The Pacific Telecommunications Conference 1981

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The Pacific Telecommunications Conference 1981 The Pacific Telecommunications Conference (PTC '81) was held this year January 12-14, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Organized by the Pacific Telecommunications Council, the primary objective of the Conference was to provide a forum for the discussion of technical, economic, regulatory and social aspects of communications throughout the Pacific. Papers and discussions focussed upon a broad mix of issues, problems, innovations, and needs related to the Pacific area. An attendance of about 500 delegates included persons from governments, universities, industry, professional groups and regional organizations, with substantial participation from Latin America, Pacific Islands, and Asia. PTC '81 Director was Richard Barber," Co-Chairmen were David Horton and Jack L yle. The Conference was divided into the following sessions, including Panels, Roundtables and Demonstrations: A1. Keynote Session A2. Institutional Barriers to Users A3. Communication Networks: Application A4. Current International Communication Policy Deliberations and Dilemmas (Roundtable Discussion) A5. Communication Networks: Measurements A6. Telecommunications in the Peoples' Republic of C h i n a - A n Update (Roundtable Discussion) - Session Deleted A7. International Issues and Planning BI. WARC Issues B2. Pacific Island Telecommunications B3. Issues on the Role of Telecommunications in Developing Countries (Roundtable Discussion) B4. Telecommunications and Ocean Fisheries Management: Surveillance and Enforcement in the Pacific (Roundtable Discussion)

Future Direction of Telecommunications Standards B6. User Experience and Perspective B7. U . S . Military Communications- Electronics Needs in the Pacific Area (Panel Discussion) B8. Public Service and Educational Uses of Telecommunications B9a. The Consumers for Telecommunications Services: A Cross-Cultural Perspective B9b. Communication Policy Issues and the ITU Role in the Pacific B10. Impact of Telecommunications Technology on Pacific Islands - Discussion via PEACESAT Bl1. Pacific Islands Needs/Solutions (Roundtable Discussion) B12. Telidon - The Canadian Videotex System Demonstration and Discussion C1. Legal Issues Arising from the Use of International Information Networks C2. Telecommunications Hardware Systems C3. Technology Transfer: Appropriate Communication Systems in the Pacific and Asia C4. Social Effects of Telecommunications C5. Telecommunication: Demand/Rates/Regulation Issues C6. Transmission System Quality Control C7. The Information Economy C8. Communication Networks: Design and Developments C9. Future of Telecommunications in the Pacific D1. Unpresented Paper We feature below, for the readers of Computer Networks, the highlights of the Pacific Telecommunications Conference 1981.

© North-Holland Publishing Company Computer Networks 5 (1981) 205-217

Authors: R.P. Vallo (GTE Communications Network Systems), K. Yukihiro (Research Institute of Tele-

0 376-5075/81/0000-0000/$02.50 © North-Holland

B5.

A1. Keynote Session

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communications and Economics, Japan), F.Y.C. Yung (Telecommunications Authority of Singapore). In "The New Economics of Pacific Telecommunications," Vallo stresses that the magic combinations of the new technological possibilities and deregulations force one to reexamine the economics of telecommunications solutions to increase dialogue and aid progress in the Pacific region. The Pacific region is of particular interest to telecommunicators as satellites eliminate the problem of separation over thousands of miles of ocean and new services such as electronic mail allow for rapid and inexpensive information exchange. In addition, the Pacific region as evidenced b y these conferences contains a wealth of telecommunications talent. The new telecommunications, contends Vallo, will ensure that this talent remains in contact with the state-of-the-art worldwide. Yukihiro feels that in order to realize the PTC's objectives, it is necessary to objectively grasp and analyze the present status of society, economy, culture, telecommunications and so forth in the Pacific region, as well as to forecast and plan on a scientific and appropriate basis for the future from the longterm viewpoint. It therefore seems important for the future development of PTC to promote the basic researches in these areas, to push forward fair and free study activities, to hold seminars and lecture meetings, and to meet the needs of various countries in the region by taking advantage of its merit as a non-governmental organization. Yukihiro notes that through these activities, PTC should contribute to the development of telecommunications in the Pacific region. In "Telecommunications Development: Singapore and ASEAN Countries", Yung illustrates the background of development and growth of telecommunication services in Singapore, the philosophy and some of the effects on Singapore's telecommunication policies. He outlines the future direction and role of telecommunications in his country, towards the economic growth and social development in a developing country and observes cooperation between telecommunication administration of ASEAN countries.

A2. Institutional Barriers to Users

Chair: S. Tishler (Maryland Center for Public Broadcasting, U.S.A.). Authors: J.E. Gough, B.J. Garner, R.K. Day (Deakin University, Australia), D. Swift

