Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
Policy for Bhutan – A White Paper
1
Introduction
The explosive development of information and communications technologies (ICT)1 and
their applications are changing the way people live, learn, work and interact. Enhanced
access to information and knowledge is rapidly becoming a potent tool for individuals
and communities everywhere in their quest for new opportunities, for dignity and for a
better life. Clearly underscoring the paramount role placed on and desired of the ICT
sector, the Royal Government of Bhutan has established the Ministry of Information and
Communications.
However, Bhutan faces a number of challenges in harnessing the benefits of ICT,
including difficult terrain, dispersed population and limited private sector activities. A
coordinated policy approach is the first step to ensuring that Bhutan does not miss out on
the opportunities of the information revolution.
Notwithstanding the achievements we have made and the many ICT activities carried out
in the last couple of years, with the new Ministry in place, it is timely to take stock of what
we have accomplished as well as look forward, and to effect a clear, focused and a
collective policy alignment. The Ministry has taken this opportunity to create this White
Paper2, which states the Royal Government's ICT Vision, Strategic Components, and
Future Direction, aiming to guide the ICT sector in the long run.
2
ICT Vision
With people at the center of development, Bhutan will harness the benefits of ICT,
both as an enabler and as an industry, to realize the Millennium Development Goals
and towards enhancing Gross National Happiness.
3
Strategic Components
Based on the Vision, the Royal Government of Bhutan is committed to work towards:
3.1
Infrastructure
Deploying a reliable, sustainable, appropriate and affordable ICT infrastructure
to achieve universal access and global connectivity through liberalization and
co-ordination between infrastructure providers.
1
2
ICT includes Information & Communications Technologies and Media.
The “ICT Policy for Bhutan – A White Paper” is produced by the ICT Working Group under the patronage of His Excellency,
Lyonpo Leki Dorji, Minister for Information & Communications. Feedback received, on the widely circulated draft ICT White Paper,
from stakeholders, and subsequent inclusive consultative processes served as valuable inputs to producing this paper.