第３章　ミクロネシアの現状と課題

Chapter3: Current Status of Micronesia-Overview and Environmental Scan

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Micronesian Mission Report

Toshio Kosuge, Kenji Saga, Masatomo Tanaka, and Christina Higa

1. Summary

The Pacific Island Digital Opportunity (PIDO) project of the Sasakawa Pacific Islands Nation Fund

was established to research telecommunication development and policy issues in the Pacific Islands.

This report provides information obtained during a PIDO fact finding mission in March 2003. The

research team was comprised of Dr. Toshio Kosuge (lead), Dr. Kenji Saga, Dr. Masatomo Tanaka and

Ms. Christina Higa. The study team visited the Republic of Palau, Yap State of the Federated States

of Micronesia and Guam. The primary focus was to gain information on the existing

telecommunication infrastructure, and to review challenges for distant learning and telehealth program

development in relation to telecommunication capacity, cost, and network and systems maintenance

and operation.

This report will cover the status and needs in the Republic of Palau however it unfortunately cannot

address the Federated States of Micronesia in entirety having only visited Yap State. Initially, the

research team was scheduled to visit only the Republic of Palau however Yap State was added to the

itinerary due to its close proximity to Palau and more importantly to visit the Yap SEED program that

have successfully developed an extensive public service telecommunication network and curriculum

specific to local needs. A one-day stop over in Guam allowed the team to visit with officials from the

University of Guam and the Guam Department of Education.

1.1 Republic of Palau

The Republic of Palau is making significant strides in establishing a national ICT strategy and

progress in implementing the plans as outlined in the following:

Executive Order No.193 – Established the Communications Information Technical Advisory

Group (CITAG) to develop a comprehensive five-year ICT plan (FY2002 through FY2006)

in line with the 2002-2006 Economic Development Plan.

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ICT-2003 Plan – The Republic of Palau is establishing the ICT 2003 national plan to address

ICT issues in Palau.

In the Republic of Palau there is commercial power available on all populated islands. The domestic

telecommunication infrastructure reaches every state with the exception of Kayangel Islands (North),

Angaur Island (South) and the Southwest Islands. This fiber optic infrastructure was funded by a US

$39 million loan from the US Rural Utilities Services. The outstanding balance of this loan at the

time of this writing is US $35 million. Reportedly this balance is a contributing factor to the Palau

National Communication Corporation’s (PNCC) difficulties in affording and investing in equipment

improvement and network upgrades.

The domestic fiber optic network in Palau requires an upgrade to increase bandwidth and network

performance. PNCC developed a proposal that would provide increased domestic bandwidth and

robust portals for the Ministry of Education, Health and other public sector agencies. The plan

involved fiber optic equipment upgrades and the implementation of cache servers. The proposal cost

is approximately US $500,000 however PNCC acknowledged the need for technical assistance in

assessing the network design and ensuring maximum network efficiency.

Given a domestic upgrade the main bottleneck will remain the international network connectivity.

PNCC has been successful in negotiating decreased satellite service fees however the downlink and

landing fees outside of Palau remain high. To reduce the high downlink costs, PNCC and CITAG

have proposed the establishment of an earth station at the University of Hawaii or any other location

that would not assess a high landing fee. In turn, with these cost savings PNCC would agree to

maintain the telecommunication fees of the government and government agencies, namely the

Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education but increase their respective international bandwidth

capacity. To implement this plan Palau requires capital investment for one or two earthstations. The

local stakeholders are committed to sustaining the monthly recurring telecommunication fees at the

current rates.

The PIDO committee recognizes these options as potential solutions in increasing access to pubic

service telecommunications and an innovative approach to working in cooperation with the local

telecommunication carrier. This proposal also provides a sustainable solution beyond the initial

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capital costs.

1.2 Federated States of Micronesia - Yap State

In comparison to other FSM States, Yap is the most advanced and offers a potential model for other

small and remote Pacific Islands. Yap SEED excels by implementing innovative concepts for

delivering education. Under the direction of Mr. Henry Falan, Director of Yap SEED, many

culturally relevant and grassroots efforts in curriculum development and delivery were undertaken.

Yap SEED implemented a strategic design of telecommunication networks, and application of

educational technologies and tools. Yap SEED extends assistance to other government and public

sectors such as the hospital and library. The program is based on the development of local human

capacity building and innovation in optimizing limited resources.

The hospitals, clinics, public library, and the historical preservation office are incorporated into the

Yap SEED wide area network design. Although a wide area network infrastructure is in place, health

agencies are lacking computers and local area networks.

There are numerous islands in Yap State with varying levels of power and telecommunication

infrastructure. The team observed excellent use of computer laboratories and skilled local technicians

operating and monitoring the systems.

1.3 Recommendations

The following priorities and funding opportunities were identified:

Telecommunication infrastructure upgrades: As in the case with the Republic of Palau all

proposals related to the upgrade of existing infrastructure is a high priority. It is extremely

obvious by first hand experience of connecting to the Internet from schools, colleges,

hospitals, and emergency management offices that although the infrastructure reaches these

locations the network capacity is much too limited to achieve the goals and potential benefits

for health and education and distance learning and telehealth programs. Proposals that

incorporate the local telecommunication carrier and government agencies offer a unique

model for sustainability that may be applicable in other small island environments.

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ICT Fund for Educational Institutions: In conjunction with the development of

Telecenters, there is a need to support ICT for educational institutions. This extends from

infrastructure, staffing to training and education. Educational institutions in the islands

visited have modest programs using the Internet, however in very limited capacities because

there is a severe need for increased bandwidth and connectivity.

Human Resource Development Training Courses: Locally trained and skilled personnel

are required to maintain ICT networks and systems and apply ICT in education and health

programs. The Yap SEED model demonstrates the potential and capacity of the Pacific

Island communities to locally manage their own systems and develop local content.

Computer Lab Instructor Training: There are some computer laboratories that need

trained computer lab instructors to include teachers and community volunteers. Many

computer labs are located at schools and are supported by the community.

Telecommunications Engineer: There are few trained telecommunication engineers in the

Pacific Islands. A training program customized for Pacific Island carriers would be

extremely beneficial in assuring proper network design, efficiency, implementation,

maintenance and operations.

Networking Projects among Hospitals, Health Centers and Dispensaries: The health care

communities in the Pacific Islands all share the common problem of having very little

resources to contribute to the implementation of ICT networks and services. These services

could potentially increase the quality of on-island care, decrease the inflated unnecessary off-

island referral costs by providing access to remote specialists by video teleconferencing, and

potentially enable hospitals to better manage patient records, pharmacy, labs, etc. Health

care providers in the islands need seed funds to initiate the planning and implementation of

ICT networks and applications. Physicians, nurses and hospital staff also require basic

computer literacy and ICT training.

Remote Island Telecenter Projects: The Pacific Islands have many characteristics such as

small population, limited resources, the need for shared and multipurpose facilities that

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would imply many benefits from the implementation of telecenters. Some of the many

aspects required for the implementation of telecenters include: planning, operations, and

management of the physical telecommunication network connections, computers and

equipment to even the consideration of power generation systems.

The Pacific Islands and Japan have several international joint programs as outlined in this report that

would benefit from improving the telecommunication network and access in these islands. As an

example the International Palau Coral Reef Center partially funded by the Government of Japan hosts

several visiting Japanese researchers that would be able to continue working in collaboration with

Palau upon their return to Japan.

The Palau Community College has a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of the Ryukyus.

The Palau Community College has Partnering Agreements with Waseda University and Oita

University. The nature of these partnerships currently involves student and/or professor exchange

programs. PCC would like to explore the possibilities of enhancing culture exchanges with further

interaction through video teleconferencing.

There are many opportunities for supporting programs and developments already in progress in the

locations visited. The current infrastructure enables the development of initial programs for health

and education but additional funds for network upgrades, training for operations, maintenance and use

of the systems is required. Many interviewed understand the potential of ICT but expressed

frustration in falling short of obtaining these benefits. The governments are organizing national ICT

strategies to overcome these challenges. Funding and external support would be well received by

governments that are organized and have clearly articulated needs for ICT and real benefits for health

and education as well as other public service applications.

2. Mission Report

2.1 Republic of Palau

2.1.1 General Meeting of Agencies

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An overview meeting was held on March 6, 2003 and chaired by Chief of Staff Billy Kuartei, Office

of the President.

Participants:

Mr. Hazime Telei, Coordinator, National Emergency Management Office (NEMO)

Dr. Victor Yano, Director, Palau Medical Clinic, Chairman, Pacific Basin Medical

Association

Mr. Kalistus Ngirturong, Chief, Division of School Management Bureau of School

Administration, Palau Ministry of Education

Mr. Bruce Rimirch, Palau Community College

Mr. Nick Ngwal, Administrator, Ministry of Health

Mr. Edwel Ongrung, Ministry of Education

Mr. Ed Carter, General Manager, Palau National Communication Corporation (PNCC)

A. Communication Infrastructure

Mr. Ed Carter, General Manager, PNCC, the Republic of Palau presented a general overview of the

Republic of Palau’s communications infrastructure.

1) Existing Telecommunications Infrastructure

Fiber-optic OC3 SONET connects major parts of Palau (OC3 = 155 Mbps)

Microwave connects islands located outside the reef (Kayangel Island and Angaur Island)

HF radio telephone is available in the Southwest Island with a population of less than 100

Single Earth Station (Intelsat) is used for international telecommunications

Analogue Cellular Service covers major populated areas

ADSL service has been available in metropolitan Koror and Airai since 1998

(768 kbps at initial stage and now 2 Mbps)

International Internet connectivity

_ 768 kbps access to Canada provided by Teleglobe (Canada)

_ 128 kbps access to United States provided by France Telecom (former Global One, third

largest carrier in the United States)

According to the 2002 Pacific ICT Survey Palau’s teledensity is 39; this is based on the

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number of telephone lines per 100 inhabitants.

2) Planned Infrastructure

1. PNCC has planned for a second Earth Station however the satellite selection is still under

consideration

2. Possible solutions using VSAT systems

3. Fiber optical submarine cable from Palau-Yap-Guam is proposed

4. WAN Ethernet distribution system upgrade for high-speed service for schools, health,

government and community

5. Implementation of a large object cache “mirror” site in order to increase the efficiency of

international circuits

6. Encourage participation, if possible, in a Japanese Gigabit Satellite project

7. Planning for enhancement of domestic Fiber Optic capacity for “Community Access”

(National Conference on Rural Multipurpose Community Telecenters was held July 2002)

3) PNCC Internet Cost Structure

1. Basic E-mail Unmetered LocalNet 4 Hrs Internet $15.00

2. Bronze E-mail Unmetered LocalNet 16 Hrs Internet $29.95

3. Silver E-mail Unmetered LocalNet 56 Hrs Internet $99.00

4. Gold E-mail Unmetered LocalNet 150 Hrs Internet $250.00

5. Platinum E-mail Unmetered LocalNet 350 Hrs Internet $500.00

A $ 2.50 per hour rate is charged after the allotted hours. The Unmetered LocalNet is for domestic

Internet access and includes e-mail. Web browsing is part of the Internet metered charge.

Explanations and Comments:

1) Palau has a good fiber optic network however it is not being fully utilized. Mr. Carter discussed

the need for equipment upgrades to increase domestic bandwidth and network performance. Mr.

Carter’s presentation entitled, “Pacific Island Digital Opportunity - Palau Opportunities,”

provides an overview of a proposal to increase the RoP’s wide area network and develop robust

portals for the Ministry of Education, Health and other public sector agencies. The plan includes

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several options for increased off-island capacity.

2) Significant progress has been made in building the framework for this robust wide area network.

There is commercial power available on all populated islands. The fiber optics cable loops

around RoP, landing in every state with the exception of Kayangel Island (North), Angaur Island

(South) and the Southwest islands. This fiber infrastructure was funded by a US $39 million loan

from the US Rural Utilities Services. According to Mr. Carter, approximately US $35 million

remains outstanding. International long distance services subsidize the loan requirements so that

local services are not significantly affected. In each interview conducted PNCC’s loan

requirement was mentioned as a primary reason provided by PNCC for the inability to decrease

cost and/or increase capacity. Equipment improvements and plans are difficult to implement

according to PNCC because the majority of revenue is contributed to maintaining operations and

meeting loan payments.

3) PNCC is in the process of establishing a second earth station in Airai State. This system will

potentially provide 2Mbps capacity. The applications will include data and Internet as a first

priority followed by voice telephony. PNCC is currently building a platform to raise the antenna

foundation for increased line of sight. However PNCC has not yet selected a satellite service

provider. Proposals are currently being reviewed.

According to Mr. Richard Misech, Chief Technical Officer of PNCC, existing international

Internet connectivity of Palau is as follows:

_ 768 kbps access to Canada provided by Teleglobe (US$ 17,000/month)

_ 192 kbps access to United States provided by France Telecom (US$ 10,000/month:

access quality is better than to Canada)

4) Wide Area Network Improvements - PNCC also proposed a VSAT solution, perhaps 384Kbps or

512Kbps, for expansion of infrastructure for education and health by upgrading last mile fiber

optic equipment. This upgrade is required because the current OC-3 is near full capacity. This

OC-3 carries cable TV, telephony and cellular telephone switching traffic. A complete network

design is still pending. A rough ballpark estimate for the network upgrade is US $500,000.

PNCC however acknowledged the need for technical assistance in assessing the network design

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and ensuring maximum network efficiency.

5) A feasible option mentioned by PNCC to reduce costs for public service applications is to partner

with PEACESAT of the University of Hawaii Telecommunications and Information Policy Group

or some other non-profit agency. By procuring and installing an earth station (for 2Mbps) or

VSAT (384 kbps or 512 kbps) at a public service agency PNCC may be able to negotiate much

more reasonable and affordable rates than traditional business partnerships, e.g., AT&T. The

University of Hawaii or other public service agency could assist PNCC with interconnection to an

ISP, reduce international interconnection rates and enable the cross connection to other existing

public service networks within the Pacific Islands. PNCC estimates a monthly recurring rate of

approximately $8000 ($7000 for space segment and $1000 for local loop). These rates are

affordable and PNCC could pass at cost or significantly discounted rates to the Ministries of

Education and Health, etc.

6) Fiber Optic Proposal - NTT NE Marine of Japan was just in Palau and Yap a week prior to the

PIDO Team’s visit to discuss the fiber optic cable proposal. The proposal is to link Palau and

Yap to Guam. The President of Palau, Governor of Yap and PNCC met to discuss the proposal.

There are many issues to be resolved before a decision can be made.

PNCC is concerned that there is little expertise in maintaining fiber networks and undersea cables

further an estimated US$1 Million is required to have a maintenance ship on standby. Other costs

include the interconnection fees to telecommunication carriers in Guam. The primary concern is

whether or not Palau or Yap will be able to sustain the operating costs. It is expected that only

over a long period of time that there will be sufficient traffic required to support the cable. In

comparison when using satellite services the carrier may opt to purchase capacity that is needed

with fiber you have to pay for the entire capacity regardless of if it is used or not. Fiber and/or

satellite developments are still being considered. A feasibility study is yet to be conducted.

7) Japanese Ultra High Speed Broadband Satellites - PNCC mentioned to possibility of investigating

the potential for joining Japan’s WINDS satellite project as a means of increasing international

satellite capacity in Palau. This is a possibility however at this point in time it should not be

considered as an alternative to the fiber plan or other potential current satellite solutions. WINDS

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is planned for a 2005 launch date. The WINDS project promotes public service however is also

considered experimental and will focus on experiments for potential applications and close to real

operations such as IP and Internet based applications.

8) Large Object Cache ‘Mirror’ Site. PNCC proposes the increase of the RoP’s wide area network

by implementing large object cache mirror servers. The Palau Community College reports 80-

95% of course work is downloaded verses requiring on-line interaction. The cache server can

store and restore specific web sites enabling local downloads and reducing use of international/

off-island circuits. This is a model that is recommended for Palau and any other location where

international telecommunication links are limited and costly.

B. Issues for Rural and Remote Areas

1) The Southwest Islands (States of Sonsor and Tobi) do not have access to reliable

telecommunications and are generally underserved due to the small population and geographic

remoteness. The total population of Kayangel Island is 188 (2000). The total population of the

Southwest Islands is less than 100. Kayangel Island, Angaur Island and the Southwest Islands are

the major areas of Palau not connected to fiber optic cable.

2) The main form of communication in Southwest Islands is HF radio communication (no cellular

coverage and no television). Communication systems are operated using generator power

contributing to its unreliable nature.

3) The main priority regarding ICT is for improved telecommunications for education, health and

emergency management applications.

4) There are three elementary schools serving the Southwest Islands. Students must move to Koror

to attend the only public high school in Palau and because of the lack of dormitories the students

live with relatives in Koror.

5) Health clinics are staffed with nurses that use HF radio to contact the physician on Peleliu.

Telephone contact appears to be sufficient for consultation between nurse and physicians however

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there is a need for improved access to more reliable systems, better Internet services and perhaps

even video teleconferencing. Video teleconferencing could significantly improve access to

continuing medical education, telehealth and telemedicine programs.

6) These programs potentially could increase the quality of health care provided to the remote

islands and reduce cost of emergency medical evacuations. It cost approximately $8,000 U.S. to

medivac a patient from the Southwest Islands to Koror.

7) There is microwave communication from Peleliu to Angaur Island.

8) In the Southwest islands radio telephone and fax services are not stable. PNCC reports the need

for on-going training. As an example, Iridium phones were to be distributed however the $1.20

minute costs were too expensive. The most cost effective solution would be to install HF

modems, a low speed email connection, PC and solar panel. However over time no one would be

able to maintain the systems and PNCC cannot afford the system operations. PNCC emphasized

that training components are required and must be coupled with any technical projects. It is

particularly essential for small populations that find it otherwise economically very difficult to

sustain technical networks and infrastructure. PNCC acknowledges that they must work with

other agencies to provide these services.

9) A few successful examples were provided in People’s First Project (Solomon Islands) and Yap

SEED’s central portal server. The Yap SEED example provided PNCC with a solution of

monitoring non-mission, bandwidth intensive activities such as music and movie downloads.

This is an on-going problem for educational institutions and government agencies in Palau. An

“Internet Use Policy” must be established and implemented.