(University of Hawaii, U.S.A.), F.W. Norwood (Joint Council on Educational Telecommunications, U.S.A.), A.F. Toogood (Temple University, U.S.A.). This session explores barriers to users of communication systems. Included are not only problems experienced in the development of existing systems, but also the anticipated barriers of future systems. These barriers, the participants claim, exist primarily in the non-technical institutional form, rather than being actual technical barriers to progress. Gough, et al., discuss the challenges presented as Australia prepares for its own communication satellite system. "Policy Issues in Planning for Distance Education Using a Domestic Communication Satellite," addresses primarily the educational aspect of such an implementation. Included is speculative planning for the system, as well as options for the satellite as a distance educator. Barriers associated with the implementation of this system include limitations of the printed word, along with existing boundaries of educational institutions. Swift also stresses non-technical barriers in his discussion of telecommunications between the University of Hawaii and North America. Ignorance, apathy, and expense are identified as "Three Strikes Against Potential Users?" These obstacles are discussed as are proposed remedies. Both technical and non-technical barriers are the highlights of discussion in "Satellites for Public Serv i c e - Barriers to Technology Transfer." Norwood addresses the difficulties in extending the services provided in experimental satellites such as the ATS series, into established operational status. Factors are discussed which tend to discourage the internalization of major changes which could greatly benefit public service organizations. Finally, Toogood suggests that others could gain from the experience of New Zealand, in "Experiment and Change in New Zealand Broadcasting." The primary barrier addressed here is that of government involvement in the serving of viewers and listeners of New Zealand. It is an interesting transition from a decentralized bureaucracy to a more centralized system of consolidation of power. "Institutional Barriers to Users," points to many" inherent problems in developing communication systems. Barriers range from apathy to political meddling. Shedding light on them provides insight as to what may be hindering further development in the area of communication.

Conference Report A3. Communication Network: Applications Chair: M. Ferguson (Bell Northern Research). Authors: R. Panko (University of Hawaii, U.S.A.), G. Moriarty and P.S. Ball (Radio New Zealand), G.G. Litchfield (Network Communican'ons International, U.S.A.), M. Gerla (UCLA, U.S.A.), H.L. Hayes and R. Solomon (G TE Products Corporation, U S.A. ). Advances on all fronts of electronic communication systems are widening 1he prospects for increasingly sophisticated applications. The potential stretches from electronic message systems linking branches of a corporation, to computerized broadcast network traffic control, to missile system command and control. The capabilities of presently available technology exceed current applications. This session identifies priorities in the field, including refinement of systems through use, and expansion of the pool of qualified supervisors and users for advanced systems. Electronic message systems allow for far more sophisticated functions than mere transmission, asserts Panko in "A Survey of Electronic Message Systems." Broad information handling, easy desktop access for users and relatively simple instructions make EMS invaluable, but lack of standardized message structures across systems and current overemphasis on exclusive "heavy user" applications are major areas for improvement. The range of further sophisticated applications includes a fully automated network switching facility in use by Radio New Zealand, described by Moriarty and Ball in "Computer Controlled Radio Broadcasting Network Switching Systems." The system can direct 10,000 broadcast events in terms of time, source, destination, duration and transition in a network of several dozen stations. Still another application is summarized by Hayes and Solomon in "An Overview of the MX Command, Control and Communication System:" a missile control system designed to incorporate state-of-the-art subsystems interconnecting ground and air control personnel, and 4,600 automated missile sites. One case of software problem-solving involved the difference in electronic routing requirements of longduration and short-duration messages. As Gerla outlines in "Bandwidth Routing in X.25 Networks," a new algorithm was constructed by which each network node can be informed of alternate paths and bandwidths for a message to each destination, so that transmission choices may be made with highest efficiency.

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In "No Cooks in the Kitchen: Restrictions on the Growth of Data Networks," Litchfield argues that the biggest barrier to further advanced application is the lack of well-trained, properly authorized individuals who can integrate new systems into the existing needs and constraints of a large organization. Long-range planning to find and utilize such personnel must be tied with centralization of the data communication function of the organization at the same senior management level as data processing. New directions in electronic communication networks mean both technological advances and management adaptations. Success and sophistication in the latter are likely to determine the speed and efficiency experienced in applying the startling strides being made in the former.

A5. Communication Networks: Measurements Chair: K. Suzuki (Nippon Electric Co., Japan). Authors: P.H. Bourgeois (Micom Systems, Inc., U.S.A.), K. Tanno (Yamagata University, Japan) and T. Nakamura and R. Sato (Tohoku University, Japan), A.A. Kahn, G.S. Hura, N.K. Nanda, H. Singh

(University of Roorkee, India). Maintaining the "purity" of a message from the time it leaves the computer until its arrival at the terminal has long been an issue in computer network systems. With the growth of the industry, new methods of increasing message purity have evolved. Papers presented in this discussion describe some new control technologies and new whys to test the accuracy of transmitted messages. Bourgeois presents four new products in his paper "Data Integrity in Data Communications with Dumb Terminals." While many new error control protocols have been introduced for use with large computer networks, they are not applicable to minicomputers and dumb terminals. Three of the products described by Bourgeois, the error controller, the data concentrator and the multidrop concentrator, require no changes in existing minicomputer hardware or software. The fourth product, the port concentrator, works in conjunction with one of the other products and requires some additional software support. In "Developing a Performance Analysis for Flow Control with Window Mechanism," Tanno, et al., present a new method of checking computer traffic flow, modeled on a block-type queueing system. They point out that the problem of flow control is still one of the most important issues in computer

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network systems design. Flow control with a window mechanism is a technique with promising possibilities. Kahn, et al., disclose an "alternative procedure" to Boolean algebra for determining terminal reliability the Petri net. The Petri net technique represents the communication network in a series of graphs which determine probable terminal reliability at given points. It allows relative ease in computation and provides "near optimal solutions." The session discusses determining and insuring message purity between computer and terminal, focusing on new technologies and new methods of analysis. Data integrity, traffic flow control and terminal reliability are the main issues explored.

