DILI, Timor-Leste – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Powering Information Communication Technology (ICT) activity through its implementing partner, Tetra Tech Inc, signed an agreement with Tecnologia da Informação e Comunicação (TIC) Timor I.P., an organization under the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Timor-Leste’s ICT network.  Under the agreement, USAID Powering ICT will collect and analyze data provided by TIC to assess Timor-Leste’s electrical grid and telecommunications needs. 

USAID Powering ICT, implemented by the USAID Southeast Asia Enhancing Development and Growth through Energy (EDGE) Hub, a four-year, $10 million regional energy program that supports USAID’s energy activities across Southeast Asia, will: 1) undertake a political economy analysis of the power and ICT sectors in Timor-Leste; 2) analyze the capacity of the fiber optic network on Electricidade de Timor-Leste’s fiber optic power transmission system; 3) recommend a renewable energy-based backup power supply system for the fiber optic network; and 4) develop options for a basic regulatory structure to enable transparency, competition, and accountability in Timor-Leste’s power sector. 

“This is an excellent example of cooperation between the United States and Timor-Leste to enhance two vital sectors of Timor-Leste’s economy – energy and ICT,” said Harold Carey, acting USAID/Timor-Leste Mission Director.  “The USAID Powering ICT activity, along with other ongoing work in the ICT sector, will help expand access to broadband internet, while reducing costs and improving services.  At the same time, the collaboration will facilitate the uptake of renewable energy technologies, thereby helping to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.”

Currently, only one-third of Timor-Leste’s 1.3 million population has access to broadband internet.  Investments to expand access are planned, however the country’s electrical grid lacks the capacity needed to power broadband internet.  “Any investment in broadband internet will not yield the desired cost and service benefits without electrical grid upgrades,” said Roberto Caetano De Sousa Vicente, Executive Director, TIC TIMOR I.P.  

The United States Government, through USAID, works in partnership with the government of Timor-Leste to support broad-based and effective development.  Since 2001, USAID has provided more than $250 million in development assistance to Timor-Leste.  USAID supports Timor-Leste in its efforts to build a more prosperous, self-reliant, healthy, and democratic country through programs that foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth, especially in the agriculture and tourism sectors; improve the health of the Timorese people, particularly women and children; and strengthen the foundations of good governance – as highlighted in Timor-Leste’s Strategic Development Plan 2013-2030.

For more information, visit: https://www.usaid.gov/timor-leste, USAID’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/USAIDTimorLeste, or contact the USAID/Timor-Leste Communications Team, diliusaiddocs@usaid.gov, and USAID Southeast Asia EDGE Hub Senior Communications Specialist, Dennis Duncan, dennis.duncan@tetratech.com.

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The USAID Powering ICT project will work with officials to collect and analyze data to assess Timor-Leste’s electrical grid and telecommunications needs. 
The USAID Powering ICT project will work with Timor-Leste's officials to collect and analyze data to assess the country's electrical grid and telecommunications needs. 
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