C. National IT Strategy

1) Executive Order No.193 – Communications Information Technical Advisory Group (CITAG):

issued April 11, 2001

By this order, CITAG was established to develop a comprehensive five-year ICT plan

(FY2002 through FY2006) in line with the 2002-2006 Economic Development Plan.

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According to the Executive Order, the CITAG was to complete the following reports:

5-Year Plan by June 2001

Option for establishing an International Fiber Optic Cable, July 2001

Potential sources of debt relief for the PNCC infrastructure

2) ICT-2003 - The PIDO delegation requested copies of these documents. However, Chief of Staff

Kuartei explained that the due dates have been extended and the documents are not readily

available. A draft of ICT 2003 was only recently issued.

3) 2020 National Government Strategy Plan - The United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

conducted a workshop on the development of the Republic of Palau’s National ICT Strategy.

March 9, 2003 was the due date for final changes to National ICT Strategy. The OEK, National

Congress will go into session in April 2003. The President will submit the 2020 National

Government Strategy and Plan to the National Congress during this session. There are two

members of CITAG from National Congress.

4) Official Development Assistance (ODA) - It was reported that ICT was not placed as a high

priority in the Public Investment Program (PSIP) plan was first submitted to the Japanese

Government ODA. Chief of Staff urged leaders to increase ICT’s priority in the overall planning.

Other request items such as roads, a bridges, etc. were ranked higher in priority. At this time,

however a National policy for ICT was not established. The Republic of Palau needs to recognize

the importance of ICT in addressing the rapid development of globalization, e-commerce and

other related phenomena.

5) E-Government - There are future projections that the Republic of Palau will implement E-

Government applications similar to many other countries that would include services and

information for tax reporting, social security, legislative information, etc.

Some applications such as Tax and Social Security are implemented

Project for Legislature is underway

Proposal for development of E-governance for all Ministries is being developed and

funding will be sought

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6) E-Health and E-Education - The Ministry of Health has a vision to develop a new information

system that will support the hospitals and connect other ministries. It is a goal to connect all

dispensaries to enable communication between nurses and physicians. Telecommunication is

seen as important for telehealth and telemedicine that will enable diagnosing and treating patients

in remote sites.

Recently a Taiwanese group demonstrated a telemedicine system that connected Peleliu and

Babeldaob using plain old telephone lines. The systems enable the transmission of information

reporting on blood pressure, sugar levels, etc. and monitors heart and lungs through stethoscopes.

There seems to be interest from the Ministry of Health in Palau for simple and affordable systems

like that demonstration by the Taiwanese. However there was no information on the cost or

manufacturer of the system.

The current telemedicine capabilities in place today is Internet based provided by the Tripler

Medical Army Center (TAMC) in Honolulu. The system uses store-forward technology where

the physicians in Palau are able to consult with physicians at TAMC.

Although this system is used a great deal in Palau, there is expressed interest for the

implementation of an interactive telemedicine system. The Ministry of Health reported that their

efforts in this area are fully dependent on PNCC’s progress in infrastructure development.

The Ministry of Health reported further the need for technical assistance in planning of

telecommunication upgrades for the health care facilities in Palau. It was admitted that the desire

is for robust and reliable systems, not necessarily cutting edge technology.

2.1.2 Embassy of Japan

Participants:

Mr. Masaaki Takada, Acting Ambassador to the Republic of Palau

Mr. Kazuyoshi Ogawa, Special Assistant

General information regarding the Republic of Palau and telecommunications was exchanged at a

courtesy visit to the Embassy of Japan.

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2.1.3 Ministry of Health

Participants:

Mr. Nick Ngwal, Health Service Administrator

Dr. Sung.Il Yoon, Staff Surgeon

Dr. Willie Tokon, Chief Medical Staff

Dr. Victor Yano

Dr. Bo Htoo, Orthopedic

Dr. Robert Maddison

Dr. Debbie Ngemaes Maddison, Obstetrician and Gynecology

1) Hospital Network Connections - A contractor is currently developing a custom computer system

for the hospital network. Currently there is no in-house ICT expertise. The hospital is

considering a computer system to address areas such as billing, inventory, patient management

and financial systems to name a few. The Bureau of Public Health and Bureau or Clinical

Services operations require access to all of these systems.

2) Infrastructure -Today the hospital is equipped with many computers and applications for public

health, finance, patient records, and pharmacy systems. However to date these systems are

independent and not fully integrated. There is expressed interest to have an integrated system that

would allow such applications as lab results to be printed directly in the emergency room. The

hospital does not have a local or wide area network.

There are three private satellite clinics in Palau. The Ministry of Health would like to incorporate

the private hospitals into their network as well.

3) Telemedicine- The group discussed needs for distribution of consultation and specialist service

within the Ministry and to outlying dispensaries.

The telemedicine system provided by the Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) is implemented

in Palau. The TAMC system utilizes store and forward techniques. The physicians in Palau view

this as a useful system. The store and forward mode has disadvantages however one advantage is

the ability for the physician to compose a complete report and when finalized the information is

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transferred to the server. Physicians at TAMC developed this system in 1998; it was the first

telemedicine system implemented in Palau. Patient history, x-rays, skin rashes, legions, and

microscopic slides are forwarded to physician at TAMC. The normal response time is within 24-

hours. The use of this system has fielded over 2,000 cases, one-third required referral and two-

thirds required only consultation. It is estimated that if not for the TAMC telemedicine system

more than one-third would have been referred off island. Off island referral management is one

of the priorities of the Ministry as it is estimated that US $1 million is spent on annual referrals to

TAMC. The total annual expenditure of referrals in Palau is estimated for a total of US $3

million.

The TAMC program permits service only to patients from US Pacific Islands, indigenous,

veterans, military other ethic groups. The Ministry is seeking a similar system to use locally in

Palau. TAMC is willing to provide a platform for a local server in Palau, however again it was

underscored that a reliable, robust and affordable infrastructure is necessary. A local are network

that is cheaper and faster is required.

In terms of data rate and bandwidth the physicians have experienced Netmeeting sessions at 33.6

kbps and video teleconferencing using PEACESAT at 128Kbps as sufficient; with the

understanding that higher data rate would yield better quality video teleconferences.

There is a joint distance learning project with the University of Auckland and Fiji School of

Medicine. It is a continuing medical education program for physicians. The training program is

sponsored by the U.S. Area Health Educational Centers (AHEC). The residency program

provides post graduate training need. The students are from Palau, two from Yap and one from

the Marshall Islands. They attend short-term in person training and exams. Follow-up is

conducted using PEACESAT video teleconferencing equipment. Dr. Yanno noted that this works

well however often there are problems the system working consistently. A specific example of

the problem was that the session started half an hour late because the GOES-7 satellite solar RF

interference problem. This RF interference occurs approximately four times throughout the year.

More frequent service interruptions include antenna alignment or the absence of trained operators.

These issues are constantly being addressed.

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Other sessions included professional Medical Association meeting with Palau, Kosrae and the

University of Washington.

The hospital in conjunction with the Palau Community College is providing training in

emergency medical response. This program has regional interest.

As reported earlier, the physicians provided an overview of the Taiwanese telemedicine

demonstration of using plain-old-telephone service connections in transmitting microscope

measurements such as blood sugar levels. The system is simple and includes a television, a small

camera and a transmission system that was not explained in full detail. The demonstration

included a video teleconference with four elementary schools where the dispensaries are located

in various parts of Palau. A 32.6 kbps connection was used and some physicians reported that it

was not sufficient for good image transmission, others thought it might be useful for some

telemedicine applications.

4) Connectivity within the Micronesian Region - Improved regional connectivity in Micronesia

particularly the Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia is desired. The region works

collaboratively in many areas; the historical relationship between Palau and Yap is particularly

strong due to their close proximity. Yap often sends medical referrals to Palau. The

communication between the region is very expensive and such referrals require intense

communication and follow-up.

5) Hospital - Telecommunication Costs - The National Hospital pays approximately $500/month for

24-hour Internet access at 56 kbps (actual throughput is much slower). It is reported that the

network performance is very slow and there is a need for improved control of usage. In

comparison in Japan the cost of an ADSL at 8-12 Mbps over regular telephone copper pair is

$35/month.

The PNCC telephone costs are:

$12/month for residential telephone unit

$22.50/month for business unit

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Kuartei attended the meeting and stressed the Government of Palau’s serious efforts in improving

public policy regarding telecommunication services. The need for improved and affordable

services to the health, education and public sectors is a high priority. The medium and long-term

investments made by PNCC now will assist in building a computer literate market and a strategic

business plan that eventually will be a win-win situation.

2.1.4 Ministry of Education (MOE)

Participants:

Mr. Mario Katosang, Minister of Education

Mr. Kalistus Ngirturong, Chief Division of School Management

The MOE serves approximately 5000 students in total (3500-public, 2342 private). There are 20

public schools, 19 elementary and 1 high school. There are 2 private elementary and 5 secondary

schools.

1) Proposed MOE Network - Since 1990 the Ministry of Education has introduced computers to

schools (see Appendix 3: Palau Public Schools Location Map).

In 1996 an attempt was made to coordinate with PNCC in implementing a wide area network for

reliable and higher speed Internet access to no avail.

Today all of the public schools in Palau use a dial-up at 56Kbps to MOE gateway at 64 Kbps to PNCC.

An Internet café at 128 kbps and MOE at 64 kpbs share the same HDSL telecommunication

connection to PNCC. There is a wireless network connection between MOE and Palau High School.

2) Telecommunication Costs to MOE

The MOE pays $800/ month for a 64Kbps link. A 10Mbps DSL in Koror and Airai areas are offered

to MOE was submitted. However without PNCC fiber upgrades, there is only a possibility for a 768

kbps link.

Each school (with the exception of the Southwest Islands) has a router and is connected to a local area

network with one dial-up connection to the Ministry of Education. The schools are ready for

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connection but require an improved access to the Internet; the dial-up connection serves one computer

and is very slow and not suitable to meet the needs of the students and teachers.

Without sufficient Internet capabilities computer training is limited to basic computer literacy.

MOE proposes international distance education programs jointly with PREL. A pharmacy training

degree program from the Palau Community College was one example provided as a potential distance

learning program.

Distance learning between the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau and the Republic of

the Marshall Islands might include teacher training in addition to student course offerings. Although

Palau has a higher GDP per capital compared to other areas in the region, the MOE expressed that

there is still a common interest and need in working collaboratively with other areas in the region.

The MOE recognizes ICT as a tool to realize basic human needs, UNDP Millennium Development

Goals (MDGs) will be prioritized for the MOFA proposal.

2.1.5 Visit to Peleliu Island

The team travel to Peleliu by boat escorted by Chief of Staff Kuartei and Richard Misech, Chief

Technical Officer, PNCC and other PNCC Staff. It takes approximately 70 minutes to travel from

Koror to Peleliu by high-speed boat.

1) Super Dispensary – Peleliu (Southern Community Health Center)

The Peleliu Super Dispensary in Peleliu serves approximately 900 people (600 Peleliu, 200 Angaur

and 100 Southwest Islands). All X-Ray, CT and Ultrasound services are provided in Koror and not in

Peleliu. Blood tests and cholesterol laboratory tests are conducted in Peleliu. All school children are

required by law to receive immunization shots and cholesterol tests.

Only one physician must cover 900 people. Usually he stays three weeks in Peleliu and one week in

Angaur and visits the Southwest Islands every three months. He uses HF Radio Phone to the

Southwest Island and microwave connection to Angaur Island.

Medical supplies are delivered to Peleliu on a weekly basis.

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Diabetes, hypertension and upper respiratory infections are the most commonly treated ailments in

Peleliu.

2) Issues and Challenges

Emergency evacuations are very costly running approximately $8000 to transport a patient from the

Southwest Islands to Koror. Regular field trip boats are scheduled to and from the Southwest Islands

to Koror every three months.

Transportation by boat and particularly at night is very dangerous for patients. The lack of supplies

and certain equipment often results in potentially preventable referrals to Koror. An example

provided was the low or no supply of oxygen (nebulizers) is a dangerous situation for asthma patients.

The insufficient supply nebulizer will require an emergency evacuation is required of a patient

suffering from an asthma attack.

Dr. Ishmael Togamel explained the clinic does not have cardiac defibulator that would enable the

recessitation of patients in case of heart failure. Requests for these items have been submitted to the

Ministry of Health.

Licensure of physicians is very strict in Palau. The Palau license board requires 40-80 hours of

continuing medical education to maintain DOH certification. If this requirement is not met, the

physician risks the non-renewal of his/her license. Nurses have similar requirements.

There is only one physician serving Peleliu and the Super Dispensaries making it very difficult for

patient when he leaves the island. This is one area where video teleconferencing would enable the

physician participation in CME courses without leaving the island. Although there are no video

teleconferencing facilities at the Super Dispensary, there is one available at the Peleliu High School.

It was recommended that the physician utilize this system in lieu of traveling off island for extended

periods of time. The same is applicable to nurses and teachers that require the same maintenance of

continuing education.

3) Telecommunications

The Super Dispensary in Peleliu uses a dial-up Internet connection. For communication to the

59

Southwest Islands HF radio is used since there is no telephone service available in the Southwest

Islands.

4) Elementary school in Peleliu

There are 115 students, 10 teachers and 18 computers in the Peleliu elementary school.

A Department of Interior grant provided the MOE with four video teleconferencing systems. These

systems are located in Koror, Peleliu, Ngarad and at the Ministry of Education. The systems consist

of a Sony codec, three BRI ISDN lines (384 kbps) and overhead camera. The Peleliu School reports

very little use of the system. There is some discrepancy on the cost of the ISDN lines. Previous

reports from the MOE indicate that initial ISDN use was considered experimental and PNCC did not

have a set tariff however when the tariff was established it was too costly for the MOE hence the lack

of system usage. During this site visit, the PNCC representative indicated that there are no fees for

the use of the ISDN services.

If there are no fees for the services, it is highly recommended that the system be utilized between

locations and shared with the Super Dispensary and others in the community.

The school has an air conditioned computer laboratory with 18 computers of which two have access to

the Internet at 56Kbps using a dial-up connection to MOE. The network connection is extremely

slow since the actual throughput is contending with traffic from all public schools in the MOE.

Computer literacy classes start from the 1st grade however Internet is not included in class instruction

because of the lack of adequate access.

The PNCC representative discussed future potential plans for improved Intranet connectivity and IP

based video teleconferencing. There are twelve fiber optic cables to Peleliu consisting of six fiber

rings with redundancy.

Solar generator provides power to the PNCC equipment that supports 16 channels of wireless

frequencies, CATV and ISDN. The system has remote monitoring capabilities where a technician

from Koror can call the system in Peleliu, it answers in a synthesized voice and reports alarms,

temperature, etc.

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2.1.6 National Emergency Management Office

Participants:

Mr. Hazime T. Telei, Coordinator

Mr. Al Kyota, NEMO Staff

NEMO is responsible for civil defense for all government agencies, public and private agency disaster

preparedness.

Five cellular telephones were donated by PNCC for disaster communication and coordination. The

phones are only activated by the command post in emergencies.

Access to the Internet is important to NEMO for retrieving information from U.S. emergency

management agencies such as U.S. NEMA and weather information.

NEMO uses PNCC Internet dial-up services. NEMO is planning a PEACESAT upgrade and

interconnection for data services to the NEMO offices and the adjacent Vice President’s office.

NEMO operates a PEACESAT station that does not have digital capabilities. NEMO is seeking funds

for this upgrade. The PEACESAT system is used by various community agencies. PEACESAT was

instrumental in emergency communications during Tropical Storm Utor (2001). A plane bound for

Guam was grounded in Palau during the storm and all commercial communications were temporarily

interrupted. The PEACESAT system was used to inform Guam of the grounded plane and to provide

further coordination.

2.1.7 Palau Community College

Participants:

Mr. Patrick Ubal Tellei, President

Mr. Leoben Teriong, Vice President for Administration

Mr. Thomas Taro, Cooperative Research and Extension

There are 700 students including those from every state of the Federated States of Micronesia,

Republic of the Marshall Islands and American Samoa. There are 32 staff, two senior volunteers in

61

Japanese Language and three JVOC.

There is an on-line Master’s Degree course with San Diego State University and exchange programs

with Ritsumeikan University and Ryukyu University.

The most important problem to be solved as identified by the President of PCC is “broadband access

to the Internet at affordable rates.” Currently, there are about 100 PCs at Computer Lab, Library and

Teachers room that share a 128 kpbs access to the Internet. They must wait and wait and wait in

getting digital information through the Internet!

The Palau Community College offers two-year associate degrees in business management and

administrative services, liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities, protective services,

mechanics and repairs and construction trade. Fall 2000 student enrollment was 581 (Solutions

Advancing People, 2002).Student enrollment is approximately 700 and there are 32 faculty of which

half are adjunct.

The Palau Community College in cooperation with the University of Auckland provides a general

practitioners program that is a combination of traditional face-to-face meetings and video

teleconference sessions using PEACESAT. The program is attended by practitioners from Micronesia

and consists of courses such as: GenPrac 702: Philosophy of General Practice & GenPac 703:

Consultation and Communications.

Palau Community College is investigating the possibilities of providing opportunities for on-line

degree programs by establishing relations with other Universities. Areas of interest are school

administration (M.A.) and vocational education (B.A).

To participate in video teleconferences PCC utilizes the PEACESAT station located at the Ministry of

Education or the National Emergency Management Office. The college has limited Internet access

made available to students and faculty. PCC utilizes a 128 kbps DSL, a Palau National

Communication Corporation service. The cost is approximately US $700 per month. This link is

shared by 100 computers on campus.

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The Palau Community College is currently developing its distance learning programs and may in the

future have special interests for collaboration with educational institutes in Japan. The International

Coral Reef Center was funded by Japan and may also have interests in using video teleconferencing to

continue research efforts. The Palau Community College also signed a Memorandum of Agreement

with the University of the Ryukyus. The Palau Community College has Partnering Agreements with

Waseda University and Oita University. Mr. Patrick Tellei, President of Palau Community College

explained that the nature of these partnerships currently involve student and/or professor exchange

programs. PCC would like to explore the possibilities of enhancing culture exchanges with further

interaction through video teleconferencing.