A7. International Issues and Planning Chair: N. Virata (Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company). Authors: T.J. Logue (COMSAT, U.S.A.), R. Sinha (Punjab State Electronics Corporation, India), V.M. Ahern (National Telecommunications

and Information Administration, U.S.A.). Authors of two papers in this session comment on how the rapid development of the Pacific area communications system may negatively affect certain elements of the populations of the lesser developed countries. Yet, the growth of the industry is accelerating unabated. The problem, then, is how this growth is to be monitored, who is to do the monitoring, and what can be done to ensure that the effects of growth are not destructive for certain population segments. All three authors address the problems. Logue's paper, "The Changing Environment for Telecommunications Facilities Development in the Pacific," notes that the Pacific area has far fewer satellite circuits than other areas and that traffic has been traditionally light. Very recently, the situation has been the opposite, and projections by AT&T, for instance, are requiring constant readjustment because traffic is increasing dramatically. Actual growth for 1979, for example, was more than twice the projected growth. Logue also points out that Pacific planning is complicated by the diversity of situations in the countries involved in areas of economic development, gross national product, communication systems usage and regulatory agencies. Sinha, in "Telecommunications and Socio-Economic Change in the Pacific," stresses that the social impact of technical communications systems must be carefully considered. Sinha is especially concerned

that the vast difference between facilities of the "developed" and the "transitional" societies will lead to further isolation and even alienation of the rural sections of the transitional countries since growth in the lesser developed countries tends to follow the lead of the developed countries and be centralized in a few urban areas. It is also suggested that the profit motive may lead to a decay in quality of services and a lack of innovation. For these and other reasons, Pacific area countries should develop a Pacific-wide program administered by a Pacific Telecom Authority for the purpose of better meeting the needs of all Pacific area countries. Ahem's paper, "NTIA's Role in International Telecommunications," discusses the evolution of U.S. regulations as they apply to both the domestic and the international markets. Early U.S. communications policy (Communications Act of 1934) required extensive regulation by the government to "ensure welfare of U.S. citizens," ostensibly to prevent private industry from charging unfair rates. Unfortunately, developments in the industry could not be properly anticipated and became badly outmoded. Changes to meet new domestic developments have been made, but existing regulations still badly hamper development of international systems. The NTIA was established to facilitate this broader growth in the industry and to outline regulatory policies needed to accomplish these goals. All authors agree that rapid growth demands action. Both Logue and Sinha point to possible complications resulting from not properly considering the ramifications of uncontrolled and improperly planned growth, growth which seems to be accelerating almost geometrically.

B1. WARC Issues Chair: R. Edelman (COMSAT, U.S.A.). Authors: H. Levin (Hofstra University, U.S.A.), M. Rothblatt (UCLA, U.S.A.), M. Jussawalla (East-West Communi-

cation Institute, U.S.A.). This session is devoted to the WARC or World Administration Radio Conference issues. It includes discussions on orbit spectrum and its management, the international legal bases for accessing a digicommunications service and the impact of some policies from the 1979 WARC. Levin, in "Alternative Strategies for Managing Orbit and Spectrum Resources- Third World

Conference Report Demands for Domestic Satellite Service," suggests alternatives in managing the orbit spectrum with emphasis on the Third World demands. His concern for the less developed countries to obtain a guaranteed future access to orbit arc and spectrum are the objectives for the five scenarios included within his paper. The scenarios provide a selection of possible and workable solutions to the management of orbit and spectrum resources. Rothblatt explores the expansion in the uses of geostationary satellite communication, as well as the international legal trends in "International Legal Bases for Access to Domestic Digicommunications Satellite Service Within the Pacific Basin." He also notes the possibilities of broadening the distribution of shared satellite relayed bandwidth. Hesupports the view that the smaller countries need the services, not the vacant spaces, and with broader geographical dispersement, their exchange of communication may be realized. Jussawalla reports on the tremendous impact the developing countries will have on the decisions of the WARC '79: "Policy Outcomes of WARC '79. Their Impact on Developing Economies" reveals that WARC '79 is moving toward viewing communications as "becoming one of the major contributors to the social transformation and to the economic development of the periphery." She points out that the economic and human-based concerns of W A R C and the policies derived from i t - will in fact open new doors for the people in the developing world. Three new conferences have been established to help promote meeting the needs of the Third World countries. Each author stresses the need to listen to the needs and concerns of the Third World or under-developed countries. These countries must have guaranteed access to communications systems either now, or in the future when their needs become more immediate. Steps must be taken to provide space for the countries, as well as available services. The Third World nations must be given a voice in making communications decisions affecting the Pacific area and beyond.

