Purpose: Advancing Timor-Leste’s Autonomous Telecommunications Landscape (ATLATL) is working to promote business-friendly policy and investment in the information communication technology sector. | Location: Nationwide |
Key Counterparts: Office of Technology, Information and Communication (TIC), Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Transport; Private Sector ISP and ICT service providers. | Duration: October 2019 — June 2022 |
Contract:
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Partner Contact: DAI Global, LLC.
| USAID Contact: David Howlett Agriculture Officer |
Summary:
Advancing Timor-Leste’s Autonomous Telecommunications Landscape (ATLATL) is a three-year, $3-million activity funded by USAID. Timor-Leste’s significant natural resources and strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region, combined with an unregulated ICT sector, increases potential for exploitation and cyber-attacks by external or internal forces. The underdeveloped ICT sector also represents a key binding constraint on economic growth opportunities and future investments. The ATLATL activity works towards achieving two objectives: 1) convene sector stakeholders to inform national policies and regulations for the ICT sector while transferring the skills and knowledge for the Timorese government to adopt and implement critical policies and regulations; and 2) engage the private sector in a manner that will catalyze investment for improving essential infrastructure, products, and services and to help foster inclusive economic growth within an improved enabling environment.
Major Accomplishments:
- Strengthening ICT Capacity: ATLATL’s Senior ICT Advisor and team of digital policy experts work closely with the Timor-Leste’s Information and Communication Technology (TIC) Office providing advice for expanding the National ICT Policy while facilitating closer engagement with private sector stakeholders.
- Legislative Advances: As a result of USAID engagement, a new policy was developed to serve as the basis for new legislation in Intellectual Property, e-Commerce, Data Protection & Privacy, and Cybercrime/Cybersecurity. This legislation will address identified deficiencies in areas of ICT relevant to both government and the private sector, consistent with U.S. experience and recognized best practices.
- Paving the Way for ICT Investment: To prepare the private sector investment in ICT, ATLATL’s Senior Investment Advisor conducted research and finalized a memo on the state of digital financial services in Timor-Leste.