Japanese language is another program area of interest. Japanese language is a requirement for certain

PCC degrees such as hospitality and tourism. JICA donated a new language laboratory and a senior

JOVC teaches the Japanese courses. Palau High School also offers Japanese language classes so there

is a large demand for advanced classes.

2.2 Yap, Federated States of Micronesia

The Micronesian Mission Study Group focused its research in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia

(FSM), on the Yap State Education Enterprising Department (SEED), formerly named the Department

of Education, that implemented successful ICT infrastructure and related projects. In comparison to

other FSM States, Yap is the most advanced and offers a potential model for other FSM States.

Mr. Jim Stevenson, former Yap SEED Technical Director, Mr. John Waayan, Yap SEED Technical

Director and Mr. Dennis Gaamed, Yap SEED Technician were the team’s primary contact in Yap

State. Mr. Stevenson, Waayan and Gaamed were instrumental in confirming meetings, facilitating

logistics and providing information to the team.

Yap SEED excels by implementing innovative concepts for delivering education. Under the direction

of Mr. Henry Falan, Director of Yap SEED, many culturally relevant and grassroots efforts in

curriculum development and delivery was undertaken including the strategic design and

implementation of telecommunication technologies for distance education and for tools to assist

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students and educators. Yap SEED extends assistance to other government and public sectors such as

the hospital and library. The program is based on the development of local human resource

development and innovation in maximizing available limited resources.

Yap SEED and other educational programs in the region are in a transition period that will imminently

cause changes in the program structures and specifically opportunities for developing and sustaining

telecommunication networks similar to Yap SEED.

The U.S. Freely Associated States (FAS) including the Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall

Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia have received funds from the U.S. Department of

Education. All states of the Federated States of Micronesia received these grants; Yap SEED received

$650,000, of this approximately $180,000 was used directly for technology. Fiscal Year 2002/2003

marks the last FAS grant of this kind; in following years the total budget of $5 million will include

Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa. It is expected

however that the new U.S. Compact of Association that is being ratified this year will increase

education and health funds.

Mr. Jim Stevenson significantly contributed to the Yap SEED network design and implementation.

Mr. Stevenson will relocate to Hawaii this year. In the overall network planning, Mr. Stevenson

designed human resource development as an integral part of the network development and operations.

His efforts of establishing a sufficient level of local support for network sustainability will be tested in

his absence. The scheme if successful will be a good example for sustainability of public service

networks and therefore the Micronesian Mission Group is interested in studying its progress.

2.2.1 Yap Proper

1) General Network Overview - There is a 384 kbps connection from the Yap SEED Technology

Center to FSM Telecom. This connection cost $4800/month. (A 256 kbps would cost $3400, 384

kbps - $3900, 512 kbps - $6200). FSM Telecom has a 256 kbps international link for dial-up

Internet services.

Yap SEED centralizes network monitoring enabling detection of improper network use. The

monitoring system can identify activities related to specific computers and users.

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The hospitals, clinics, public library/historical preservation office are incorporated into the Yap

SEED wide area network design however the health agencies are lacking computers and local

area networks.

2) Site Visits to Selected Schools – three schools representing small to large schools and various

technical arrangements were visited.

a) Yap High School - There is a student enrollment of 600. The high school is located directly

across of the College of Micronesia Yap Campus. The High School has a computer lab that

is equipped with a wireless connection, a fiber optic run to a microwave radio. The lab

consists of 20 Macs and 20 PCs. During the visit there were computer laboratory classes in

session. The Library is also connected to the Internet by fiber optics to microwave.

b) Fanif Elementary -There are 86 students in this school that serves a community of with a

population of 300. Fanif Elementary covers grades 1 to 8. The laboratory, consisting of 10

computers, is open for community access after 3:00 PM. Scheduled activities such as

computer training and access to the Internet are primarily provided by community volunteers.

The community invested in the lab by building the counters and also provided a certified

electrician to assist with all the electrical work. There are two schools in the community that

share one lab. The distances are far enough that students from the other school must travel to

Fanif Elementary by bus.

c) Dalipebinaw Elementary - Dalipebinaw Elementary school has a laboratory that uses the

Macintosh Airport and a telephone line connection for access to the Internet. There are

approximately 10 computers. The bandwidth and data rate is reduced when the network is at

full capacity. Schools like Dalipebinaw Elementary are on a waiting list for upgrades and

microwave connections to the Yap SEED NOC.

d) College of Micronesia Yap Campus - The interview for the COM Yap campus was primarily

with Mr. Pius Albert Mirey. Mr. Mirey runs the computer lab. The lab is open until 4:30 PM

and there are no extended hours because there is no staff to oversee the lab. Others

interviewed include Ms. Lourdes Roboman, Director, COM Yap and Mr. Thomas Yong, a

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professor with on-line teaching experience.

The COM Yap Campus’ computer lab consists of 21 computers and the library has 3. There are

190 students enrolled at the COM Yap Campus. The data connection is established using a

64kbps FSM Telecom connection to the Pohnpei campus. This link is also shared by the

Fisheries Marine Authority that has 10 computers. From Pohnpei COM there is a 128kbps FSM

Telecom connection to the global Internet.

There are no Japanese language teachers at the Yap Campus. This is unfortunate because Yap

High School offers Japanese language.

COM Yap has an interlibrary loan agreement and can receive documents up to 250 pages by

facsimile. This assists in obtaining resources for the campus and students.

There are computer literacy courses many are bridging courses as the high school also offers

computer basic literacy. Two mandatory computer classes are: CA100 – General Fundamental

Programming, CA101 Computer Applications (Excel, Access Database).

Vocational education is a primary service area. Subjects such as electricity, electronics and

furnishing are some of the more popular courses.

No interconnection exists between COM Yap and Yap SEED networks.

2.2.2 Division of Public Health

Dr. Victor Ngaden, Director

The Division of Public Health includes Dental, Ancillary and Clinical services. There are two clinical

dispensaries in Yap Proper. There are smaller dispensaries in Falalop, Woleai and Mog Mog. In

Woleai there is power now but no telephone service. Physicians are sent to Mog Mog on one month

rotations at which time they record chronic cases and update patient records.

Telecommunication Connections

There is SSB radio communications to the clinics for communication. The hospital is connected to

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Yap SEED however only one computer is hooked-up to this link. The team was informed by the

hospital administrator that the hospital needs a local area network. Dr. Kosuge suggested the

possibility of investigating Japan Foundation funds in the program area of health care. Dr. Saga

suggested the Basic Human Needs Association, BHN, non-profit organization in Japan. BHN

provided other hospital facilities with personal handy phone systems with one base station supporting

a 64kbps link and a coverage area of approximately 300 feet. This type of system would be ideal for

the Yap Hospital and relatively inexpensive.

The overall impression of the Division of Public Health is that there is a disconnection between their

needs and wants and what they have.

2.2.3 Office of the Governor

The team met with Governor Robert Raucho and Lt. Governor Joseph Habuchmai. Governor Raucho

briefly provided an update on the NTT fiber optics proposal before having to depart to a meeting with

ADB representatives. In summary Yap State will wait for a feasibility study to be conducted prior to

receiving or accepting the donation. Governor Raucho had just returned from Palau where

discussions were focused on how the island states will be able to sustain the maintenance and

operations cost of the fiber.

The team briefed Lt. Governor Habuchmai on the purpose of the research study and also provided

with an update on the status of the Micronesian Network Proposal to MOFA. Lt Governor is formerly

from COM Pohnpei and a long time supporter of PEACESAT. Habuchmai understands and supports

ICT very strongly and is very supportive of the proposal.

2.2.4 Cellular Telephone Service

Cellular service cost $.10/minute. Generally Nokia telephones are supplied at $150 and most

customers use prepaid calling cards. Users initiating calls from land line telephones to cellular phones

are charged $.10/minute. There is an $8.00/month fee for a service that blocks calls to cellular

telephones, eliminating unsolicited in-coming telephone fees for the cellular phone owner.

Cellular service is available in Ulithi. In Falalop cellular calls on-island is free. This is because FSM

telecom does not have a mechanism to account for calls that do not traverse their main switch on Yap

Proper. FSM Telecom provided a 6-month free trial service for calls from Falalop to Yap Proper

however it now cost $.60/minute.

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Cellular service is available in Mog Mog from Ulithi. Yap SEED has plans for a 2.5 GHz microwave

connection with an 11Mbps capacity to connect to the high school Internet access and servers.

2.2.5 Air Transportation

Air transportation is available to Ultihi, Fais and Woleai by Pacific Missionary Aviation. The

MicroSpirit ship travels throughout the islands; it takes about two weeks to travel from Yap Proper to

Satawal.

The study team visited several sample schools to review the various types of network connections.

Yap High School served as a model for a large school. Site visits to Fanif Elementary and

Dalipebrnaw provided examples of smaller scale models.

2.2.6 Ulithi Atoll

It cost $170 round trip Yap Proper/Ulithi and takes approximately 45 minutes. There are two high

schools in the outer islands one in Woleai and the other in Ultihi. Ultihi High School has

approximately 100 students and a growing student population; it is suspected that many students

selected Ulithi High School because of the computer lab with Internet services. Woleai High School

has approximately 130 students and has a computer lab but without Internet access. In Ulithi there are

68 elementary students. There are 68 students in Falalop from grades 1 to 8.

The Ulithi High School has a 64kbps to Yap Proper. Yap SEED pays $300/month for this connection.

Originally FSM Telecom offered Yap SEED a 128kbps link for $400/month but after receiving

additional customers (e.g., the resort in Ulithi); the bandwidth was reduced to 64kbps for $300/month.

It is estimated however that the actual throughput is much higher than 64kbps.

The lab in Ulithi has 20 computers (18 for students and 2 for teachers), one IP address, cache, proxy

servers and CyberNot filters are implemented. The Ulithi library has 4 computers. Yap SEED has a

policy to block music downloads, chat lines and other bandwidth intensive uses and other applications

that is against their Internet Acceptable Use Policies. The 64kbps link is also utilized by 2 teacher

computers. There is no video teleconferencing services to Ulithi.

One computer lab manager and computer teachers rotate the management of the computer lab that

remains open until 11:00 PM.

2.2.7 Mog Mog

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The population of Mog Mog is 170. There is one elementary school that serves 43 students.

The computer laboratory has six new IMAC computers equipped with DVD players and CD burners,

plus scanners and printers on the wireless network. The laboratory is equipped with a new air

conditioner however the island’s generator power is not sufficient enough to support air conditioning

unit.

2.2.8 Woleai

The team did not travel to Woleai however received information that Woleai has one high school.

There are plans to relocate one PEACESAT earthstation in Yap to Woleai to enable at a minimum

voice teleconferencing between the islands. The system may also be equipped with digital services

such as Internet and the capability of interactive video teleconferencing. There are 24 computers at

the high school, 4 in Teckilap and 10 at the elementary school.

2.2.9 Micronet MOFA Proposal

The FSM states rotate priority requests for Japan ODA funds. For example Yap proper prioritized a

new road to Fanif. The following year, another state is given the opportunity to provide their request.

Although originally the Micronet proposal was not seeking ODA funds, MOFA’s comments regarding

the requirement for bilateral ODA funds and the need to follow the ODA funding request procedures

indicate that the proposal is being treated as ODA.

FSM will need to coordinate and discuss priorities for the Micronet Proposal. Perhaps if it is

prioritized for one state, that state can request a system that will benefit FSM in whole. The next

problem is to determine the new technical design that will take into account the need for monthly

recurring telecommunication costs to be covered by FSM. An overall issue with the Micronet proposal

submission as bilateral requests and modified designs will be to identify the potential and need for

coordination between the three jurisdictions. If the Republic of Palau moves forward with a revised

network scheme, it should be taken under serious consideration the network design for the other two

jurisdictions and how the networks will enable cross connections.

Mr. Jim Stevenson was provided with a copy of the Micronesian proposal for input on revision points

in line with MOFA’s feedback. Mr. Stevenson suggested the potential to request for use of a satellite

transponder; this would eliminate the need for monthly recurring telecommunication costs and meet

the requirement for satellite transmission.

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2.3 Guam

The team spent one day in Guam and had a joint meeting with the University of Guam and the Guam

Department of Education.

Ms. Maria Pagelinan, Director, Center for Continuing Education and Outreach Programs provided an

overview of the University of Guam and her center and outreach to the region. The University of

Guam provides Micronesian individualized degree programs in cooperation with the College of

Micronesia. The three year certificate program is with the College of Micronesia and the fourth year

with the University of Guam. Region wide teacher training is emphasized as UOG has a mission to

server the region; additionally in Guam 30% of the students are from Micronesia with English as a

second language.

The University of Guam is also home to the Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC) and other

regionally focused programs. The team briefly met with Dr. Dr. Hiro Kurashina, Director of MARC

who is originally from Japan. Dr. Kurashina emphasized the need for locally trained technical

personnel to manage the ICT projects and networks. He also briefly covered several Japan-Pacific

Island initiatives.

The Department of Education (DOE) team included Ms. Eloise Sanchez, Associate Super- Intendent,

Curriculum and Instruction Division; Mr. Danny Crisostomo, Director K-12 Technology, Coordinator

of E-Rate Programs and Mr. Dave Cruz, Program Coordinator.

The DOE provided a detailed overview of the E-Rate program and progress in Guam as well as the

status of the recovery after the devastating Typhoon Pongosonga. Of the 36 (formerly 38) schools, 5

are restored. There are a total of 450 computers and 11 video teleconferencing systems.

Mr. Jeff Barcinas, Vice President, UOG and Dean and Director of Landgrant explained the

appropriate language for connectivity of Landgrant College across the United States and including

Micronesia, American Samoa and the Caribbean. He stressed the need for capacity building and

sharing of resources in tropical agriculture in the Insular Areas and the need for supportive

infrastructure.

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ミクロネシア 3 国における遠隔教育・遠隔医療開発へ向けての提言

織田知則

1. ミクロネシア３国における IT 利用の現状と課題

1.1 はじめに

ミクロネシアとは一般に、赤道から北緯 20 度の北太平洋に位置する島嶼地域を指し、7

つの国民国家と、2 つの米国行政区域からなる地理的概念である。micro（小さな） nesia

（島々）という言葉のとおり、ミクロネシアは 450 万 mile2 に及ぶ広大な海域に点在する

僅か 1,245 mile2 の陸地で構成され、そこに約 50 万人が多様な地域文化と言語を守って

暮らしている。このような国土の狭隘性と拡散性によりこの地域における経済開発の余地

は小さく、この報告書が分析対象とするパラオ共和国、ミクロネシア連邦、マーシャル諸

島共和国（以下、これら３国を「ミクロネシア３国」という）も、米国との自由連合盟約

（COMPACT）に基づく経済援助に過度に依存した財政構造となっている。

COMPACT は財政援助の他に、ミクロネシア３国の国民が米国内で自由に就業すること

を認めている。その結果、自国内で IT 技術者のような専門職に従事するよりも、グァム

やハワイで非熟練労働に従事したほうがペイがよいという特殊な状況が生まれ、そのこと

が域内での技術蓄積や経済開発を阻む一因となっている。また、「労働賃金が安い」、「教

育セクターから優秀な技術者が供給される」、「国内市場が大きい」、「仕向け地向けの航空

便が毎日ある」といった IT 関連産業立地の初期条件をどれも全く満たしていないため、

他の開発途上国の多くが採用する IT 立国型の経済開発、つまり、電子部品の組立やソフ

トウェア開発といった IT 産業の誘致、コールセンターやＣＡＤオペレーションなど IT-

enable service の振興による工業化経済発展のシナリオが描けない。

このような典型的ミラブ経済(MIRAB = Migration, Remittances, Aid and Bureaucracy)

であるミクロネシア３国においては、公共サービスの質向上に係る政府の自助努力に自ず

と限界がみられる。他方で、国の経済発展段階や財政状況がどうであれ、保健医療セクタ

ーおよび教育セクターにおいて基本的なサービスを受ける権利は全ての人が普遍的かつ平

等に有するものと考えるべきであり、我が国をはじめとする国際社会に積極的な貢献が求

められている分野でもある。また、保健医療および教育の両セクターは、遠隔医療、遠隔

教育といった情報通信技術(IT)の利活用が比較的容易な分野でもあり、ミクロネシア３国

のように地理的制約条件の多い国では、この種の「IT 利用 (IT-use)」1への期待が極め

て高い。

この報告書では先ず、保健医療および教育セクターにおける「IT 利用」の所与条件とし

ての通信インフラ整備状況を整理し、それを前提に両セクターの現状と課題を各国毎に議

論する。次に、ミクロネシア地域における遠隔医療、遠隔教育のキープレーヤーである

1 IT 産業振興による経済開発(= IT-production)ではなく、「IT」を利用することで業務の生産性向上や生活の

質向上を図るコンセプト一般をいう。

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PEACESAT2や USP-net3との連携を視野に入れ、「アジア・ブロードバンド計画」のフ

レームワークを主軸とした妥当性の高い国際協力の在り方、すなわち、ハードウェアや通

信インフラ整備に偏重した技術主導案件ではなく、地域事情の理解深化をベースとしたス

ピード感のあるオン・ディマンド型国際協力の方向性を検討する。

1.2　各国の通信インフラ整備状況

ミクロネシア３国における通信インフラの現状を正しく把握するため、当該地域の地理的

特性を考慮して、通信インフラを 3 セグメントおよび 9 セクターに分解し(Table-1)、そ

れを概念図化(Figure-1)した。 ”International segment”とは通信衛星など国際回線部分の通信インフラであり、ここでは電気通信事業者の衛星回線設備と、PEACESAT や

USP-net などの NGO が所有する地球局設備を指す。 ”Domestic segment”とは主島（ミクロネシアは各州ごと）とその周辺の比較的アクセスの良い島に設置された電気通信

事業者の国内基幹網や州間衛星回線、移動体通信設備、学校や病院など公共部門の情報シ

ステムや独自のネットワーク設備を指す。 ”Outer Island segment”はアクセスが困難な離島にある通信設備や電源施設を指す。

次に、その枠組みに従いミクロネシア 3 国（ミクロネシア連邦は 4 州ごと）の通信イン

フラ整備状況を整理したものが Table-2（パラオ、マーシャル）と、Table-3、-4（ミク

ロネシア 4 州）である。

Table-1: Telco infrastructures segments and sectorsSegment Sector Code

International segment Commercial Telecom Carrier FacilitiesPublic Telecom Service Facilities

