3 examines the HRD aspects for ICT in Bhutan including shortage of ICT professionals, its access to a large pool of ICT professionals and underutilization of the existing ICT professionals. The components of the master plan are presented in chapter 4. Chapter 5 presents the operational strategies based on the plans developed in the previous chapter.
Information, Communications and Transport Sectors in Bhutan: A Special Report
This report has been published as a special report to inform the people of Bhutan on the developments that have taken place (between 2002 and 2007), and will take place in the information, communications and transport sectors. The report sets out the most significant challenges that Bhutan faces in these sectors, and highlights opportunities to overcome these challenges. It also includes recommendations for plans and programmes in the information, communications and transport sectors post 2013.
Bhutan's Policy Guideline on Information Sharing
Through this policy guildeine on information sharing, Bhutan aims to create a culture of open and free sharing of information. The guideline looks at information sharing between and among public agencies; between public agencies and citizens; and among citizens. It looks at the types of information to be shared and provides an information sharing mechanism. This guideline has been approved vide Executive Order dated 30 August 2006 which also mandates the Ministry of Information and Communications to take a lead role in coordination, monitoring and backstopping of ministries and agencies on information sharing.
Technical Guidelines on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for Preparation of the Tenth Five Year Plan (2008-2013)
These Technical Guidelines on ICT sets out the necessary framework for mainstreaming ICT as a tool in sectoral development programmes, both at the central and local levels. Addressing the needs of the poor, and fostering pro-poor innovation and growth through the effective and innovative use of ICT, remains the core priority of the Royal Government. The Guidelines include key considerations for the tenth five-year plan, challenges in mainstreaming ICT and the concept of mainstreaming.
Bhutan Information, Communications and Media Act 2006
The Act provides: functions, responsibilities and powers of the Ministry of Information and Communications; the establishment of the Bhutan Infocomm and Media Authority; provision of ICT facilities and ICt services; provisions relating to radiocommunications; provisions relating to media issues; provisions relating to cyber issues such as e-governance, e-commerce, consumer protection and online privacy; and offences, penalities and legal proceedings.
Bhutan ICT White Paper
The ICT White Paper states the Royal Government of Bhutan's ICT vision, strategic components and future directionfor guiding Bhutan's ICT sector. The Bhutan Information and Communications Technology Policy and Strategies (BIPS) is based on this ICT White Paper.
Bhutan Information and Communications Technology Policy and Strategies (BIPS)
Three overall policy objectives underpin the BIPS Report: (1) to use ICT for Good Governance; (2) to create a Bhutanese Info-culture; and (3) to create a “High-Tech Habitat”. Based on these objectives, strategies are focused on five areas: policy; infrastructure; human capacity; content and applications; and enterprise. The report also identifies a number of risks to successful implementation of the BIPS strategies and activities. The process of developing BIPS involved multi-stakeholders and was open and participatory.
Renewable Natural Resources Strategic ICT Framework and Sectoral ICT Masterplan, Kingdom of Bhutan, Version 1.0
This document examines strategies for integrating information and communications technology (ICT) in the Renewable Natural Resources sector. Based on the analysis of appropriate documents, key informant interviews and a SWOT analysis of the ICT capabilities of the RNR Sector, several options and strategic directions were identified. The first part of the document gives the strategic framework, and the second part, the sectoral ICT Masterplan.
Bhutan's Media Impact Study
This study charts the progress and development of the media in Bhutan and identify key issues that need attention. This study focuses on the impact of traditional mass media - primarily print, broadcast, and film/music - as well as the new multi-media – Internet. It proposes a number of recommendations drawn from an analysis of Bhutan’s experience with the media. The recommendations are also placed in a global perspective, the experiences of other countries that are very relevant to Bhutan as it joins the information society.
Bhutan e-Readiness Assessment: Final Report
This report provides guidance and reference to cross-sectoral ICT developments. It is a comprehensive documentation of all e-activities in the country and provides in-depth analysis of the current ICT situation, including the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It also gives Bhutan’s e-r eadiness position according to the standard method of assessment developed by Harvard University’s Centre of International Development
(in Korean)