Connect 2020 vision finalized at ITU

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) on Wednesday passed a South Korea-led resolution that specifies targets in connecting the world via the Internet.

The "Connect 2020" resolution aims to foster access to and use of ICT, bridge the digital divide, manage challenges resulting from ICT development, and adapt to the changing technology environment to eventually connect the world via a global network.

Specifically, it targets having 55 percent of households across the world gain access to the Internet by 2020 while reducing the price of ICT services by 40 percent.

When fulfilled as scheduled, 15 percent of households from underdeveloped countries will have access to the Internet.

ITU members will also achieve full gender equality in terms of Internet penetration, and widen accessibility for persons with disabilities, according to the resolution. They will focus on reducing the emission of greenhouse gas from ICT-related sectors by 30 percent until 2020.

South Korea is currently hosting the 19th ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, referred to as the PP-14, in the port city of Busan until Friday. The ITU, a U.N. agency, deals with technological standards, radio frequency allocations and improvements in communications services. (Yonhap)