I-TI-P

Domestic segment Commercial Telecom Carrier FacilitiesPublic Sectors IT Facilities (Education)Public Sectors IT Facilities (Medical & Health)Public Sectors IT Facilities (Administration)

D-TD-P-ED-P-MD-P-A

Outer Island segment Commercial Telecom Carrier FacilitiesPublic Sectors IT FacilitiesCivil Facilities

O-TO-PO-C

2 ハワイ大学がミクロネシア地域で展開する非営利の通信網。3 フィジーに本部がある南太平洋地域を対象とした遠隔教育システム。

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Figure-1: Telco infrastructures segments and sectors

GOES-7

Main Island

PEACESATTELECOM

Outer IslandsStates Is. / Reef

TELECOMVHF VHF TELECOM

EducationSector

Medical andHealth Sector

Admin.Sector

CommercialTelecomCarrier

Domestic segment

INTELSAT802@174"

D-P-E

Outer Islands segmentInternational segment

HF TELECOM VSATHF

I-T

I-P

D-P-M D-P-A

D-T

PublicSectors

D-P＊Public Sectors

O-T

INTELSAT802@174"

TELECOM

INTELSAT 802@174"

I-T: International Commercial TelecomI-P: International Public-NGO TelecomD-T: Domestic Commercial TelecomD-P-E: Domestic Public (Education)D-P-M: Domestic Public (Med. & Health)D-P-A: Domestic Public (Administration)O-T: Outer Islands Commercial TelecomO-P: Outer Islands Public /NGO TelecomO-C: Outer Island Civil Facilities (power)

O-C

O-P

CommercialTelecomCarrier

Submarine cable

I-T

WLL

CPTelephone

Power Generator

PC/LANVTC

73

Table-2: Telco infrastructures present situation and ongoing plan / Palau, Marshall Is.Palau Marshall Is. (Majuro only)

Present Situation Ongoing Improvement or Plan Present Situation Ongoing Improvement or Plan

Internationalsegment

I-TCommercialTelecom CarrierFacilities

-INTELSAT only-IP bandwidth is limited but not slow-Voice band channel is enough-ISP “local-net” is good idea

-Plan to submarine cable(Guam-Yap-Palau route)Total cost is $47M (NTT)No possible realize

-INTELSAT only-No own ISP service (only IT&E remote host)-Voice band channel is enough

-Same as FSM Pohnpei case Maybe NTA cannot affordsubmarine cable

I-PPublic-NGOTelecom ServiceFacilities

- PEACESAT is available on MOEMainly use voice, sometime VTCWell maintained

No plan -PEACESAT is available on RMI and disaster office

( RMI one is down / May2003)-USP-net has own VSAT

No plan

Domesticsegment

D-TCommercialTelecom CarrierFacilities

-OC3 SONET ring (89% capacity) -New ATM high speed network(concept phase)

-Optical cable available for cellular phone site-Two different cellular phone system

- Plan to install GSM system

D-P-EPublic SectorsIT Facilities(Education)

-MOE has 128k DSL-PCC has 128k DSL-PHS connect to MOE by wireless- School PC Qty is not enough

-MOE DSL 128k 192k-Install more Dialup modem-PCC has plan to make distance- learning (concept phase)

-RMI internet access depend on PEACESAT-All elementary school have Mac and staff by C.A.R.E. program

-DOE has plan to make dedicated microwave link for all majuro school (under process to applyGrass root fund)

D-P-MPublic SectorsIT Facilities(Medical & Health)

-Hospital has 64k dedicated line -“Health information system” is under construction (65% done) -Hospital has plan to integrate public network (concept phase)

-Hospital connect via RMI’s PEACESAT facilities via pairgain modem

-Hospital renovation project isOngoing by Japanese grant.(No IT components)

-PEACESAT plan to improvepublic

network by NLM fundD-P-APublic SectorsIT Facilities(Administration)

-Several government office builtstand alone Information system

-Labor office plan to integrate DBamong immigration, tax office andairport (concept phase)

-National government and Stategovernment office built standalone Information system

No plan

Outer Islandsegment

O-TCommercialTelecom CarrierFacilities

-Peleliu, Angaur, Kayangel already have Microwave link-Southwest Islands have only

HF-SSB radio

No plan -HF SSB radio (NTA supportphone patch)

-MEC (Marshall Energy Corp) has INMALSAT-mini M (Jalute Atoll)

No plan

O-PPublic Sectors /NGO IT Facilities

-Southwest Islands have onlyHF-SSB radio

No plan - Only HF-SSB and CB radio No plan

O-CCivil Facilities

-No power in Southwest Islands No plan -Almost of all outer Islands do nothave power

No plan

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Table-3: Telco infrastructures present situation and ongoing plan / FSM (Pohnpei, Kosrae)FSM Pohnpei state FSM Kosrae state

Present Situation Ongoing Improvement or Plan Present Situation Ongoing Improvement or Plan

Internationalsegment

I-TCommercialTelecom CarrierFacilities

- INTELSAT only-IP bandwidth is limited but not slow-Voice band channel is enough

-Plan to submarine cable(Guam-Chuuk-Pohnpei-Kwajaline-Majuro route)

Total cost is $75.7M (Tyco)FSM-telecom is positive

- INTELSAT only via Pohnpei g/w-IP bandwidth is limited but not slow-Voice band channel is enough

-Same as FSM Pohnpei case

I-PPublic-NGOTelecom ServiceFacilities

- PEACESAT is available on MOH and COM national campus

(COM site is down)

No plan - PEACESAT is available on DOE No plan

Domesticsegment

D-TCommercialTelecom CarrierFacilities

-Pohnpei has OC3 SONET ring-GSM cellular phone available

No plan - GSM cellular phone available No plan

D-P-EPublic SectorsIT Facilities(Education)

-COM has 512k dedicated leasedline (shared 6 campus200+ PCs)

-Several school have Dialup internetaccess

-Several improvement planavailable but no funded

-COM Kosrae campus connect toNational campus by 64k dedicatedleased line

-Several school have Dialup internetaccess

-State DOE plan to apply Grass root fund for improving schoolcomputer facilities

D-P-MPublic SectorsIT Facilities(Medical & Health)

-Hospital has PEACESAT VTC No plan -Hospital has only Dial-up No plan

D-P-APublic SectorsIT Facilities(Administration)

-National government and Stategovernment office built standalone Information system

Several independent plan available -State government built stand aloneInformation system

No plan

Outer Islandsegment

O-TCommercialTelecom CarrierFacilities

-VHF radio phone is available but no maintenance-Depend on HF SSB radio

-Outer Island project (VSAT+GSM WLL)

pilot project on going in Ulithi atoll

No outer-island in Kosrae state NA

O-PPublic Sectors /NGO IT Facilities

-Outer Island has only HF-SSBradio

No plan No outer-island in Kosrae state NA

O-CCivil Facilities

-Outer Islands do not have power No plan No outer-island in Kosrae state NA

75

Table-4: Telco infrastructures present situation and ongoing plan / FSM (Yap, Chuuk)FSM Yap state FSM Chuuk state

Present Situation Ongoing Improvement or Plan Present Situation Ongoing Improvement or Plan

Internationalsegment

I-TCommercialTelecom CarrierFacilities

-INTELSAT only via Pohnpei g/w-IP bandwidth is limited but not slow-Voice band channel is enough

Same as Palau caseFSM-telecom not positiveTo this submarine cable route

- INTELSAT only via Pohnpei g/w-IP bandwidth is limited but not slow-Voice band channel is enough

-Same as FSM Pohnpei case

I-PPublic-NGOTelecom ServiceFacilities

-PEACESAT station available on YAPSEED (only VTC and voice)-YAPSEED has 384k leased line via FSM-telecom

No plan -Two PEACESAT stations areavailableDOE (Down / no pay power bill)

Disaster office (wellmaintained)

No plan

Domesticsegment

D-TCommercialTelecom CarrierFacilities

-GSM mobile phone is available. No plan -GSM cellular phone system is under construction

No plan

D-P-EPublic SectorsIT Facilities(Education)

-Several school has dedicatedmicrowave link

-YAPSEED offer free Internet café

-YAPSEED has several plan (concept phase)

-COM Chuuk campus connect to national campus by 64k-School computer diffusion ratio is low-Can not pay power

No planState finance is very hard

D-P-MPublic SectorsIT Facilities(Medical & Health)

-Hospital connected to YAPSEED via microwave link-Communicate way to outer island dispensary is only HF SSB radio

No plan -Only stand alone PC available No planState finance is very hard

D-P-APublic SectorsIT Facilities(Administration)

-State Government has computercenter and staff

-JOCV SE working

-Plan to make State government network (connect 14 sites by

microwave)

-State government cannot paypower bill

No planState finance is very hard

Outer Islandsegment

O-TCommercialTelecom CarrierFacilities

-Pilot project is ongoing in Ulithi Is.-Other Islands has only HF SSB

radio (FSM-telecom do not supportPhone patch)

-Same as FSM Pohnpei case -HF SSB radio (FSM-telecom do not support

phone patch)

-Same as FSM Pohnpei case

O-PPublic Sectors /NGO IT Facilities

-Depend on HF SSB radio-Remain use VHF repeater, but no maintain

No plan -Depend of HF-SSB or CB radio No plan

O-CCivil Facilities

-Power Generator available onlyUlithi, Mongmong and Woleai.

-Satawal and atolls has small solarpower panel and battery.

No plan -All outer Islands do not have power No plan

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2. 各国の現状と課題　－保健医療・教育セクターを中心に

先に整理した通信インフラの整備状況を前提に、保健医療セクターおよび教育セクターの

現状と課題を「ＩＴ利用」、特に、遠隔医療と遠隔教育開発の視角から議論する。

2.1 パラオ

1）保健医療セクター

パラオには保健省が所管する国立病院（Palau National Hospital）4と 2 件の民間の診療

所がある。国立病院の管轄下には 4 ヶ所のコミュニティー・ヘルス・センターと 3 ヶ所

のディスペンサリーがあるが、これらのうち医師が常駐しているのは Peleliu 島のみで、

他は看護師かヘルスアシスタントが駐在する。これらの地域医療拠点と国立病院間の連絡

手段には通常の電話回線が使われており、国立病院のスタッフが 24 時間対応で各地域か

らの問い合わせに対応している。

離島および Babeldaob 島北部からの一次、二次レファラル患者は、全て国立病院が受け

入れている。Peleliu 島からは月間 20 名程度が Koror に移送されるが、怪我などの緊急

移送は少なく、出産や糖尿病患者などが多い。南西諸島からの移送は居住人口自体が少な

いので稀だが、年 4 便の定期船を逃すと沿岸警備隊の船で 18 時間、約 7,000 ドルの経費

がかかる。

国立病院で手に負えないケースのオフアイランド・レファラルは、保健省内に設置された

National Medical Referral Committee が移送の必要性を判断した後、提携している海外

の医療機関に移送される。 2003 年 時点 では Hawaii の Tripler Army Medical

Center(TAMC)や Shriners Hospital for Children、Philippines の Saint Luke medical

center などと提携しており、医療部門の責任者である Dr. Dever 氏によると、2002 年

度の移送実績は Hawaii へ約 40 名、Philippines へ約 120 名ということであった。

TAMC は米軍の医療研究機関のため、移送患者の受け入れが彼らにとってもメリットの

あるケース、たとえば研究課題となるような珍しい症例の患者のみ Pacific Island

Healthcare Program により移送コストや診療費を免除して受け入れている。他方、フィ

リピンの Saint Luke medical center は民間の医療機関のため、移送費や診療費は基本

的に全て患者負担となる。この診療費についてはパラオ政府が一旦立て替えて病院に支払

い、帰国後に患者がパラオ政府に返金するというシステムになっているが、支払能力が無

く結局は返済できない人も多いらしい。パラオでは、昨年 1 年間に約 200 万ドル以上の

立替払いが発生し、政府が回収できないこの種の債権は累計で 600 万ドルに上っている。

TAMC では「Web based store and forward referral system」という遠隔医療コンサル

テーション・サービスを提供しており、ミクロネシア地域の医師がこの Web サイトにア

クセスして患者の症例を書き込めば、TAMC の専門医から必要なアドバイスやレファラ

ル受け入れの可否などが回答されてくる。このシステムは既に 2,000 ケース以上の利用

があり、そのうち約 30%の患者は海外に移送されるが、残りは TAMC からのアドバイス

を受けてパラオ国内で治療が行われた。

4 2003 年 6 月時点における国立病院の医療従事者数は、医師が 26 名（うち７名が外国人）と看護師が 80 名。

77

国立病院では現在、病院内の情報システムを統合する「Health Information System」

を構築している。既に米国の援助で 165,000 ドルの予算が付いており、米国人 SE の手

によってシステムの約 65%が完成している。この病院内システムの完成後、地域のヘル

スケアセンターおよびディスペンサリーとネットワークで接続し、中央のデーターベース

に置いた患者カルテなどを地方からオンラインで共有しようという拡張プランがある。更

に次のフェーズとして、教育省のネットワークと統合する公共 WAN の計画もあるようだ

が、適応可能技術の検討や予算措置を講じる段階に至っていない。

2) 教育セクター

パラオの初等教育は 8 年制となっており、国内には 19 校の公立小学校と、初等学部を持

つミッション系私立校が 5 校ある。公立校には南西諸島の分教場 3 校を除き、全ての学

校に生徒の利用に供する PC(Macintosh)が設置され、コンピューターリテラシー教育が

行われている。インターネット接続は各学校が ISP に直接ダイアルアップするのではな

く、Koror 市内の教育省に設置されたダイアルアップサーバー5に一度接続し、そこから

128kbps の DSL で PNCC6と結ばれている。

パラオの中等教育は 4 年制となっており、公立高校 1 校と私立高校 2 校がある。唯一の

公立高校である PHS(Palau High School) には 3 つのコンピューター・ラボがあり、そ

れぞれ 30 台の e-Mac、20 台の iMac、10 台の Windows-PC が学生用に開放されている。

そのうちインターネットアクセスが可能なものは Multimedia Lab に設置された 30 台の

e-Mac だけで、この 30 台は集線装置を経由して無線 LAN により道向かいの教育省のネ

ットワークと接続されている。 　

パラオ国内にある高等教育機関は PCC (Palau Community College)7のみである。PCC

は 2 年制職業訓練校 Micronesian　Occupation Center として 1969 年に創設され、長

く CCM(Community College of Micronesia) システムの中に組み込まれていたが、1993

年にシステムから独立して現在の組織となった。PCC では PNCC の提供する 128kbps

の DSL を利用しており、構内 LAN に接続された 175 台の Windows-PC でこの一回線

をシェアしている。また、PCC は独自の 6 ヵ年計画（Master Plan 2002-2007）を立て

ており、半年毎に進捗リポートが作成されている。2003 年 4 月発行の最新リポートによ

ると、2007 年までに遠隔講義システムを全国展開するという構想があり、その財源と適

応可能な技術を調査しているところだという。

教育省ではアメリカ内務省からの資金供与により、1998 年に SONY 製 VTC8 システム

を教育省、Koror 小学校、Peleliu 小学校の 3 ヶ所に設置した。このシステムは PC ベー

スのテレビ会議システムであり、Windows-PC、大型テレビ、VTR、ISDN-TA (BRI を

3 回線 384kbps)、カメラで構成されている。導入コンセプトは Koror 小学校を

COE(Center of Excellence)化し、モデル授業を Peleliu 小学校に提供することで僻地教

育の質向上を図ることであった。 しかし、教育省の IT 担当者らの話を総合すると、この

システムは導入以降、教育省と Peleliu 小学校の間で試験接続が数回行われただけで、実

5 教育省には 6 台の 56kbps アナログモデムが設置され、これらを 16 校でシェアしている。6 パラオの電気通信事業者7 PCC 入学者の約 15%はミクロネシア連邦およびマーシャル諸島からの留学生となっている。8 Video Tele Conference　テレビ会議システム