B2. Pacific Island Telecommunications Chair: H. Res Lee (Public Service Satellite Consortium). Authors: O. Smidt (GTE Communications Products, U.S.A.), J. Southworth (University of Hawaii); J.M. Flanigan (American Samoa Community

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College); G.A. Knezek (Chaminade University of Honolulu); S.M. Chow, G.W. Irvine, B.O. McLarnon, and A.R. Kaye (Department of Communications, Governmen t of Canada). Solutions to problems which are common to developing areas in the Pacific are offered in this session. A recent communication survey of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI), and the use of international teleconferencing to discuss computerbased education are examined, and new developments in HF radiotelephone systems are discussed. All papers are oriented toward encouraging development of Pacific island telecommunication. A four-person team from GTE surveyed the communication facilities and needs of TTPI in the summer of 1979. Differences and similarities within the region were considered in the survey recommendations for further development. Network plans were formulated to achieve six identified objectives. All survey results and recommendations are contingent upon the outcome of TTPI status negotiations, pending independence and prospective funding. SmMt reports on the survey in his paper, "A Micronesian Communications Survey." Southworth, et al., discuss the possibilities of computer based education (CBE) in "Computers in Education: International Multi-Mode Node Electronic Conferencing." They detail the process by which American Samoa Community College obtained information on the use of CBE in environments similar to the Pacific islands, and summarize a series of computer conferences on "Computers in Education." It was discovered through these conferences (which used PEACESAT, EIES and ATS) that the same procedures can be used to link Pacific islands for the purpose of introducing modern instructional methods than can enhance educational opportunities for island students. At PTC '80, one paper argued in favor of HF radiotelephone service as a viable alternative to satellite communication in isolated areas, or where costs are prohibitive. While the proposal is sound, some problems have emerged. Chow, et al., in "Communication for Small Communities in Developing Countries," present some new developments in HF radiotelephone service which respond to some of the problems. The authors describe the experimental three-station HF network in operation in eastern Canada, which they feel is applicable to problems of isolation in the Pacific. In this session, common problems of developing

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areas are discussed along with some practical solutions. A model for surveying existing communication facilities, the potential of CBE in the Pacific and developments in HF radiotelephone are presented as parts of the spectrum of telecommunications in the Pacific islands.

B5. Future Direction of Telecommunications Standards Chair: V.C. MacDonald (Department of Communications, Canada). Authors: E. Lohse (Burroughs Corporation, U.S.A.), J. DeBlasi (IBM Corporation, U.S.A.), V.C. Reed (Skyline Cablevision Limited, Canada), V.C. MacDonald (Department of Communications,

Canada). The problem of establishing effective, compatible, working standards within the communications industry results from the need to integrate a multitude of services, technologies, industries, regulatory agencies, governments, media, et cetera. The goal of workable standards, therefore, is confronted with many hurdles which must be overcome since the stakes- the state of world communications systems - are so high. In "Cooperation and Participation in Regional and International Telecommunications Standards," Lohse points out that two major industries are involved in the use of telecommunications systems in the Pacific, the information processing industry and the communications industry. Lohse stresses the importance of cooperation between these two industries in the development of standards on regional, national and international levels. He opposes "mandatory" standards because government involvement will lead to parties' "locking position" to protect economic structures. To avoid the inefficiency and cumbersomeness resulting from mandatory standardization and possible duplication that would result from each industry developing its own standards - L o h s e urges cooperation and voluntary standardization. In "International Cooperation in Telecommunication Standards," DeBlasi states that three important factors will affect the direction of efforts to establish telecommunications standards: (1) the degree to which telecommunications are assimilated into information processing systems, (2) the possible implementation of a systems approach in the development of standards, and (3) the extent to which international standards organizations cooperate. DeBlasi

urges that each of these factors receive proper recognition and that considerable effort be given to emphasizing cooperation between organizations such as ISO and CCITT to ensure telecommunications systems users the best possible service. Reed's paper, "IEC Standardization: Past, Present and Future," discusses the historical development of standards within the field of electronics and the formation of the International Electrotechnical Commission in 1906. Each country may participate in the work of the IEC (the development of standards) by forming a National Committee to represent itself (43 presently represented). Reed outlines IEC policies and procedures and discusses the accomplishments of the organization to date, including current progress on such matters as receiving equipment measurements and methods, performance requirements and measurement methods for cable systems, and a multitude of others. MacDonald presents the most recent activities and accomplishments of the ISO, IEC and CCITT in his paper, "New Issues in Standards Developments." He discusses the working relationship among these groups, areas of distinct overlap of interest and responsibilities, and the importance of cooperation. The Nature of the communications industry requires careful attention to the development of standards, since progress can be considerably hampered if procedures are not established to facilitate the formation of workable standards. Certain advances in the field are being slowed not by a lack of workable technology, but by a lack of compatible standards. Authors stress two points above all: (1) the urgency of getting seriously to the task of establishing and implementing standards, and (2) the importance of a high level of cooperation among the multitude of organizations involved. These papers give the reader a broad view of the number of agencies involved and the function of many of them.

B6. User Experience and Perspective Chair: N. Takasaki (Research Institute of Telecommunications and Economics, Japan). Authors: A. Okinaka (Hawaiian Telephone Co., U.S.A.), V. Gechtman, D. Biran and R. Kaplan (Israeli Ministry of Communication), J. Jordan (Moxon Electronics, U.S.A.), S. Nagumo (University of Tokyo, Japan); H. Tabata and K. Suzuki (Nippon Electric Co. Ltd.,

