The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has taken stock of development goals for worldwide information and communication technologies (ICTs) midway between the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in 2005 — when these goals were set — and the 2015 target date for meeting them.

Governments agreed at the WSIS on a deadline for achieving 10 targets, and the ITU issued its midterm review on these Millennium Development Goals at the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2010, which took place in Hyderabad, India, from May 24 to June 4. The targets concern connectivity and access to ICTs, such as Target 1 on connecting villages and Target 10 on ensuring access to ICT’s for more than half of the world’s population by 2015.

The satellite communications industry gets prominent mention in a number of goals and progress assessments — mainly those focused on broadcasting. Target 8 is intended to ensure that the world’s population has access to TV and radio services, and it is this target where most of the mention of satellite services crops up. About 90 percent of the references to satellites are in that section, with almost no reference to satellite and ICTs in discussion of the other targets. This bodes well for satellite broadcasting but could point to a need for a broader focus in the satellite community on WSIS goals.

Target 8 is largely met, according to the report. “If satellites are taken into account, then practically the whole world is covered by broadcasting,” the report says. Satellite DTH coverage has increased enormously in popularity and population served. The report says that the “number of households around the world with DTH satellite dishes rose from 82 million in 2000 to 177 million in 2008.”

This is not the end of the story, however, because access or coverage is not the same as actually receiving broadcasting signals. In addition to low income, the current lack of broadcasting reception in developing countries arises from lack of electricity and lack of content.

The ITU statistics show that about 79 percent of the world’s households own a television set, but only 28 percent of households in Africa own a set. To increase that number, “satellite services offer the possibility for most developing countries to ensure national broadcasting coverage,” says the report. Nevertheless, there is that tricky problem of a lack of electricity.

This discussion of Target 8 provides a wealth of information and statistics about the future of IPTV and mobile TV as well. The contribution of satellite services to meeting the target is highlighted, and the section also includes a very useful nudge to governments to eliminate regulatory barriers to new broadcasting service.

Too bad for the satellite sector, however, in discussion of other ICTs. There is some casual but very limited reference to the contribution of satellites to connecting target populations to ICTs. For instance, there is a note in Target 1 that “unused wireless capacity, including satellite, [could be used] for providing access in remote areas.” Otherwise, there is limited recognition of the contribution of satellite facilities to other Millennium Development Goals.

This lack of recognition is odd, especially taking into account the results of the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2010 and its resulting Hyderabad Action Plan. The draft preliminary report from the conference has more reference to how satellite platforms should provide access to ICTs, not just television. The first of five goals in that action plan is on ICT development and is intended to assist countries maximize the use of appropriate new technologies. The list of networks includes “rural and satellite telecommunications.”

Satellites’ contributions to disaster and emergency situations also are recognized in the action plan as a means to establish basic communications. Further, Resolution 111, revised at Hyderabad on telecommunications and ICT, includes reference to “judicious choice of appropriate technological options (terrestrial and satellite).” Finally, Resolution 54, also revised at Hyderabad, states that one of the principal advantages of satellite is access to remote, local communities without increased connection costs due to distance or to the geographical features of the areas.”

ITU goals and targets and programs affect delivery of resources and government focus. Appropriate recognition of satellite services is a welcome part of the mix.

Gerry Oberst is a partner in the Hogan & Hartson Brussels office.