78

際に遠隔教育やテレビ会議に利用されたことは一度も無いらしい。現在、Koror 小学校

の当該設備は PC が行方不明となり、テレビ会議システムは「テレビ」として利用されて

いる。教育省および Peleliu 小学校のシステムは原構成を保っているものの、ハードウェ

アに故障があり、利用できる状態になっていない。

また、教育省には SONY 製 VTC システムの他に、POLYCOM 社の ViewStation が設置

されており、PEACESAT の地球局設備と接続しテレビ会議に利用されているが、回線容

量の制限により品質が良くない為か、それほど頻繁には使われていないようだ。

2.2 ミクロネシア連邦４州

1) 保健医療セクター

ミクロネシアには 4 州それぞれに州政府が所管する中央病院がある。Pohnpei 州の中央

病院には 19 名の医師（うち 2 名はフィリピン人医師だが、残りはミクロネシア人の

MEDEX9）が勤務している。看護師は高卒後 2 年間の OJT を受けたプラクティカル・ナ

ースを含めて 89 名おり、うち 2 名がフィリピン人、1 名が日本人ボランティアである。

また、Pohnpei 島内に 7 ヶ所のディスペンサリーがあり、うち 5 ヶ所には看護師が駐在

して週 4 日開いているが、残りの 2 ヶ所は週 1 回の巡回診療となっている。離島には 5

ヶ所のディスペンサリーがあり、こちらは週に 7 日間診療が可能だという。

Kosrae 州の中央病院には 9 名の医師が勤務しており、うち 2 名のフィリピン人とミクロ

ネシア人 1 人は医師だが、残りの 6 名のミクロネシア人は MEDEX である。看護師はプ

ラクティカル・ナースを含めて 40 名全員がミクロネシア人だ。Kosrae 州には離島が無

く、ディスペンサリーは主島内の 5 ヶ所のみである。

Chuuk 州の中央病院には 21 名の医師が勤務しており、うち 3 名がフィリピン人医師だ

が、他のミクロネシア人医師は MEDEX の資格で診療している。看護師は 2 名のフリィ

ピン人を含めて合計 102 名が勤務、うち 56 名がプラクティカル・ナースである。Chuuk

州には約 40 のディスペンサリーがあるが、Chuuk ラグーン内で Weno 島に近い島のデ

ィスペンサリーは財政難から閉鎖される傾向にある。例えば、Tonoas 島のディスペンサ

リーは昨年の台風により建物に被害を受け、そのまま再建されることなく閉鎖された。

Yap 州の中央病院には 11 名の医師が勤務しており、うち 1 名がフィリピン人医師だが、

他のミクロネシア人医師は MEDEX の資格で診療している。看護師は病棟、保健を含め

て合計 43 名おり、うち 1 名が日本人のシニア・ボランティアだ。Yap 州には 12 の離島

に MEDEX か看護師の常駐するディスペンサリーがあり、週 2 回、月曜日と木曜日に HF

SSB 無線を使い中央病院との間でロールコールを実施している。Yap 州本島 Waqab にも

7 ヶ所のディスペンサリーがあったが、州政府の財政難により現在は閉鎖されている。

ミクロネシア連邦各州では、離島およびディスペンサリーからの一次レファラルは、各州

の中央病院が受け入れている。二次レファラルが行われるのは稀だが、必要に応じて

Pohnpei 州の中央病院が受け入れ、2002 年度には Kosrae 州から 3 名の移送実績があっ

た。

ミクロネシア各州からのオフアイランド・レファラルは、Hawaii の Tripler Army Medical

9 医師補：ミクロネシア連邦のみで通用する資格で、通常は２、３年の実地訓練を受けた者をいう。

79

Center(TAMC)、Shriners Hospital for Children、Straub Medical Center、および、

Philippines の Saint Luke medical center が主として受け入れている。2002 年度の移

送実績は、Pohnpei、Kosrae、Chuuk、Yap 各州それぞれ、約 160 名（移送先内訳不明）、

48 名（Hawaii:25 / Philippines:23）、約 50 名（移送先内訳不明）、32 名（Hawaii:4 /

Philippines:28）であった。

オフアイランド・レファラルの経費を誰が負担するかは、各州の財政状態や社会保険の加

入状況によってケース・バイ・ケースとなる。例えば、Kosrae 州の公務員の場合、50,000

ドルまでは州政府の負担だが、それを超える部分は政府と患者家族が折半で負担している

ようだ。他方、Chuuk 州では州政府財政が破綻状況にあり、政府から受け入れ病院への

支払いが滞っているため、今年度の受け入れを拒否されているという。

少し古い数字だが、1999 年に PIHOA(Pacific Island Health Officers Association)が調

査した各州のオフアイランド・レファラル経費は Table-5 のように巨額にのぼり、この

経費が保健医療財政を圧迫しているため、移送患者数を如何に減らすかが各州共通の課題

となっている。

Table-5: FSM Health Budgets and Off-Island Medical Referral CostsNo. of case in 2002States Health Budget

($)Medical Referral

Costs ($)% of total

budgetNo. of case in

1998(PIHOA)

Hawaii Philippines

Pohnpei 3,500,000 391,000 11% 115 160Kosrae 1,000,000 100,000 10% 33 25 23Chuuk 2,900,000 est.1,000,000 33% 100 ? 50Yap 2,000,000 220,000 11% 38 4 28

PIHOA 1999 data, Interview 2003

ミクロネシア各州の中央病院では、TAMC が提供する「Web based store and forward

referral system」のサービスを利用している。しかし、インターネット接続に専用線が

使えるのは Yap 州の中央病院のみで、他の病院からはダイアルアップ接続によりこのシ

ステムにアクセスするしかない。また、Pohnpei 病院には PEACESAT 地球局と VTC が

設置されており、Shriners Hospital for Children とテレビ電話を使ったテレ・コンサル

テーションが可能となっている。Kosrae、Chuuk、Yap の各州中央病院には PEACESAT

地球局が無く、医療関係者が PEACESAT 経由で VTC を利用するためには設備を持つ教

育省や災害事務所に出向く必要があり、これがこのシステムの利用阻害要因となっている。

次に、各州病院における IT 利用ニーズを確認するため、Table-6 のように 3 つのケース

を想定し、それぞれのケースでどの程度の利用が見込めるかを病院責任者に尋ねた

10。”Case-1”は PEACESAT と同機能で信頼性が改善されたシステムを病院に導入した

場合、”Case-2”は VTC の設備とその運用に十分な容量の VSAT 等の専用通信回線を、各地の病院と病院が通信したい相手方の両方に導入した場合である。また、 ”Case-3”は JICA-net11と接続し、東京国際センター（TIC）や沖縄国際センター（OIC）から DE12

10 今回は VTC と DE の利用に限定してニーズ調査を実施したが、この種の通信システムを整備すれば e-mail

や Web アクセス、IP 電話なども、従量課金されずに利用できるようになることを考慮する必要がある。11 JICA がフィリピンやマレーシアなどに展開している専用線あるいは ISDN を使ったテレビ会議システム。12 Distance Education 遠隔教育

80

のコンテンツを流すモデルケースであり、いずれの場合も通信費用の利用者負担は無料と

仮定して質問した。

Table-6: FSM Hospitals IT needsEstimated usageStates

Hospital Case-1PEACESAT eqv.

Case-2Dedicated VTC

Case-3JICA-net

In Case-2VTC partners or

Distance Education Suppliers

Usemode

Pohnpei 32hrs/month 40hrs/month 28hrs/month TAMCStraub Medical CenterUniversity of Guam (Nursing)

VTCVTCDE

Kosrae 32hrs/month 48hrs/month 16hrs/month TAMCUniversity of WashingtonSaint Luke medical centerFSM Ministry of HealthMakati Medical CenterRMI-CMI nursing schoolShriners Hospital for Children

VTCDE

VTCVTCVTCDE

VTCChuuk a lot ? ? PIHOA office

University of GuamUniversity of Hawaii

VTCDEDE

Yap 3-4 times/day ? ? Fiji school of MedicinePalau HospitalStraub Medical CenterNorthern Mariana Medical Center

DEVTCVTCVTC

Interview / Jun 2003VTC: Video Tele ConferenceDE: Distance Education

この聞き取り結果から、ミクロネシア各州の病院における VTC と DE の利用ニーズは、

月間 30 時間から 50 時間程度存在することがわかる。また、テレビ会議のニーズはオフ

アイランド・レファラル受け入れ先病院との間に、遠隔教育のニーズは隣接地域や米国本

土の医療教育機関との間で存在することが確認できた。

病院に遠隔教育のニーズが確認された理由のひとつとして、医療従事者に義務付けられて

いる継続教育のニーズが考えられる。たとえば、看護師や助産婦は 2 年に一度資格を更

新する必要があり、その為にはレジスタード・ナースで 20 時間、助産婦で 35 時間の継

続教育実績が求められる。現在は医師の講義を受けたり、教育時間に算入可能な学会に出

席することで資格を更新しているが、医療教育機関から遠隔で継続教育が受けられれば、

この種の教育コストの削減が相当見込めるということであった。

2) 教育セクター

ミクロネシアの初等教育は 8 年制であり、公立小学校が Pohnpei、Kosrae、Chuuk、Yap

各州にそれぞれ 28 校、8 校、85 校、32 校程度あるようだが、分教場の統廃合が頻繁に

あるため正確な数は把握できない。また、カトリック系の私立小学校も各州の本島に数校

づつ存在している。

Pohnpei 州 Kolonia 小学校には 15 台の Windows-PC が設置されているが、ISP アカウ

ントの予算がないためインターネットには接続できていない。この小学校では、PC の数

が限られているため、７、８年生にのみコンピューター・リテラシー教育を行っている。

コンピューターラボにはテレビと VTR も設置されており、Hawaii から放送されている

PRELSTAR という放送教育番組を生徒に見せている。

Kosrae 州 Lelu 小学校には、8 台の古い Windows-PC があり、ダイアルアップによるイ

81

ンターネット接続もできるが、教育にコンピューターを積極的に活用するフェーズには至

っていない。ここでもまた、Hawaii の PRELSTAR を視聴するためのテレビと VTR が設

置されていた。

Chuuk 州 Weno 島には 11 校あまりの公立小学校があるが、そのほとんどは教員の事務

用に PC が１、２台あるのみで、生徒が使えるようにはなっていない。Weno 島以外のほ

とんどの島には発電設備がなく、コンピューターどころかコピー機さえない。

Yap 州は教育セクターにおける「IT 利用」がミクロネシア連邦のなかで最も進んでいる。

Yap 州本島 Waqab にある公立小学校の約 7 割には Mac が既に導入されて、教育省

YapSEED13に設置されたルーターに専用のマイクロ波回線、もしくはダイアルアップで

接続してインターネットが利用できる。

ミクロネシアでは 4 年制の中等教育システムを採用している。Pohnpei 州には公立高校

である PICS 校と、ミッション系私立高校が 5 校ある。PICS には 31 台の Windows-PC

があり、専任スタッフもいるが、2003 年 6 月時点ではインターネットに接続できる環境

になっていない。PC はアメリカ大使館から 4 台、連邦政府基金から 4 台というように、

散発的にドネーションさるため、旧型と新型が混在してメインテナンス状態は悪い。PICS

で行われているコンピューター教育は Word や Excel の使い方程度に限られ、生徒数に

対して PC の絶対数が少ないため、高度なコンピューター教育やコンピューターを活用し

た授業は計画困難だという。

Kosrae 州の公立高校、Kosrae High School には 18 台の Windows-PC があり、インタ

ーネットにダイアルアップ接続できるようになっていた。この高校は COM-Kosrae キャ

ンパスに隣接しているため、COM の専用線ネットワーク（後述）に接続したいという意

向もあるが、所管部門が違うため簡単には実現できないらしい。

Chuuk 州には 10 校あまりの公立高校と、数校のミッション系私立高校が各島に点在し

ている。Weno 島にある Chuuk 高校には合計 16 台の Windows-PC がコンピューター・

ラボとライブラリーに分散して設置されていた。ライブラリーにある 8 台のうち 4 台は

学生に開放されているものの、インターネットに接続でるようになっていない。他方、別

棟のコンピューターラボは州政府が電気料金を滞納したため 2003 年 3 月頃より給電を止

められ、現在は全く使えない状態になっている。

Chuuk 州 Weno 島から小船で 30 分あまりの Tonoas 島は、Weno 島以外で唯一発電設

備のある島だが、燃料不足からか現在は夜間のみの限定給電となっている。この島には

Southern Namoneas High School という寄宿舎制の公立高校があり、周辺の離島から

学生を受け入れているが、昼間の授業時間帯に電気が使えないため PC は 1 台もなく、訪

問時にはこれがこの学校で唯一の IT 機器だと CASIO のソーラ電卓を見せられた。

ミクロネシアにある高等教育機関は COM-FSM (College of Micronesia - FSM)　一校の

みだが、COM-FSM は Pohnpei 州 Palikir にあるナショナル・キャンパスを中心に、各

州（Yap 州のみ Yap Campus と FMI14の 2 校）それぞれにキャンパスを展開する大規模

な短期大学システムである。COM-FSM は 1963 年に Hawaii 大学の支援により創設され

13 Yap State Education Enterprising Department14 JICA の技術協力プロジェクトにより船員のトレーニングを行っている。

82

た MTEC(Micronesian Teacher Education Center)を 母体とし、CCM(Community

College of Micronesia)としてパラオ、マーシャル、サイパンなどの短期大学と統廃合を

繰り返したが、1993 年に CCM から分離されて現在の公社となった。

COM-FSM の学内ネットワーク構成はナショナル・キャンパスをハブにしたスター型と

なっており、全てのトラフックは一旦ナショナル・キャンパスにルーティングされる。た

とえば、Yap キャンパスから Web にアクセスした場合、FSM-Telecom-Yap から

INTELSAT の国内州間回線を経由して Pohnpei 州の FSM-Telecom15 本社に流れ、そこ

らか 512kbps の専用線でナショナル・キャンパスのプロキシーサーバーに送られる。そ

の後、同じ回線を折り返して再び FSM-Telecom 本社に戻り、INTELSAT の国際回線経

由で IX とリンクされる。また、COM-FSM ナショナル・キャンパスには PEACESAT の

地球局が設置され、VTC に利用されていたようだが、現在はハードウェアーの障害で稼

動していない。

ナショナル・キャンパスには 30 台程度の Windows-PC 設置されたコンピューターラボ

が 3 室と、ライブラリーにある 40 台の Windows-PC が学生に開放されている。ナショ

ナル・キャンパス全体では事務用を含めると約 180 台の PC があり、これらのインター

ネット接続は構内光ファイバーや無線 LAN でルーターに集められ、各州キャンパスから

来る 64kbps の専用線とコンバインされて 512kbps で FSM-Telecomと接続されている。

他州のキャンパスではそれぞれに、Windows-PC が 20、30 台規模のコンピューター・

ラボが学生に開放されている。Yap キャンパスの構内には光ファイバーが敷設されてい

るが、その他のキャンパスには大容量の構内ネットワークはない。

2.3 マーシャル諸島

1)保健医療セクター

Majuro 病院には 18 名の医師と７名のマーシャル人 MEDEX が勤務している。医師の約

70%が外国人医師であり、フィリピン、南アジア、太平洋諸国から 2 年間の契約でリクル

ートされている。看護師は 2 年制看護大学を卒業したスタッフ・ナースが 68 名、高卒後

18 ヶ月の OJT を受けたプラクティカル・ナースが 39 名勤務しており、スタッフ・ナー

スの約 50%が外国人となっている。

Majuro には Majuro 病院の他に民間の Majuro 診療所があり、外国人の患者を中心に一

次診療を行っている。また、Ebeye 島にも病院があるが、Majuro 病院よりも規模が小さ

く、診療科目も限られている。Kwajalein 米軍基地には設備の整った病院があるが、マー

シャル人はこの施設を利用できない。

マーシャルには Table-7 のように、全国 42 ヶ所にディスペンサリーが設置され、各施設

に 1 名の MEDEX が勤務している。Jaluit 環礁のディスペンサリーの MEDEX、Dr. Ken

氏によると、この施設では月に 300 人程度の外来患者があり、うち 1、2 名が Majuro 病

院に移送されるという。Jaluit 環礁には NTA16の電話設備が無く、HF SSB無線機でMajuro

病院と交信して医師からアドバイスを受け診療を行っているということであった。また、

15 ミクロネシア連邦の電気通信事業者　（Pohnpei に本社、他の３州に支局があり、州間回線もすべてイン

テルサット経由）。16 マーシャルの電気通信事業者。

83

NTA は自らフォーンパッチのサービスを行っており、無線機があれば固定電話との間で

ボイスによる通信は可能となっている。

Table-7: Marshall Island Population and Medical facilitiesNo of Facilities No. of StaffChains Atolls and Islands No. of

IslandsPopulation(1999 Est.) Hospital Dispensary Dr. Nurse MEDEX

Ratak Chain AliukArnoAurBikarJemoLikiepMajuroMaloelapMili / KnoxNejitTakaUtilik * Wotje

55103

4371

65647592

16

1075

4481,656

43800

48231,261

796854445

0409646

0000001000000

1200002451010

000000

18000000

000000

110000000

120000

2 + 7451010

Ralik Chain AilinginaeAilinglaplapBikini * EbonEnewetak * JabatJaluitKiliKwajalein (Ebeye)LaeLibNamolikNamuRongelapRongerik * UjaeUjelangWotho

2556362244

191

19320

12

546114153018

01,715

10741715112

1,709602

13,677319115814801

00

4480

90

000000001000000000

040211612111410100

00000000

10000000000

00000000

29000000000

04021161

2 + ?111410100

Ministry of Health* marked atolls are exposed to radiation by nuclear testing

マーシャル諸島では、離島のディスペンサリーからの一次レファラルは Majuro 病院と

Ebeye 病院が受け入れており、Ebeye 病院から Majuro 病院に二次レファラルされるケ

ースもある。オフアイランド・レファラルは、Hawaii の Tripler Army Medical

Center(TAMC)と Straub Medical Center、および、Philippines の Saint Luke medical

center が主として受け入れ、2002 年度の移送実績は Table-8 のとおりであった。

Table-8: Marshall Islands Medical Referral in 2002 Referral AccepterReferral Sender

Hawaii(TAMC, Straub)

Philippines(St. Luke)

US mainland Kwajalein(USAKA)

Majuro Hospital 128 11 1Ebeye Hospital 40 6 0

2(in 2000)

Majuro Hospital / May 2003

マーシャル諸島の公的社会保険制度は、月額報酬の 7%を労使が折半して支払う基本健康

保険と、14%を労使が折半して積み立てる年金保険から構成されている。基本健康保険に

84

加入していれば、通常の外来診療は 5 ドルの患者負担で受診でき、オフアイランド・レ

ファラルの費用も全て保険から賄われる。2000 年度の集計によると、患者一人あたりの

オフアイランド・レファラル経費は約 3 万ドルであり、社会保険庁の財政は当然大赤字

だ。その結果、レファラル受け入れ病院への支払いが遅延気味で、それを理由に新規の搬

送を拒否されるケースもあるらしい。

Majuro 病院では、TAMC が提供する「Web based store and forward referral system」

のサービスを利用している。インターネット接続は 15 回線17ある加入者線からダイアル

アップで行っているが、隣接する政府ビルの敷地に設置された Emergency Management

Network 用の PEACESAT 地球局と専用線で接続し、病院内 LAN のゲートウェイにす

る計画が進んでいる。また、Majuro 病院には VTC システムが設置され、CMI(College of

Marshall Islands)の PEACESAT 地球局と専用線で接続し、Shriners Hospital for

Children とテレビ電話を使ったコンサルテーションや、Hawaii 大学などとのテレビ会

議が利用できる状態となっている。

マーシャル諸島でもミクロネシア同様に、Majuro 病院における IT 利用ニーズを確認す

るため、Table-9 のように 3 つのケースを想定し、それぞれの設備が使えるとすればど

の程度の利用が予想できるかを病院責任者に尋ねた。 ”Case-1”から ”Case-3”や質問の内容は前項と同じである。

Table-9: Marshall Islands Hospitals IT needsEstimated usage

Hospital Case-1PEACESAT eqv.