Conference Report Japan), D. Mihram (Princeton University, U.S.A.) and G.A. Mihram (U.S.A.). Communication systems are constructed for the benefit of users. Keeping in touch with user needs is an obviously desirable policy goal, but identifying what those needs are and how best to serve them is less apparent. Surveys of user behavior, proposals for new application and examination of the ethical dimension of telecommunications are areas of user experience to be studied. Each process or procedure designed into a telecommunication system must take account of its impact on the user. Correct system response, elimination of unnecessary demands on users and convenient physical arrangement are some of the ingredients that constitute "A Friendly User Environment," according to Okinaka's paper of the same name. The goal in considering these needs is not to make the system "easier," but to make it most productive in utilizing the resources of both user and machine. "Traffic Behavior of Telephone Subscribers" was examined by Gechtman, et al., in terms of socioeconomic variables, with possible applications in system planning, service efficiency and adjusting to user requirements. Service innovations in data communication by telephone increase system selection options in terms of efficiency, cost and ideal application. The technical and economic data are outlined in Jordan's "Data Communication from the User's Viewpoint." At the other end of the spectrum, complex and highly specialized uses geared to a small user population of scientists are frequently designed. One such prospect is the "Telluscope Plan: A Submarine Cable System for Observing the Earth's Interior," described by

Naguma, et al. Mihram and Mihram,

in "Tele-Cybernetics: Today's Challenge," offer a historical and philosophical perspective to the dangers of political manipulation that accompany technological advances. They suggest that, like all previous human physical and literal paradigms, modern modes of communication must be subjected to rational control, perhaps in the form of a constitutional amendment. System purposes, both immediate and ultimate, should be clarified within the telecommunication industry. User needs and experiences are the key question as well as the primary input in defining those purposes.

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B8. Public Service and Educational Uses of Telecommunications Chair: H. Hudson (Academy for Educational Development). Authors: S. Plummer (Legislative A#airs Agency, Alaska, U.S.A.), J. Miller (University of the South Pacific, Extension Services, Fiji), M.C. Ritter (Irvine Unified School District, U.S.A.), K. Porter (Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas).

Included among the myriad applications of telecommunications are those grouped under public service, development and education. Four different types of systems and purposes are outlined in this session, each with a description of the program, reasons for success or problems, and, if an experimental situation, an evaluation of the experiment. Plummer attempts to answer the frequently asked question of "Why does it work?" regarding the teleconferencing network used in Alaska. She discusses the success of the project, suggesting that it works because it was "never considered an experiment." Being the only state to have a legislative conference network, Alaska is working to increase citizen access to state government. Discussed in "Alaska's Legislative Teleconference N e t w o r k - W h y It Works," are several other reasons for success, including the system's cost effectiveness. Possible implementation of outreach programming is discussed in "The USPNet Outreach Programming: Evaluation and Guidelines for Future Use." The University of the South Pacific in Fiji in utilizing the ATS-1 satellite, has in the past focused primarily on tutorials and administration. In this article, Miller addresses the extension of USP into outreach programming, and what is necessary for this to be implemented. Ritter suggests a possible communication system for developing countries, in "Teleconferencing Networks for Developing Societies: A Brief Analysis." This article suggests modeling systems for developing countries after a communication system implemented in Irvine, California. It is also suggested that the systems be decentralized and two-way, with "full motion video and audio capabilities." Stressed in this article, however, is the importance of remaining sensitive to human needs while developing a communication system for advancement. In the final article of this session, Porter gives an overview of an experimental project in Saipan. "Using the Satellite for Course Delivery in the Pacific: A

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Northern Marianas Experiment," involves an evaluation of the satellite in providing training at the college level. Both favorable and unfavorable aspects of the program are mentioned, as well as general conclusions from the experiment. The session provides insight into different types of communication systems which have been implemented. Included are both successful projects and perhaps unsuccessful ones, yet from both there is a great deal of knowledge to be gained.

CI. Legal Issues Arising from the Use of International Information Networks Chair and Author: A.W. Branscomb, Esq. (U.S.A.). The advent of satellites and computers has produced a proliferation of new international information networks. Many transmit data only but others combine voice, image, and data in a merged service which accelerates communication across national boundaries. Branscomb, in her paper "Developing Principles for International Information Networks", addresses the developing principles which might encourage and rationalize their use to equitably serve global needs.

C2. Telecommunications Hardware Systems Chair: E.J. Keane (TRW Inc.. U.S.A.). Authors: M. Ohyama, K. Uehara, T. Yoshioka, M. Fujisawa (Nippon Electric Co., Japan), M.W. Kelly (New Zealand Post Office), J.A. Webb, S.J. Lowe (University of Canterbury, New Zealand), G.S. Kaplan (R CA Americom, U.S.A.), L.G. Abraham, D.M. Fellows (GTE Laboratories Inc., U.S.A.), Y. Umeda, T. Fujino, H. Ito (Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Japan). Six examples of new telecommunications technology are the collective focus of this session, running the gamut from a satellite signal transmission terminal to video and telephone equipment and techniques. Each has proven its feasibility in experimental application. All are marked either by more efficient use of existing equipment, or development of increasingly sophisticated new service possibilities. New channel translating equipment is presented in Ohyama, et al., "New FDM Terminal Equipment with Automatic Maintenance System." The equipment features improvements in compactness, flexibility, reliability, transmission quality and ease of installa-

