[This is an IITF document] THE GLOBAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE BACKGROUND: o In March, 1994, Vice President Gore advanced the concept of a Global Information Infrastructure (GII)in a speech to the ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina. o Vice President Gore outlined an action plan for the GII based on the following five fundamental principles: - encourage private investment; - promote competition; - create a flexible regulatory framework to keep pace with technological and market changes; - provide open access to the network for all network providers; and - ensure universal service. o These principles were incorporated in the Buenos Aires Declaration at the conclusion of the Conference. o Vice President Gore's proposal for the creation of a Global Digital Library, which would involve the interconnection of schools and libraries in every country with the Internet, was incorporated into the Buenos Aires Action Plan. The Action Plan reflects what the ITU development sector and its members will undertake over the next four years. DEFINITION OF THE GII: o The GII will be composed of local, national, and regional networks. As a "network of networks", the GII will facilitate the global sharing of information, interconnection, and communication -- creating a global information marketplace. o As a cooperative effort among countries, the GII will afford economic and social benefits to all participants, ranging from job creation, economic growth, infrastructure improvements, to advanced services at lower prices for consumers. RELATION TO THE NII: o The interconnection of the NII to foreign networks will serve as the primary U.S. contribution and link to the GII, providing American citizens with access to the global community. o The NII Agenda for Action recognized the need for coordination with other governments, since the NII will develop in the context of evolving global networks. Advancing the GII concept provides sharper focus for the policy objectives of opening up overseas markets, eliminating barriers caused by incompatible standards, and examining international and U.S. regulations. STATUS OF GII: o The Administration plans to issue a GII Agenda for Cooperation in the early fall of 1994. o The existing IITF Telecom Policy Committee subcommittee on International Telecom issues has expanded its focus to include issues related to the GII. On July 27-28, the International Telecommunications Working Group held a public hearing on the international aspects of the NII in the context of an emerging Global Information Infrastructure. Input received from interested parties will be factored into the development of policy recommendations and positions for the Administration as it advances the goals and objectives of the GII. o Concurrently, the Administration is considering options for pursuing further international dialogue and cooperation on the GII in both bilateral and multilateral venues. revised 8/31/94