Case-2Dedicated VTC

Case-3JICA-net

In Case-2VTC partners or

Distance Education Suppliers

Usemode

Majuro 12hrs/ week 8hrs/ day 5hrs/ week Fiji school of MedicineUniversity of GuamTAMCShriners Hospital for Children

DEDE

VTCVTC

Ebeye ? ? ? ? ?Interview / May 2003

この回答からわかるように、Majuro 病院における通信システムの利用ニーズは相当高い。

しかし、これは回線使用料が無料という前提であり、もし課金されるという前提であれば、

3 ドル／時間程度の低料金でなければ利用したくても利用できないということであった。

2) 教育セクター

マーシャル諸島では 8 年制の初等教育システムが採用され、教育省の資料によると全国

に公立小学校が 76 校、ミッション系の私立小学校が 25 校ある。

Majuro 環礁の主島には公立小学校が 8 校あり、その全てにダイアルアップによるインタ

ーネット接続が可能なコンピューター（Macintosh 中心）が導入されている。これらは

U.S. Federal Grant Program の中の、21st Century Community Learning Center /

Community After-school Recreational Education (C.A.R.E..)というプログラムにより、

267 万ドルの資金援助を得て設置されたものだ。このプログラムからはハードウェアだけ

ではなく、コンピューター教育のコーディネーターが各校に一人派遣されており、午前中

17　現在、JICA の無償資金協力による Majuro 病院改修プロジェクトが進められており、電話を 15 回線から

20 回線に増やす計画はあるが、その他の IT 関連設備の整備はこのプロジェクトに含まれていない。

85

には教員と協力して生徒にコンピューター・リテラシー教育を、放課後は C.A.R.E.独自

のプログラムを地域社会に提供している。

C.A.R.E.プログラムによりコンピューターが導入されているのは、今のところ Majuro 環

礁の公立小学校のみであり、離島の小学校の IT 利用状況は悪い。たとえば、Jaluit 環礁

には発電設備があるので電気が利用できるものの、Jaluit Elementary School にはコン

ピューターが一台も無い。同島にある私立 St. Joseph Elementary School にはオースト

ラリアからの援助で Windows-PC が 8 台設置されているが、インターネットに接続でき

る通信インフラが無いため、コンピューターの知識を持ったボランティアがマウスやキー

ボードの使い方を教える程度の利用にとどまっている。

マーシャル諸島の中等教育は 4 年制となっており、全国に 3 校の公立高校と、13 校のミ

ッション系私立高校がある。Majuro 環礁にある公立高校、Marshall Islands High School

には、23 台の Windows-PC が設置されたコンピューターラボがあり、コンピューター・

クラスが週に 2 回、10、11、12 年生の 3 学年に提供されている。これらのコンピュータ

ーのうち 7 台は、1996 年に日本マーシャル協会から寄贈された Windows-95 機だが、

スペアー・パーツが入手困難なためか半数近くが不動であった。また、この学校のコンピ

ューターラボにはインターネットに接続できる電話回線がなく、word や excel の使い方

中心の授業となっている。

マーシャル諸島では CMI (College of the Marshall Islands)が高等教育を提供しており、

Majuro 環礁に 2 ヶ所のキャンパスを持っている。CMI はもともと CCM(Community

College of Micronesia)のブランチ・キャンパスであったが、1993 年に PCC や COM-FSM

と同じくシステムから独立し、1996 年には Kwajalein 環礁 Ebeye 島に隣接する

Gugeegue 島に分校を展開している。CMI には 4 つの学位取得コースと、幾つかのテク

ニカル・サーティフィケーション・コースがあり、全体では 1,000 名前後の学生が在籍

登録していとみられる。

CMI Majuro キャンパスには 3 ヶ所のコンピューターラボがあり、事務用の PC を含める

と全体で 110 台程度の Windows-PC が配置されている。そのうち、LL ラボにある 20

台はオーストラリアから寄贈されたものだ。CMI には PEACESAT 地球局が設置されて

おり、現在はこの地球局をゲートウェイに使って構内の LAN をインターネットに接続し

ている。PEASESAT が提供する 64kbps の回線を多数の PC でシェアしているため接続

速度は遅い。また、CMI の PEACESAT 地球局は、教育省からのインターネット接続や

病院からの VTC 接続にも利用されており、比較的大規模なパブリック・ネットワークが

形成されている。

CMI のネットワークは PEACESAT 地球局設備を含めて Research and Planning 部門が

管理しており、この部門には 2 名の外国人と 2 名のマーシャル人スタッフが勤務してい

る。責任者の Dr. Ira Hecht 氏によると、PEACESAT は無料で利用できるため非常に有

り難いが、地球局設備が古く安定性を欠いているとのことであった。同氏によると、CMI

では教育スタッフの数が限られているため VTC を利用した遠隔教育のニーズが高く、ネ

ットワークを整備できる予算が付けば PREL18や PR＊TEC（PR star Tech）などからコ

18 Pacific Resources for Education and Learning

86

ンテンツ配信を受けたいという。

マーシャル諸島には、USP–net (The University of the South Pacific -net)19 のMarshall Islands Center が設置されており、フィジーから INTELSAT 経由で高等教育

を提供している。施設責任者の Dr. Irene Taafaki 氏によると、Marshall Islands Center

の設備は 1993 年に作られ、現在は 6 名のスタッフで運用しているという。2002 年度に

はのべ 354 名の登録があり、そのほとんどが社会人学生であった。USP Marshall Islands

Center では、遠隔講義と Face-to-Face 式クラスルームが併用されており、両者の割合

は 6 対 4 程度らしい。また、米国の教育システムを採用しているマーシャル諸島に対し、

フィジーの USP 本校は英国の教育システムであるため、単位の調整やカリキュラムの構

成など運用面で難しさがあるようだ。

USP Marshall Islands Center では学生用に 8 台の Windows-PC を開放しており、敷地

内の VSAT から 64Kbps の INTELSAT 回線でフィジーと接続されている。USP のシス

テムは完全にクローズドのネットワーク構成をとっており、無線局免許の関係で

PEACESAT との相互接続や加入者線とのフォーンパッチは許されていない。

3. 遠隔医療・遠隔教育開発に向けての提言

3.1 遠隔医療

各国における保健医療セクターの現状把握から、ミクロネシア３国の共通課題はオフアイ

ランドレファレル搬送件数の削減と、主島の中央病院と離島や僻地のディスペンサリー間

の通信確保、そして、医療スタッフの継続教育の機会確保であるということがわかる。特

に、オフアイランドレファレル経費は患者やその家族のみならず、各国の医療保険財政に

とっても重い負担となっており、遠隔医療など搬送件数削減に資する IT 利用案件の形成

に妥当性がある。

Figure-2 は先に概観したミクロネシア 3 国のレファラル医療体系と、2002 年の搬送件

数、PEACESAT 設備の有無を図にしたものだ。この図のように、Pohnpei 州と Majuro

のトップ・レファラル病院では PEACESAT 地球局経由で VTC が利用できるが、パラオ

およびミクロネシア連邦の他州ではそのようなインフラが整備されていない。他方、受け

入れ側で PEACESAT 地球局を持つのは、Hawaii の Shriners Hospital for Children の

みで、レファラル患者を多く受け入れている TAMC や Philippines の St.Like 病院には

この種のシステムが導入されていない。

ＩＴ利用により搬送件数を削減するためには、ミクロネシア地域の病院に VTC 設備を供

与すると同時に、受け入れ先の病院にも同等のシステムを供与し、専用線により通信コス

トを気にせずにオンディマンドで必要なアドバイスが受けられるような体制を整える必要

がある。

19 USP-net は基本的に南太平洋地域を中心に遠隔教育を提供しており、ミクロネシア３国ではマーシャル諸

島にのみセンターが設置されている。北太平洋地域にサービスエリアを拡大しないのは、技術的な問題では

なく、文化的、政治的な背景から。

87

Figure-2: Micronesia Medical Referral Flow Chart

Palau Federal States of Micronesia Marshall Is.

Yap Chuuk Pohnpei Kosrae

Chuuk Hospital

Palau National Hospital

Pohnpei Hospital

Kosrae Hospital

Yap Memorial Hospital

3 Inter statesDispensary

3 Inter statesHealth Center

12 Outer IslandsDispensary

40 Outer IslandsDispensary

5 Outer IslandsDispensary

47 Outer IslandsDispensary

Peleliu Islands Health Center

20

Few Inter statesDispensary

Few Inter statesDispensary

9 Inter statesDispensary

5 Inter statesDispensary

4 Inter statesDispensary

Ebeye Hospital

3

Majuro Hospital

Off Islands Referral

Hawaii

Kwajalien USAKA Hospital

128

1

0 to 2

25

Philippines US Main land

Shriners Hospitalfor Children

Tripler ArmyMedical Center

Strab Clinic

KapiolaniMedical Center

CastleMedical Center

MakatiMedical Center

St. LukeHospital

PhilippinesHarts Center

120 4

40

50

160

PEACESAT

PEACESAT

PEACESAT

Web basedstore and forwardtele-health system

Hospital

28

Guam

Guam MemorialHospital

Few

また、TAMC が提供する「Web based store and forward referral system」が、この地

域の医療に高く貢献していることもわかった。この種のシステムはテキストやレントゲン

画像など比較的小さいデーターの送受でよく、ダイアルアップ接続などナローバンドのネ

ットワークがあれば十分に実用になる。ただし、TAMC は米軍のテーチングホスピタル

のため、このシステムはボランタリーで運用されており、システムの強化やサービス品質

の向上が今後も継続的に行われるとは考えにくい。

一つの理想形としては「アジア・ブロードバンド計画」のフレームワークの下、IT 国際

協力の ODA 資金を活用し、日本国内の大学医学部と協業で同様の Web サイトを立ち上

げ、ミクロネシア３国のみならず他地域の病院にもテキストおよび静止画ベースの診断ア

ドバイスを提供するシステムの構築が考えられる。当然、ナローバンドでもよいので通信

料金を気にせずに常時接続で利用できる PEACESAT のようなネットワークも同時に整備

する必要がある。もし、技術的制約で専用線のコスト効果が低いのであれば、既存の電話

線を使ったダイアルアップ接続に必要な通信費用を病院に対してサポートするような、あ

る種の基金の創設も最適解の一つと考えられる。

中央病院と離島・僻地間のコミュニケーション確保もレファレル削減と並ぶ課題だ。現在、

電源が確保できる離島などとは、HF SSB 無線機によるロールコールなどで連絡を取り合

っているが、テキストや静止画像の送受ができず、不安定な音声情報のみで適切な診断と

アドバイスを行うことは難しい。VSAT 設備を全ての離島・僻地のディスペンサリーに配

置することはコスト的に不可能だが、教育や災害対策など他のセクターと設備をシェアし、

通常の音声通話やインターネットへのアクセスも提供可能な総合テレセンターであれば、

88

離島や僻地への VSAT の設置にも妥当性が生まれる。

離島の通信開発には技術的な問題だけではなく、通信回線の利用コストが制限要因となら

ないような仕組み作りも必要だろう。一例をあげると、ミクロネシア連邦 Yap 州の Ulithi

島では FSM-Telecom のパイロットプロジェクトにより VSAT と GSM-WLL 交換機が設

置され、島民は既に携帯電話とメールが使える状態にある。しかし、この島のディスペン

サリーに常駐している MEDEX には携帯電話機が支給されておらず、主島中央病院との

連絡には不安定な HF SSB 無線機が使われ続けている。その理由は保健省に予算がない

ため携帯電話の通話料が負担できないということであった。この事例は技術主導で通信イ

ンフラ整備を先行させる場合の危険性を示唆する。

以上の議論を整理し、１．２項で示した通信インフラの３セグメント毎に保健医療セクタ

ーにおける「IT 利用」の開発の方向性を示したものが Table-10 である。

Table-10: Telco infrastructures development for Medical and Health sectorSegment 課題 開発の方向性

オフアイランド

レファレルの削

減

1) 移送元、移送先双方への VTC 設備の整備2) 専用通信回線の設置、もしくは、通信コストをサポートする基金の 創設3) 日本国内の大学との連携によるテキスト＋静止画ベースの開発途上国向けストア＆フォワード型医療アドバイスシステムの構築

Internationalsegment

医療スタッフへ

の継続教育機会提供

1) グァム大学、ハワイ大学の看護学科、CMI nursing school 、Fiji schoolof medicine などとの間に VTC 設備を整備（通信コストにも配慮が必要）

Domesticsegment

地方ディスペン

サリーとの通信確保

1) 中央病院と地方（除く離島）ディスペンサリー間で、音声に加え、画像やテキストが送受できる設備の整備（マイクロ波や DSL モデムの対向などによる、通信コストが実質無料の公共専用線網）

Outer Islandsegment

離島ディスペン

サリーとの通信確保

1) 電源供給の確保2) 通信回線の確保（KIOSK 型テレセンターによる他分野とのコスト シェア）3) 継続的に利用可能な通信コストの設定、もしくは、基金の創設

3.2 遠隔教育

各国における教育セクターの現状把握から、教育現場における PC の普及とその活用度合

いに地域間格差が大きいことがわかる。特に、ミクロネシア連邦では各州の財政状態に起

因するとおもわれる格差が顕著で、更に加えて、通信インフラと電源供給が比較的整備さ

れた主島と、そうでない離島との間の格差が重剰される。また、遠隔教育の開発では、国

外の教育機関から VTC や放送などによりコンテンツを受けるケースと、自国内で教育省

や COE に位置づけられた教育機関がコンテンツを開発し、それをネットワークや CD-

ROM のパッケージなどにして離島や僻地に配信するケースの 2 つが考えられる。

ミクロネシア３国における遠隔教育の開発にあたっては、このような地域間格差の認識を

前提に、初等、中等、高等の各レベルで最適化した遠隔教育コンセプトを設計する必要が

ある。このような問題認識をベースに、先の議論を Table-11 に整理した。

89

Table-11: Distance Education development current status summaryFSM

level case Palau Pohnpei Kosrae Chuuk YapMarshall

国外VTC&DE

整備計画無しPEACESATもPCC には無い

COM-FSM National campus に PEACESAT の設備があり以前はVTC に利用されていたが、現在は機材故障のため活用されていない。米国の大学との DE ニーズは有るが、回線容量の問題で実現できない

CMI-Majuro がPEACESAT を 利

用

USP-netあり　　　

高等

教育国内COE

PC が国内向DE を計画中（ 具 体 性 無

し）

COM-FSM により６キャンパスがネットワーク化されているがインターネット G/W としての利用が中心で、DE への活用はされていない

Majuro-Ebeye　間の DE は計画

無し

国外

VTC&DE

整備計画無し

PC は導入済み

整備計画無し

PC は導入済み整備計画無し

PC は導入済み整備計画無し

PC は有るが電気代不払いで不動

YapSEED とPEACESATが連携して可能

整備計画無し

PC は導入済み

中等

教育国内

COE整備計画無し

PC は導入済み

整備計画無し

PC は導入済み整備計画無し

PC は導入済み離島には電気

が無く導入困難

YapSEED によるネットワーク化

Contents 未開発

整備計画無し

PC は導入済み

国外

VTC&DE

整備計画無し

PC は導入済み

Hawaii か ら 放送 教 育 番 組 を受信。

Hawaii か ら 放送 教 育 番 組 を受信。

整備計画無し YapSEED とPEACESATが連携して可能

整備計画無し

PC は C.A.R.E プログラムで導入済

み初等

教育 国内COE

教 育 省 がPelilu 島 に

VTC を導入したが失敗

PC は導入済みだ が 、 ネ ッ ト

ワ ー ク 化 の 計

画無し

PC は導入済みだ が 、 ネ ッ ト

ワ ー ク 化 の 計

画無し

電 源 事 情 が 悪い。

ほ と ん ど の 小

学校に PC が無い

YapSEED に よる ネ ッ ト ワ ー

ク化

Contents 未開発

Majuro の小学校をネットワーク化

する計画があった

Table-11 からわかるように、高等教育分野では ”International segment”をコスト負担無しに利用できる PEACESAT のような設備があれば、国外との VTC や DE が利用さ

れる傾向にある。但し、PEACESAT は回線容量に限界があり安定性も低いため、フルモ

ーションビデオによる遠隔授業やWeb-baseトレーニングなどの用途には実用的でない。

他方、国内拠点間の遠隔教育は COM-FSM のケースからわかるように、ネットワークが

整備されてもそれに乗る適当なコンテンツを開発できなければ利用が促進されない。もち

ろん、COM-FSM のキャンパス間は商用の電気通信事業者の衛星回線を利用しているた

め回線容量の制限があり、効果的な遠隔教育を実施できるようなコンテンツの設計が困難

という事情も考慮しなければならない。

中等教育の分野では、全ての地域の高等学校に既に PC が導入されているものの、教育へ

の「IT 利用」というよりもコンピューター・リテラシー教育の用途に使われている。ま

た、ネットワークへのアクセスに顕著な地域差があるため、両ケースともそれぞれの地域

事情にカスタマイズした丁寧な案件形成が必要だ。特に、ミクロネシア連邦 Chuuk 州で

は州財政の悪化に伴い教育現場は危機的状況にあり、遠隔教育の開発以前に学校の電気料

金支払いを支援するなど、機動的な対応が必要であろう。

初等教育の分野では、VTC のような双方向の DE ではなく、ハワイから放送されるテレ

ビの教育番組が利用されていることがわかった。狭義の通信インフラ整備ではなく、この

種の放送コンテンツの拡充に資する協力も一つの解と考えられる。また、国内の小学校間

ネットワークでは、Palau のテレビ会議システムの例のように、実利用ニーズではなく通

信インフラ整備を先行させた案件に失敗が見られる。教育ネットワークの成功例として評

価を受けている Yap 州の YapSEED でも、ネットワークはもっぱらインターネットへの

ゲートウェイとしてのみ利用され、国内の学校間で教育用コンテンツが流れている例はほ

90

とんどない。このような先行事例を総合すると、初等教育分野での遠隔教育開発は、技術

主導型の通信インフラ整備に固執することなく、放送（テレビ、ラジオ）、DVD、ビデオ

教材など、地域事情に則したメディアを利用するコンテンツ開発を主体に進めるのが合理

的であろう。

以上の議論を整理し、１．２項で示した通信インフラの３セグメント毎に教育セクターに

おける「IT 利用」の開発の方向性を示したものが Table-12 である。

Table-12: Telco infrastructures development for Education sectorSegment 課題 開発の方向性