tion. A plug-in automatic supervision system can be built into the equipment, requiring no extra floor space while quickly and accurately performing maintenance chores formerly done manually. Terminal equipment specifically designed for incorporation into advanced satellite systems is the topic of "120 Mbps Terminal Equipment" by Umeda, et al. Already built and tested, the terminal equipment includes units for a Main Local Station, a Monitoring Station and a Reference Station. It boasts innovative applications including high speed forward error correction, space diversity switching and absolute phase modulation. In "Characteristics of the Hard Limiter", Webb and Lowe present evidence that adding two signals together and subjecting the sum to hard limiting can be used as a modulation, demodulation or sampling process. Possible applications include increasing the amplification efficiency of AM transmission. Suppression of delayed echoes in telephone circuits has taken a step forward with Kelly and lCebb's "Improved Echo Canceller Designed for New Zealand Conditions." The technique eliminates the "double talk" effect common to currently used echo suppression approaches, while causing only a single subdued scratching sound at the initiation of a call which does not interfere with normal conversation. Kaplan's work on transmitting two video signals within the frequency allocation assigned to a single video channel is detailed in "Transmission of Two High Quality Video Signals Over a Single Terrestrial Microwave Channel." The technique has potential for relieving congested airwaves with no loss of power or television picture quality. Development of a small, personal display terminal for desktop use in conjunction with the telephone is recounted by Abraham and Fellows in "An Advanced Display Telephone". The terminal allows interaction with a remotely located database providing services such as videotex information retrieval, directory assistance, electronic banking and electronic message delivery. Reduced use of paper and increased up-todate information are practical advantages.

C3. Technology Transfer: Appropriate Communication Systems in the Pacific and Asia Chair: S.S. King (University of Hawaii, U,S.A.). Authors: D. Bond (Dr. Dvorkovitz &Associates,

Conference Report U.S.A.), W. Dissanayake (East-West Communication Institute, U.S.A.), S.S. King (University of Hawaii,

U.S.A.). Discussion in this session concerns the acquisition of technology by those who need it, and its application to certain development problems. A Third World perspective on communication technology and national development is explored. The largest world-wide data base for technology licensing is described by Bond in "Linking Resources and Needs: Some Comments on a System and Its Operation." An international organization called Dr. Dvorkovitz and Associates (DDA), seeks to bring together those in need of a technology and the technology, if it exists. DDA's computerized data base serves as a link between licensor and licensee. King examines the process of technology transfer in "Communication and Technology Transfer." She considers this process to be a "linking of resource with a need." King emphasizes the importance of developing countries' choosing appropriate technologies, and restyling technologies to fit local needs. Communication technology is used as an example in her argument. In "Communication Technology and National D e v e l o p m e n t - A Third World Perspective," Dissanayake sheds light on the use of communication technology for national development. He considers the effects of communication technologies from cassette recorders to satellites upon government as well as culture. He discusses the role of communication for economic development goals relative to social and cultural factors. These are the major variables, he concludes, that must be included when developing national communication plans and policies. Appropriateness of technology, where to find it and how to use it for purposes of development are explored in this session. Maintaining and assuring human rights by and through technology is a common factor in the thinking of all three authors.

C4. Social Effects of Telecommunications Chair: J. Lyle (East-West Communication Institute, U.S.A.). Authors: J.A. Dam (Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen) and R.E. Varner (Nihon UnDersity, Japan), J. Steinbring and G. Granzberg (UnDersity of Winnipeg, Canada), M.T. Toles (Cornell Uni-

versity, U.S.A.). What effect does the introduction of a new corn-

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munications system have on a people or a culture? That is the essential question addressed by the authors in this session. Two papers deal with cultures traditionally thought of as isolated, while a third discusses the implications of adding a new system to a culture which has had considerable exposure to other, perhaps less complicated systems. In their paper, entitled "Local Programming: A Case Study," Dam and Varner discuss how the concept of appropriate technology is becoming important in applying available modern methods of communication technology to isolated, less developed areas. The paper discusses the workings of a television station in a rural area of Japan and shows how the station has been programmed to meet the needs of that area without violating the local way of life. Dam and Varner caution the reader that communicators running such systems must be both technically proficient and socially aware. Also, the possible impact of improper usage of such a system mandates that careful control be kept over who handles the programming. Steinbring and Granzberg's paper, "Ethnicity in the Native Adoption of Electronic Media in the SubArctic," outlines the task of integrating a communications system into another previously unexposed group, the Canadian Native population of the subArctic. They begin by explaining the need, now, for giving careful consideration to the culture of the people being introduced to television, and then illustrate how such a study of culture can promote more appropriate programming. For example, it was found that the story became an ideal educational tool for Algonkian children who had grown up in a society which had a strong storytelling tradition. The paper discusses the need to minimize negative effects on a culture by a careful control of programs and by offering programs which support the maintenance of ethnicity and identity. Toles' paper, "Videotex: Beyond the Technology Questions," discusses the effect of a wide-spread usage of videotex systems on the general citizen. In this sense, it differs in subject matter from the previous papers in that the society being confronted with a new communications vehicle is neither isolated nor representative of a single specific culture. Still, the basic problem of integrating a sophisticated system into a consumer group which is unfamiliar with it exists as certainly here in this exan~ple, as it does in the other two. Essentially, Toles discusses the problems of designing the programming to best faci-

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litate usage of the videotex. Also, inherent differences between such a s y s t e m - designed to present news, for instance- and presently prominent methods of news dissemination are discussed. All authors stress the importance of sensitivity to cultural, ethnic and social needs and traditions of users of the systems. Programming of the system is critical because it is often not the system itself, but the specific information provided by the system that can have the most negative effects.

C5. Telecommunication: Demand/Rates/Regulation Issues Chair: A. Armstrong (Hawaiian Telephone Company, U.S.A.). Authors: N.C. Lerner (Transcom, Inc., U.S.A.), M.S. Snow (University of Hawaii, U.S.A.), J.J. O'Neill (U.S. Department of Commerce), R.B. Edelman (Communications Satellite Corporation,

U.S.A.). Presentations in this session concern telecommunication rates, regulation and demand problems. A new "toll system plan" for U.S. domestic telecommunications is explained and discussed, along with several recent trends in telecommunications worldwide. Lerner's "Proposed New Intraexchange-Interexchange Structure for U.S. Domestic Telecommunications" introduces a scheme for restructuring the present totl-switching system hierarchy. The present system, judged over-restrictive by Lerner, could be simplified (and costs could be lowered) by changes in the national toll network hierarchy. Legislation has been introduced which could overcome present deficiencies without disturbing the techno-economic relationships established within the current structure, argues Lerner. He also holds that competitive parallel service networks could be developed compatibly with the existing network hierarchy. Progress, structural changes and recent trends in telecommunication are discussed by Snow in "Economic Regulation, Innovation and Theoretical Insights in Telecommunications- Recent Trends in the United States and Worldwide." Snow shows how three factors (progress in telecommunication technology, emphasis on private vs. government ownership of telecommunication systems and services and microeconomic theoretical insights on telecommunication regulations) have affected telecommunications worldwide over the past ten years. He also discusses the interrelationships of these three factors and

projects trends, based on the relationships, into the '80s. Under Presidential Directive 42, Civil Space Policy, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration was given the lead to formulate policies designed to stimulate a new generation of commercial satellite service to meet public service needs. O'Neill's "Progress on the U.S. Civil Space Policy" identifies the results of the first year of NTIA efforts to fulfill this Presidential mandate. Emphasis is on describing NTIA's Dispersed Users Satellite program and showing its applicability to telecommunications issues being addressed in the Pacific Basin. The process of public utility regulation has been intensively studied in recent years. Petersen's study showed that, contrary to expectations, state regulatory commissions operating under a fair-value philosophy were making rate-of-return decisions significantly more liberal than commissions using an original cost rate-base design. On an adjusted basis, the rates-of-return should be the same regardless of how the rate base is valued. In "Rate Base Valuation and its Effect on the Rate-of-Return", Edelman examines this question for 251 rate cases decided between 1972 and 1977. Again the same liberal behavior is observed. However, the magnitude of these liberal returns is significantly greater than the returns observed by Petersen. Some of the economic issues in telecommunications are covered in this session, with examples ranging from toll structure hierarchies to up-to-date problems and developments facing telecommunication agencies, carriers and users internationally.

C6. Transmission System Quality Control Chair: A. Kawakami (Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Japan). Authors: T.S. Kamal (Punjab Engineering College, India) and N. Malaviya (University of Roorkee, India), G.R. Thoma (National Library of Medicine, U.S.A.), F.G. Szojka (Canadian Telecommunicalions Carriers Association), S.M. Chow and B.D. McLarnon (Department of Communications, Canada). The primary concern in this session is the improvement of transmission quality in telecommunications. Each of the participants provides a method or means of improving transmission quality. Included are: calculating the probability of error in a multipath channel; investigating the channel quality and

Conference Report reliability of a ground station; revealing a computerized system as a too] in coordinating microwave systems; and introducing a new system to improve the voice quality of high frequency radio telephones. Kamal and Malaviya's "Satellite Communication in Presence of Multipath Fading" calculates the probability of error in multipath fading. According to Kamal and Malaviya, the area of multipath fading is an important factor, especially when dealing with the transferring of crucial data between a space craft and a ground station. Therefore, they provide a system characterization, analysis and conclusion based on performance characteristics. Thoma investigates the channel quality and system reliability of ground stations. His paper entitled, "Quality and Reliability of a Satellite-Linked Biomedical Network," also encompasses design considerations which have possibilities towards cost savings. Szojka presents a new method in microwave coordination in "Determination of Microwave Interference Levels - A Computerized Approach." Szojka explains why the microwave interference calculation system (MICS) was created; describes its two major components; and discusses the administration and operation of the system. The functions and outcomes of MICS are vital for future planning, he notes, as well as for protecting existing plans. Chow and McLarnon introduce "SyncompexVoice Processing System for Low Cost HF Radio Telephony." Syncompex (a contraction of synchronized compressor and expander) is a system used to supplement high frequency radio telephone transmission. It was designed to alleviate some of the current problems in similar systems. Chow and McLarnon provide test results to confirm its reliability and worth. Quality is simply a degree of excellence and must always be viewed in terms of possible improvement. With the knowledge that the telecommunication industry is rapidly growing and will continue to do so, this session serves the goal of keeping abreast of improvements being made to keep quality at its optimum.