Internationalsegment

高等教育機関で

の IT 利用の促進 (国外 VTC /DE 型)

1) 無料、もしくは低価格で、双方向ビデオの伝送に十分な通信回線の確保

2) 教育コンテンツの充実（遠隔講義サプライヤーの確保）3) JICA-netなどとの連携

Domesticsegment

初等、中等教育

機関での IT 利用の促進 (国内COE型)

1) マイクロ波等による通信コスト不要の国内ネットワークの構築2) 利用コンセプトの確立と教育コンテンツの充実3) 放送（テレビ、ラジオ）教育番組の充実4) DVD、ビデオ教材など、最適なメディアでの教育コンテンツ整備

Outer IslandSegment

離島における通

信確保と教育レベルの向上

1) 電源確保2) 通信確保（KIOSK 型テレセンターによる他分野とのコストシェア）3) 継続的に利用可能な通信コストの設定、もしくは基金の創設

3.3 援助協調

ミクロネシア３国に対する我が国の協力において、PEACESAT との援助協調は不可欠で

ある。PEACESAT は 1971 年、Hawaii 大学のグループが NASA 払下げの気象観測実験

衛星 ATS-1 の VHF トランスポンダーを利用し、Manoa キャンパス、Hilo キャンパス、

Maui 島のコミュニティー・カレッジを結ぶ実験を行ったのが始まりだ。その後、ミクロ

ネシア地域における切実な通信ニーズの存在と、関係者の努力により米国議会の認知を受

け、ATS-3、GOES-3、GOES-7 と中古衛星を乗り換えながら、この地域の教育、医療、

災害対策の部門に無料の通信回線を提供し続けてきた。PEACESAT 誕生の経緯と現在の

状況は、「国際協力による太平洋島嶼地域の情報通信支援政策－PEACESAT のケースス

タディを通して－」（早川 1999）20および、PEACESAT の Web サイト21が詳しい。

PEACESAT は通信インフラの提供だけではなく、保健医療と教育の両セクターにおいて

多くのプレーヤーと連携し、Table-13 のようなコンテンツを供給している。

20 http://www.yashinomi.to/pacific/hayakawaMA.html21 http://www.peacesat.hawaii.edu/

91

Table-13: Selected current and planned programs accessible by PEACESATCategory Description

Medical and Health State Telehealth Access Network (STAN) Program-UH primary care roundtable-BSN in Nursing UH school of nurse and LBJ tropical medical center-Preparation for advanced cardiac life support-Rental Dialysis Consultations-Physical Therapy Consultation-Center for Disease Control-Saint Francis Healthcare System-American Samoa Tele-clinic-Hawaii AIDS Education and Training Center-UH MS and PhD in Nursing

Education Institute and capacity buildingPRELStar programming for classroom teachers, student and adultsUniversity of Guam, Center for continuing education and outreach programUniversity of Hawaii, School of nursing and dental hygieneUniversity of Hawaii, Center on disable studiesAmerican Samoa Community College distance learning program

PEACESAT internal documents / July 2003

このように、ミクロネシア地域において、PEACESAT の貢献は計り知れないほど大きい。

PEACESAT は既に 30 年の経験とネットワークを持っており、この地域のへのＩＴ協力、

特に遠隔医療、遠隔教育分野でのプロジェクト実施にあたっては、彼らとの協業を積極的

に検討すべきである。

4. おわりに

この報告書で概観してきたとおり、ミクロネシア３国における「IT 利用」のニーズは高

い。他方で、通信インフラ整備先行型の案件に幾つも失敗例が見られるように、遠隔医療

や遠隔教育の開発にあたっては、通信インフラさえ整備すれば自ずと利用されるという楽

観論は危険である。地域事情の理解深化を前提に、現場でどのような IT 利用ニーズが実

在するかを精査し、先ずは、通信技術者ではなく、医療や教育分野の専門家主導でアプリ

ケーション・レイヤから設計を進めるべきであろう。

幸い、ミクロネシア３国は英語圏であり、アプリケーション・レイヤには既存の英語コン

テンツがそのまま流用できる。具体的には、日本国内の医療機関、大学、職業訓練校、放

送局、JICA の設備である TIC や OIC などが所有するコンテンツをベースに、現地の実

ニーズと摺り合せつつ、それぞれのケースで最適な通信メディア（衛星回線、PSTN によ

るボイス、放送、CD-ROM の郵送など、「IT」を広義に捉えた検討が必要）とパッケー

ジ化して設計する必要がある。もちろん、グアムやハワイの大学や病院をコンテンツ・サ

プライヤーとし、通信インフラのみを提供するという協力も可能だ。しかし、「アジア・

ブロードバンド計画」による ODA 資金の活用を前提とするのであれば、前者のパッケー

ジ（コンテンツ＋通信メディア）を主体に検討するほうが、資金負担者(Tax payer)の合

意が得られやすいのではないだろうか。

「IT 利用」案件において通信インフラの整備は成果ではなく一手段に他ならない。しか

しながら、ミクロネシア３国のような拡散性の高い地理的条件下では適用可能な通信手段

が限定されるため、通信インフラは案件形成における大きな制限要因となっている。また、

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初期の設備投資だけではなく、運用フェイズで発生する通信コストやメインテナンスコス

トを長期に渡りどのように確保するかも、案件形成の初期段階から考慮すべき重要な課題

である。

通信インフラの最適解は個々の案件毎に探る他ない。敢えて一般論として幾つか例示する

とすれば、我が国が計画中の実験用衛星 WINS の帯域供与や、長距離伝送可能な無線 LAN

技術の提供、道路や橋梁など ODA 資金による社会インフラ整備に付随した光ファイバー

網敷設などが挙げられる。別のアプローチとしては、既存の電気通信事業者との協業によ

る公共通信網整備への支援も可能だ。たとえば、電気通信事業者が必要とする通信インフ

ラを ODA 資金で整備し、その商用利用部分でオペレーションコストを捻出し、保健医療

セクターおよび教育セクターに関る通信費を無料にするといったモデルが設計できれば、

コスト効果の高い案件が形成可能であろう。

以上、ミクロネシア３国における遠隔医療、遠隔教育開発の可能性を検討してきたが、「ア

ジア・ブロードバンド計画」を主軸とした追い風の下、この報告書が当該地域の医療と教

育の質向上の一助となることを期待したい。

93

A Pacific Island Leadership Workshop Summary

“Communication Satellite Services: New Opportunities for the Pacific

Island Region”

Christina Higa

A Workshop on Communication Satellite Services: New Opportunities for the Pacific Island

Region was organized and co-sponsored by the Republic of Palau Communications Information

Technology Advisory Group (CITAG), Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC),

and the Pan Pacific Education and Communication Experiments by Satellite (PEACESAT) in

Republic of Palau - August 10-12, 2003. The main emphasis was for policy makers and leaders

in the Pacific Islands to be informed of new and upcoming satellite services in the Pacific

Islands. The workshop was very organized and well attended with more than 50 participants

including the Vice President; Ministers of Education, Commerce and Trade, Justice, Resources

and Development, Health; Governors; other education and health leaders and the private sector.

Three satellite service providers were invited as presenters along with telecommunication

specialists from the University of Hawaii, University of Guam and the Pacific Island Digital

Opportunities (PIDO) committee funded by the Sasakawa Pacific Islands Nation Fund (SPINF).

1. Building the Foundation: Introduction to Telecommunication Concepts

A pre-conference workshop prepared the participants with an overview of telecommunication

terminology and concepts (Telecom 101) and telecommunication policy (Telecom 102). Dr.

Norman H. Okamura, Faculty Specialist in Telecommunications, University of Hawaii

presented Telecom 101 and 102 by interactive video teleconference between Hawaii and Palau.

Mr. Ed Carter, General Manager, Palau National Communication Corporation (PNCC)

facilitated in discussions in Palau.

Telecom 101 presented the main concepts of telecommunications, commonly used jargon,

services and applications in relation to bandwidth requirements and cost. Telecom 102 then

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proceeded to analyze the current situation of telecommunication policy in the Republic of

Palau including a review of PNCC’s operations, revenue base and subscriber base. PNCC

provided all the data in advance and Dr. Okamura presented pie charts and summaries of the

information. The response and feedback was very positive by the stakeholders in learning and

understanding PNCC’s operational costs, status of the U.S. Rural Utilities Services loan1, cost

recovery and revenue. PNCC was pleased to work with Palau’s leadership and stakeholders in

reviewing the current status and PNCC’s efforts in achieving universal service and challenge in

providing lower long distance rates and telecommunication services. For example Figures 1

and 2 below clearly show the various telecommunication services and breakdown of revenue

and subscription base. It is clear that the residential services are subsidized by the long

distance services. PNCC was able to reduce long distance rates from $2.50 per minute to $1.50

per minute to now $.99 per minute because of re-negotiated satellite service fees.

Communication Satellite Services University of Hawaii

Revenue Base

Long Distance – 56.8%

Wireless – 11.4%

CATV – 11.4%

Telephone – 10.5%

$8 Million in Annual Revenues

Communication Satellite Services University of Hawaii

Subscriber Base

Government965 – 13%

Business1,791 – 25%

Residential4,408 – 62%

Figure 1 PNCC Revenue Base Figure 2 PNCC Subscriber Base

2. Opening Remarks

The workshop was opened by Chief of Staff Billy Kuartei who has been a leader of Information

and Communication Technology (ICT) development in Palau for many years. Chief of Staff

1 The Republic of Palau has a domestic f iber optic network funded through a U.S. Rural Utilit ies Service loan. The

total loan is for $39.1 million . There is a balance of $34.5 million over approximately 25 years .

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Kuartei read opening remarks on behalf of the Honorable President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr.

urging participants to learn from the workshop and to develop collaborative partnerships in

overcoming the barriers of the digital divide.

3. The Changing Environment of the Satellite Industry

Intelsat, New Skies Satellites and PanAmSat2 provided an industry overview addressing the

current and future projections of telecommunications, specifically satellite services and fiber

optic networks. The satellite service providers offered summaries of the pros and cons of fiber

optic and satellite communication infrastructures for the Pacific Islands.

Some of the benefits mentioned in regards to fiber optics include capacity of ultra high speed

connections and increased security. The disadvantages were the sunk cost and capital

investment regardless of whether or not the capacity was being used verses satellite systems

where in some cases the consumer pays only for the capacity used.

Alan Ward, Managing Director Intelsat Australia, recognized that fiber optics are good options

for connections requiring large bandwidth but it is not cost effective for less populated, thin-

route markets. In addressing the perception that fiber is much cheaper than satellites, Ward

presented a general cost comparison between SMW3 fiber cable and satellite service that

showed that the cost were not radically different.

Ward also discussed the issue of latency and congestion of fiber vs. satellites. He noted that

satellites experience latency from satellite ‘hops,’ but this is generally a fixed rate of latency

thus easier for network providers to compensate. Fiber network latency varies as it is related

to the path of the signal and the number of nodes it must traverse. Latency on fiber networks

is not as easy to anticipate and correct.

2 The sate lli te vendors represented were Mr. Alan Ward, Intelsat Austra lia ; Mr. Brett Lilley , New Skies Austra lia

and Mr. Ian Potter, PanAmSat. These sate lli te services providers were not compensated and paid for their

partic ipation and involvement in the workshop.

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In terms of maintenance, fiber cable ships and services are extremely expensive and self-

healing fiber networks are not the norm for smaller cable networks as they are not

economically feasible. Satellite service providers operate the hubs and plan for redundant

systems. Satellites have a 99% reliability rating; outages are often due to ground stations.

Fiber optic cable is more secure than satellite systems, although encoding satellite signals is a

means of ensuring security.

Dr. Norman H. Okamura, University of Hawaii reviewed the cost factors of satellite

communications. The space segment is the cost to the satellite service provider (e.g., Intelsat,

New Skies Satellites or PanAmSat). The other costs are related to the operations and

maintenance to the earth station operators (e.g., PNCC, FSM Telecom) and the end user (e.g.,

government, business and residential users).

For international fiber optics service, Okamura reemphasized comments of Alan Ward from

Intelsat of the point-to-point nature of fiber optics and related costs. The fiber optics between

Guam and Palau for example will require interconnection fees in Guam to connect to other

locations beyond Guam.

Okamura urged the participants to study all the options for improving off-island connections

and to consider other options that are not yet employed in the Pacific Islands.

4. Environmental Scan – Overview of the International, Domestic and Rural

Telecommunication Infrastructure

Dr. Kenji Saga provided a very comprehensive overview of ICT issues including the national

and international awareness of the digital divide and a summary of efforts in closing the divide.

Saga presented a case study of Indonesia that placed infrastructure as the base for applications

such as E-Commerce, E-Government, ICT industry and embracing these applications must be

human capacity development and International and Regional agreements.

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Saga reported that Japan’s efforts in seeking solutions for the global digital divide is focused

in four major areas: “the formulation of ICT policy and institution building, the human

resources development, the ICT infrastructure building, and the promotion of ICT utilization in

implementing development assistance.”

Japan developed the Asia Broadband Program to promote broadband infrastructure in Asia.

Saga was key in expanding the efforts of this project to the Pacific Islands.

In Saga’s opinion the most important problems to be solved in development of rural

infrastructure are the following:

Disparity of domestic information infrastructure is larger in developing countries than

developed.

Huge amount of investment is needed.

There is no attraction for private sector investors because of lack of commercial

sustainability.

There is no simple solution to this problem.

_ Needs of various solutions to meet local needs

However, ITU has been focusing on this issue:

_ Development of Multi-purpose Community Telecenter (MCT) is one of the

solutions.

5. User Perspectives

A user perspectives discussion was facilitated by Ms. Christina Higa, Director, PEACESAT,

University of Hawaii. The objective of the session was to provide users an opportunity to

express the current and future ICT needs specifically to give the network developers and

satellite providers an opportunity to directly respond to the identified needs.

The framework of categorizing ICT needs, as described by Mr. Orita consultant to JICA, into

rural (outer islands), domestic and international was used as the structure for discussion. Users

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from health, education, emergency management sectors were represented at the workshop.

Private sector needs were discussed but there were few private sector representatives.

Attachment A of this report includes the matrix that was developed from this discussion forum.

It includes comments from the various sectors on their needs and objectives, technical

applications to meet these needs, available services, and potential and future services. In

summary the users acknowledged that the domestic ICT foundation of the Republic of Palau

has enabled the initiation of distance learning, telehealth and emergency management

programs; however this local infrastructure is taxed and requires upgrades. Additionally the

international connection remains a bottleneck. There is a need for increased capacity and

bandwidth. Although not specifically the topic of this workshop, it was acknowledged that in

parallel to the development and improvement of telecommunication network infrastructure,

there is a need for human resource development in ICT operations, maintenance and program

development.

The participants were asked to rank their priorities of network reliability, speed/bandwidth and

cost. Interestingly as indicated in Table 1, the private sector ranted reliability as first priority,

with speed/bandwidth as second and cost as last. The public sector representatives generally

agreed to ranked cost as first priority, reliability and speed/bandwidth to follow.

Table 1 - Priority Ranking for Telecommunication Network Services

Reliability Speed/Bandwidth CostPrivate Sector 1 2 3Public Sector 2 3 1

6. Second Day Opening Remarks

Mr. Ed Carter, PNCC opened the second day morning session with an overview of the efforts

taken by the Republic of Palau in analyzing various communication infrastructure options.

CITAG and PNCC created a Request for Proposal for fiber optic submarine cable feasibility

study and are currently seeking funds for this study. PNCC understands that it will be

necessary to grow the revenue base t o p a y f o r c a b l e s y s t e m s , a r o u g h e s t i m a t e i s t h a t

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international traffic would need to be increased by 16 to 20 times current revenues.

Full implementation of a fiber option would require a minimum of two years therefore

satellites play a major role for the interim infrastructure in the near-term future.

7. Satellite Service Options for the Pacific Islands

The three satellite service providers Intelsat, PanAmSat and New Skies Satellites provided

presentations featuring company updates of new and proposed services for the Pacific Island

region.

7.1 Alan Ward, Intelsat

All international services are currently running over Intelsat. Intelsat currently operates 24

satellites.

Ward recognized that most Pacific Island countries are government run operations that need to

cross subsidize services to fund other services.

The privatized Intelsat can provide end-to-end integrated services and solutions. They have a

philosophy of partnering with customers. Intelsat assists in designing new networks. Intelsat

will buy out Loral Spacecraft, U.S., obtaining additional satellites.

Intelsat offers two service categories – Lease and Carrier. Lease service: customer leases the

bandwidth from Intelsat and it is completely up to the customer of how the bandwidth is used.

Lease service provides flexible service that is priced on type of capacity. Carrier services are

priced according to bandwidth, dish size, power, error correction and term. For carrier services

Intelsat defines everything including modulation technique.

Preemptable services, meaning that satellite services can be interrupted if the satellite provider

requires use of the transponder, is a standard 30% discount. Intelsat almost always sells

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preemptable services because satellite services are so reliable that there has never been an

event that any services were preempted.

Services

VSAT Solutions

Defined Connectivity Services

Internet Trunking

Cellular Services

Telecenter Projects

VSAT Solutions

Intelsat will design the entire network and systems. Design is required since the Intelsat

systems are not really off-the-self systems however customized VSAT design engineering is

free. These systems are small and basically mobile.

Benefits – low cost, terminals are small, inexpensive indoor electronics, easy to set-up, pre-

approved antenna by Intelsat, quick installation, easy expansion.

Telecenter Projects

Ward provided a case study of Intelsat Telecenter Project where Intelsat provides assistance in

development communications and community networks.

Mali, Africa has 11 million people with teledensity of 35% and per capital income of $280 US

per year. Cost effective solutions are required. The hub system already existed at the capital.

All domestic services went to hub (some times requiring a double hop for rural areas, this is

not ideal but it kept the price down). There is a total of 1500 telecenters run with solar power

at a cost of approximately 9 million.

The review criteria included traffic analysis and review of network size, telecenter equipment,

earth stations and local loop options. Intelsat further assisted with developing a signaling

number plan, Internet backbone, and financial planning. These additional services are not

normally provided by satellite providers.

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Define Connectivity

Pre-engineered digital circuits with guaranteed quality of services, up to 30% saving are more

efficient and cheaper than traditional services.