C7. The Information Economy Chair: M. Jussawalla (East-West Communication Institute, U.S.A.). Authors: W. Melody (Simon Fraser University, Canada), C. Jonscher (Harvard University, U.S.A.), M. Kochen (Rockefeller University, U.S.A.),

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R.H. Randolph (East-West Resource Systems Institute, U.S.A.), H. Dordick (University of Southern

California, U.S.A.). Authors from both communication and economic backgrounds join together in this session to discuss the relationships between their two disciplines, each author focusing upon some aspect of this newlyidentified "common ground." In "The Economics of Communicating Behavior," Dordiek addresses the growing interdependence of communication and economics. He points to convergence on many issues, and to primary issues in communicating behavior. It is stressed in this article that as information is becoming a marketable commodity, it is essential that both sciences (communications and economics) consider each other. Melody explores information as both a marketable resource and a production input in "The Economics of Information as Resource and Product." The traditional economic views of information being "available, accurate and costless" are mentioned, as is the discovery of a high market value for many forms of information. It is pointed out in this article that both "new computers and telecommunication technology" are enabling information to be marketable and profitable. The need for an economic theory specific to information activities is discussed by Jonscher. He suggests a possible reorientation of economic theory, to include information related activities more explicitly. "Information and Economic Organization" covers organizational frameworks as well as analysis of activity of workers. Kochen, in "Roles of Computers in Information Economies," speaks of computers as amplifiers and accelerators in respect to "know-how." He points out that they are capable of extending a range of tasks, and focuses on the effects if implemented in Pacific area societies. Obstacles to supply and limitations to demand of information in the Pacific and Asia are discussed in "Computer Networks for Asia-Pacific Economy." Randolph hypothesizes solutions and strategies, suggesting that if the problems can be successfully overcome, it would be a significant factor in the future economic development. Surveys and interviews from Asia and the Pacific are utilized, as information is viewed as an essential resource. The session covers different aspects of an information based economy, which, as agreed by all authors, is a recent development. Interdependencies of

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economics and communication are highlighted, indicating that some changes in present theories and attitudes may be required.

C8. Communication Networks: Design and Developments Chair: K. Tsuruta (IBM Japan). Authors: K. Ono (Kokusai Denshin Denwa Co. Ltd., Japan), K. Maruyama and D.T. Tang (1BM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, U.S.A.), L.A. Gimpelson (ITT Europe, Inc., Belgium), M. Nakagawa (Nippon Telephone & Telegraph, Japan), A. Muthuraman and D. Stearns (Bell Northern Research, Inc., U.S.A.). This session covers new services and design in communication networks and also offers a possible solution to optimal path selecting problems. New ideas in design and development are constantly being implemented in the field of telecommunications and the fast-pace in the telecommunication technology will never cease. Thus, the participants in this session offer their developments and improvements in an effort towards advancing the existing telecommunication network systems. "Integration of Computer and Facsimile Communication System in a Public Packet Switched Data Network," presented by Ono, discusses the integration of dissimilar services into a public packet switched data network. Ono realizes the growing demand for new services, and also the need to solve "the technical problem of specification, design and development of new services and facilities." He provides information on an experimental packet switched computer and facsimile communications system implemented to test for feasiblity. Maruyama and Tang offer solutions for the problems "On the Selection of Optimal Paths Which Satisfy Additional Constraints" and other problem variations. They discuss some properties which are connected with the problem of path selection and the variety of patch characteristics associated with it, and also provide a number of algorithms which have been successfully coded and run. Gimpelson discusses the "Implementation of Voice and Data Features on Digital Exchanges." He introduces two acronyms: IDN (integrated digital network), which refers to "the efficient interconnection of transmission and switching equipment;" and ISDN (integrated services digital network), which refers to "the accommodation of a variety of communication

services on the same transmission and switching facilities." Gimpelson proves through his studies and scenarios "that a 'future-safe' digital exchange is a reality and its application, 'pragmatically,'... is economical and operationally convenient." Nakagawa presents an "Outline of NTT's New Public Switched Data Service and Its Marketing." Nakagawa and Ono are both involved with the Valuable and Efficient Network Utility Service project (VENUS). This will enable Nippon Telephone & Telegraph to connect their system to an internationally based system. According to Muthuraman and Stearns, "State Machine Architecture in Peripheral Processing" is a feasible approach used in electronic private automatic exchange (EPABX). The success of choosing state machine architecture for the firmware was based on portability, modularity and speed of development. They also note, however, the decision to implement state machine architecture is contingent upon the requirements of the system, but that most of the stored programs controlled by PBXs do have such requirements. The exposure to these new developments and designs will provide a better understanding of telecommunication network systems and the services which may be feasibly implemented.

C9. Future of Telecommunications in the Pacific Chair: J.B. McKinney (ITT World Communications). Author: G. Van Valkenburg (Communications Con-

sultant, New Zealand). In "A Futurist Looks at Telecommunications",

Van Valkenburg gives a personal and sometimes critical overview of the telecommunications explosion of today. He recalls a similar situation 30 years ago and attempts to project a desirable system 30 years in the future. The overlooked role of direct radio broadcasting from satellites is also discussed.

DI. Unpresented Paper Author: W. Valentine (Michigan Judicial Institute,

U.S.A.) Though not presented at PTC '81, this paper has been published in the Conference Proceedings. The following is an abstract: Valentine focuses on the prospect for enhancing professional development

Conference Report programs based on information technology. An overview of emerging and existing techniques is presented in his "Telecommunt¢ations and Human Resource Development." Some oi the topics discussed include videodisc-computer configurations, audiovisual media centers and various teleconferencing systems for program delivery. The Proceedings of PTC "81 have been edited by Dan

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J. Wedemeyer and published by Pacific Telecommunications Council. Copies may be obtained by sending US $ 25 to PTC (Price includes surface mail and handling). Pacific Telecommunications Council 1110 University Avenue, Suite 303 Honolulu, Hawaii 96826 U.S.A.