Internet Trunking services provides connection to the Internet through a hub through an ISP

without going though a middle man. Internet trunking provides access to US and European

Tier1 termination.

Cellular Backhhaul

Satellites can fit into any part of the network (base transmission station, mobile switching

station, base switching center) and provides further coverage beyond terrestrial networks and

global coverage. The cellular backhaul is faster to implement than wired networks. This

service is flexible in rebalancing the network to meet bandwidth demand. This service is good

for emergency services since satellite communication can be quickly established after tropical

storms.

Summary of promotions – Currently, for any new services ordered there are several service

promotions. Discounts are offered on less popular services; capital improvement credits are

offered for equipment needed for new service, Intelsat will subsidize approximately US$5,000-

$15,000

7.2 Ian Potter, PanAmSat

PanAmSat is going through a large structural change and will soon fall under News

Corporation. PanAmSat has 22 satellites.

PanAmSat has the majority of the news broadcasting service and video distribution market.

PAS-2, PAS-8 are satellites located in the Pacific.

PAS-2 is at the end of its operational life, it is 12-years old. The footprint of PAS-2 doesn’t

extend to all the Pacific Islands. PAS-2R will be launched within the next two years and will

have much more power, and a much larger footprint. PAS-8 in C-Band has a footprint that

doesn’t cover the Pacific Islands. There are no global beams on PanAmSat Pacific satellites.

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Services

Video Distribution

Broadcast Occasional Service

Telecommunication Data/Networks

Internet Connectivity

Streaming Media

Store Forward Technology

SPOTbytes Internet backbone

SPOTbytes Internet backbone is an integrated service package including space segment,

teleport services, lease line connection to Tier 1 Internet backbone POP, IP Port on

router/switch at Tier1 backbone and billing.

DVB/IP – Digital Video Broadcast

DVB/IP – Digital Video Broadcast, IP can be multiplexted with video traffic, utilizes full

transponder power when using VSAT networks.

7.3 Brett Lilley – New Skies Satellites

New Skies Satellites has been in the satellite market for five years. It provides global

applications and services. In 2002, New Skies revenue has $200.5 million.

It cost approximately $250-300 million to launch a satellite. Satellites generally have a 15-

year lifespan. The NNS- 8 satellite is scheduled to be launched next year.

New Skies’ clients include: Video providers, telecom operators, ISPs/NSPs, multinational

corporations, government, and educational institutions.

The NSS-5 satellite covers the Pacific Ocean region at 183 E. It has a high power connection

between Asia, North America and Europe. NSS-5 offers voice, data, Internet, video and

broadband content on 64 C-Band and 12 KU-Band transponders.

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Services

Video services

– Program distribution

– Full-time distribution

– Direct-to-home transmission

– Occasional use

IPsys® Internet access services

– Connection to global backbone

– Network bridging and expansion

Telecom services

– Private enterprise networks

– Carrier services

– Cable restoration

Internet Backbone Access Services

IPsys (128Kbps-155Mpbs): NSS5 covers Pacific Islands, can use small earth station (0.75m-

2.8m), offers asynchronous paths, and is priced accordingly. Two levels of service committed

information rate or CIR + burst, mixable IP, video, and audio services are available.

8. Presentation on Telecenters

The lunch presentation was given by Dr. Saga, “Key Issues for the Successful Implementation

of Rural Telecenters – Success Factors and Misconceptions.”

UNESCO evaluated the feasibility of rural telecenters in Palau and identified potential

community sites. Dr. Saga’s presentation offered a good review of key factors in establishing

and sustaining successful telecenters.

PNCC could serve the role as an incubator of developing the telecenter; a community

organization or group should take the lead in establishing this program.

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Dr. Saga also introduced recent developments of wireless technologies of unlicensed devices

using 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. These services offer potential for connecting telecenters. Dr. Saga

recommends the OSP Working paper 39, issued by FCC as a reference for further information

on this topic.

Japan is launching an experimental satellite WINDS (Wideband Inter-Networking Engineering

Test and Demonstration System). WINDS will be launched in 2005 and will have broadband

capacity of 155 Mbps (downlink)/ 6 Mbps (uplink).

Governor of Sonsorol commented that they have most of the necessary facilities in the

southwest islands and would like to get assistance in establishing a telecenter. Dr. Saga

suggested a grassroots ODA proposal for assistance in this project and/ or support from PNCC

and Bruce Best.

9. Facilitated Discussion on Analyzing Options

The afternoon session, “Analyzing the Options” was designed to review various options

presented and, if possible, have the satellite service providers provide specific scenarios for

the Pacific Islands.

The session started with a presentation by Mr. Bruce Best, University of Guam, on “Thin Route

Options for Pacific Islanders.”

The service area of Micronesia is larger than the continental United States. Satellite footprint

coverage is of concern for regional networks. Sustainability, environment, maintenance are

issues for telecommunication networks in the Pacific Islands.

Best provided an overview of various communication alternatives for the Pacific Islands with a

specific focus on thin routes. Satellites, fiber, high frequency (HF)/Single Side Band radio

options were covered. HF radio is capable of data transmission and is the most cost effective

option for very thin routes.

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INMARSAT options are available (INMARSAT C, email/fax, INMARSAT M, digital

voice/data) but services are costly ($2.50 per minute).

Low earth orbiting (LEO) systems are available but services are also costly.

Wireless local loop (GSM, Canopy, 802.11x) are options that might be considered for rural

locations. FSM Telecom implemented several wireless networks.

Emergency Management Weather Information Network (EMWIN Network) is a receive only

system, operational on a small earth station and solar powered.

Following Best, the satellite service providers created a panel for discussion.

It was explained that Intelsat offers Global Beam and Hemi Beam (East, West, South, North).

To connect between two different beams is called Cross Strap. To benefit from bulk discounts

the service must be in the same beam. For example 5Mhz cost more per Mhz than if you buy

10Mhz = bulk discount. However if your traffic is split between two beams, the cross

strapping is free but the bulk discount may not apply.

Time Sharing:

Demand Assign Multiple Access (DAMA): Satellite beam is on when you need it and off

when you don’t need it. The use is measured by millisecond by millisecond basis. The

service share bandwidth can be either manually managed or automated.

Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA): Requires expensive equipment, one box controls

traffic to the various earth stations in the network. TDMA is not currently available in the

Pacific Islands. (It is in the Indian Ocean beam). Palau might be in the service coverage

area.

10. Cellular Backhaul Solution (Intelsat)

106

Ward provided a scenario for Palau in using mobile phones for on island communication with

one base transmit station, satellite lease, hub in capital city (Koror). The connections would be

from base station to small antenna, to satellite, downlink to Hub in Koror with local microwave

communication. Microwave to microwave communication costs are free.

The design would include VSATs on outer islands (2-3 meters): e.g., Sonsorol, Tobi islands.

VSATs have direct communication to the satellite that has access to downlinks directly to other

locations.

Double hop considerations – in FSM this is not a problem even if the Hub is in Pohnpei. Echo

cancellation is an issue. Data latency is not an issue. Billing and record keeping is problematic

if VSAT communicates directly to the satellite to another VSAT (e.g., a VSAT in the US).

This design centralizes resources and this is important when there is limited technical ability

and high cost of running a national telecom.

The functionality of the hub is to manage signaling, billing, access to fiber, international

services, etc.

Less traffic should be routed to the smaller the antennas because the smaller antennas have

more costly satellite fees. Service from larger earth stations is much cheaper because the larger

the antenna the less satellite is used.

A 13-Meter Antenna Hub in Palau carries all international calls and this means there are less

satellite fees.

11. Observations on the Conference and Overview of Funding Opportunities

Dr. Okamura, University of Hawaii gave the last presentation and summary – “Observations on

the Conference and Telecommunications Funding Strategies for Palau.”

107

This was a significant meeting in that it was the first time in the Pacific Islands Region that

there has been a meeting of carriers, ministries, users, and outside specialists. A “goal” of the

Asian Development Bank is transparency. Okamura said that PNCC is the most transparent

government corporatized carrier in the Pacific Islands region.

Okamura summarized the progress that Palau has made in the area of ICT development

including:

Development of a National Plan

Development of Distance Learning and Telehealth programs and plans

_ Micronesia Distance Learning Plan

_ Pacific Telehealth and Telemedicine

Requested International Assistance from Japan– MOFA Proposal

Requested Membership in the U.S. National Exchange Carriers Association

Renegotiated Service Agreements - PNCC has restructured agreements, lowering rates

for off-island voice services

Reviewed Satellite or Fiber Optics Options

_ Studying sustainability of fiber optic connectivity

_ Exploring satellite options

Commercial Satellite Providers

For R&D - WINDS Satellite

For local intranet improvements PNCC is in looking into the implementation of cache

servers and Internet filtering.

A major on-going effort is the Micronesia Proposal to Japan that originally included the

endorsement of three presidents of RoP, FSM, RMI. The RoP invited FSM and RMI to join in

a regional proposal. The Proposal Team from Palau included Chief of Staff Kuartei, Vice

President Pierentozzi and Dr. Greg Dever.

The original proposal was revised to be a bilateral request as required by MOFA. The proposal

led to a meeting between MoFA and RoP in Japan and at that time MOFA said that a study

team would visit in 2002. Mr. Orita, JICA visited Palau and Micronesia in 2003.

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The Palau domestic network is a hybrid of SONET, microwave, HF, ISDN, HDSL, and cable

over fiber. The fiber optic network needs to be upgraded. RoP plans to seek assistance for

domestic network upgrades and for increased international capacity within the framework of

Japan ODA.

PNCC and PEACESAT have established a partnership and they are in discussions regarding a

potential satellite service configuration where PNCC pays for the half-link drop to PEACESAT

in Hawaii. PEACESAT in turn would offer a reduced half-link cost (in comparison to landing

at a commercial carrier). The cost savings would then be applied to education, health and

emergency management services. PNCC agrees to provide additional telecommunication

capacity to these public service agencies at the same cost for its current services.

Okamura provided a summary of the following funding opportunities:

Asian Development Bank

World Health Organization

Japan - ODA

U.S. Department of Education

- Community Technology Center grants

- No child left behind funding – technology

Pacific Resources for Education and Learning

- Local Web Content Server

- Local Cache Server

Office for the Advance of Telehealth (OAT)

- Bureau of Primary Care

- Recent Grant - $400,000 a year for 4 year for Continuing Clinical Education

Rural Development

- Funding for education

- Distance Learning/Telemedicine Network

US Department of Commerce

- Economic Development Administration

- National Telecommunications and Information Administration

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- Public Telecommunications Facilities Program

- Telecommunications Opportunities Program

Finally it was emphasized that progress will be made through the partnerships that have been

established in the Republic of Palau. The RoP, PNCC, government agencies, and private sector

need to work together. It is important for funding agents to understand that Palau has

developed plans that involve the carriers and are based on clear needs for international,

domestic and rural communications.

To end the workshop Dr. Norman Okamura will provide a comprehensive overview of funding

options and grant programs including U.S., Japan and other international funding programs and

regional organizations.

12. Final Remarks

To close the workshop Chief of Staff Kuartei thanked the participants and acknowledged the

out of town speakers and guests including Lt. Governor Joe Habuchmai from Yap State, FSM.

The Lt. Governor of Yap congratulated Palau for a workshop well planned and expressed his

appreciation for the extended invitation. Chief of Staff Kuartei thanked the conference

organizers and closed the workshop.

ATTACHMENT A: Communication Stellite Services: User Perspectives Matrix

Sector Needs & ObjectivesTechnical

Application Service Now Potential FutureOuter Island,

Domestic, Int'lOn-island continuingmedical education reducingthe amount of timerequired for physicians tobe off-island.

Internet for on-line trainingprograms and information

Domestic infrastructure inplace, requires improvedinternational connectivity

Cache Service, Connectionto Domesitc Network forimproved performance

DomesticInternational

Pacmednet - Applicationoperated by Tripler ArmyMedical Center, medicalreferral system that savesGov. ROP millions of dollar

Internet, Web Based, StoreForward

Limited Internet needimproved capacity

Improved internationalbandwidth capacity

International

Timely management andinformation of off-islandreferrals

Communication withspecialist by telephone oremail

Telephone, Internet Improved internationalbandwidth capacity andcost

International

Teleradiology Narrowband Internet ormore bandwidth for DICOMquality images

DomesticInternational

Searching Literature: Datainformation transfer,articles by specialist aboutstate-of-the art and currentmedical information

Internet Limited Internet needimproved capacity

Cache Service, Improvedinternational bandwidthcapacity and cost

DomesticInternational

Emergency Room 24-hourscommunication forfacilitating support torural/domestic clinics

Telephone, Email toDispensaries to centralcomputer

Telephone, Internet Improved internationalbandwidth capacity andcost

RuralDomesticInternational

PCC distance learninggraduated 18-M.A.students/ On-lineinstruction.

Internet, Web BasedApplications

Limited Internet needimproved capacity

RuralDomesticInternational

On-line forms for timelycollection of funds

Internet, Web BasedApplications

Limited Internet needimproved capacity

RuralDomesticInternational

YapSeed teacher trainingprovided by PCC

On-line, VTC - Multimedia RuralDomesticInternational

PCC B.S. Regional Training:RMI, Chuuk need access

Internet access in Chuuk,RMI

Kosrae and Pohnpei on-line RuralDomesticInternational

Fall 2004 teachers in MOEwithout BA, General Edclass pre-requisite

Hybrid delivery: on-line,on-site, telephone services

RuralDomesticInternational

On-line PR*TEC Programs -NMC offering courses,students in Palau

Internet Limited Internet needimproved capacity

RuralDomesticInternational

All Schools have computerlabs, crowded during theday, costly

Internet

$800/mo for 64Kbps to serveall schools

need more affordable, labsfor community use

RuralDomesticInternational

ERIC: Updated every twomonths, new journalarticles, local access

Cache servicesPNCC does not charge forlocal domestic Internetconnection

Cache Services RuralDomestic

Learning with Interaction VTC, Voice, Internet Limited Internet needimproved capacity

RuralDomesticInternational

Tasked to ensurecommunication nationwideduring emergencies

Voice, Internet

PEACESAT

PEACESAT Digital Upgradefor data connection

RuralDomestic

Emergency disastercommunication locally,regionally, internationally

VTC, Voice, Internet PEACESAT - communication inthe region

RuralDomesticInternational

Warning system for outerislands, State of Tobi andSonsorol at anytime

VTC, Voice, Internet Cellular Telephone, LimitedInternet need improvedcapacity

Rural

HEALTH

On-island continuingmedical education reducingthe amount of timerequired for physicians tobe off-island.

Distance Leanring (CME) -Interactive Video toDomestic (urban) network,384Kbps desired

ISDN available from Peleliu toKoror, PNCC pilot ISDN nocost

IP video teleconferencing,requires improvedinternational connectivity

Domestic/ International

Distance Learning:Lectures,

Netmeeting, need morebandwidth

Power Point, Telephone Lines RuralDomesticInternational

YapSeed teacher trainingprovided by PCC

On-line, VTC - Multimedia Limited Internet needimproved capacity

RuralDomesticInternational

Emergency disastercommunication locally,regionally, internationally

VTC, Voice, Internet PEACESAT - communication inthe region

RuralDomesticInternational

Warning system for outerislands, State of Tobi andSonsorol at anytime

VTC, Voice, Internet Cellular Telephone, LimitedInternet need improvedcapacity

Rural

EDUCATION

INTERNET

HEALTH

EDUCATION

NEMO

VTC

NEMO

110

ATTACHMENT A: Communication Stellite Services: User Perspectives Matrix

Sector Needs & ObjectivesTechnical

Application Service Now Potential FutureOuter Island,

Domestic, Int'l

Sector Needs & ObjectivesTechnical

Application Service Now Potential FutureOuter Island,

Domestic, Int'lTimely management andinformation of off-islandreferrals

Communication withspecialist

Telephone, Internet RuralDomesticInternational

EM Room 24-hourscommunication forfacilitating support torural/domestic clinics

Telephone, Email toDispensaries to centralcomputer

Telephone, Internet RuralDomestic

Fall 2004 teachers in MOEwithout BA, General Edclass pre-requisite

Hybrid delivery: on-line,on-site, telephone services

Telephone, Internet RuralDomesticInternational

Need communicationbetween Tobi, Sonsorol andthe PCC campus in Koror

Single Side Band Radio Single Side Band Radio RuralDomestic

Distance Learning Nursingto Rural Areas

Single Side Band Radio Single Side Band Radio RuralDomestic

YapSeed teacher trainingprovided by PCC

On-line, VTC - Multimedia Telephone, Internet RuralDomesticInternational

Tasked to ensurecommunication nationwideduring emergencies

Voice, Internet

PEACESAT

PEACESAT Digital Upgradefor data connection

RuralDomestic

Emergency disastercommunication locally,regionally, internationally

VTC, Voice, Internet PEACESAT - communication inthe region

RuralDomesticInternational

Warning system for outerislands, State of Tobi andSonsorol at anytime

VTC, Voice, Internet Rural

Need reasonable costtechnology not "Low Costor No Cost Technology"

Access and speed nice tohave, but skills for teachingon-line needs to bedeveloped

Need for Assistance inDistance Learning ProgramDevelopment

Comments do not includePrivate Sector/ Government

Possible co-location ofservices at 6- Dispensariesthat are very close toschools

Summary from Micronesian D.E. ConsortiumInfrastructure must be userfriendly appropriate andsustainable

Broaden the base ofownership among parents,students and faculty

Optimize academicpathways for Micro.Students

Develop DE Consortium forDE

Need Funding

Overcome geographicalchallenges

FSM - Yap StatePublic Health -communication

Intranet

Post Secondary EducationNeeds - FSM, Yap State

Internet - FSM Telecom.Numerous Remote IslandCommunications

Clinics, dispensaries inouter islands (Wolliei,Ulithi) need to link to YapProper

Earth stations inouterislands, e.g., Wolliei,ready to receive

Similar needs as expressedby Palau Participants

Medical ResearchSatawal - communication,power issues

Earth Station Solar Panel

Ulithi: DE from COM FSM On-line web based courses Internet, telephone Video Teleconferencing,need to improve bandwidth

IntranetCommunity Centers

NOTES

VOICE

HEALTH

EDUCATION

NEMO

111

112