Revised ICT Roadmap for Bhutan.

The Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) recognises Telecommunications and Broadband as important contributors to the socioeconomic development of the country. They have a vital role to play in enhancing competitiveness, increasing productivity and economic development, and promoting greater social inclusion to mention a few. Telecommunications and Broadband are the foundation on which “An ICT enabled, Knowledge-Based Society as a Foundation for Gross National Happiness” will be built.

The Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) recognises the value that ICT can bring towards the achievement of Gross National Happiness. The Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC), which helms the promotion of ICT in Bhutan, worked in collaboration with the Government Ministries, autonomous agencies, corporations and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) to develop the e-Government Masterplan for the Kingdom of Bhutan. It is the first time that the Ministry embarked on a holistic approach to eGov planning guided by the development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).

Information and media play a central role in development in a knowledge based society. Because of its diverse and pervasive impact, information and media are integral to socio-cultural change, shaping and transforming values, lifestyles, national economies as well as socio-political systems...

With Bhutan on the information highway the Royal Government is seeking a clear vision, drawing up a comprehensive work plan, and putting the right institutions in place to develop the information, communication, and media sector...

Information and communications technology (ICT) is changing the way the world works, and will continue do so into the future. By its unprecedented power to move and process information, it is impacting on global trading patterns, culture and governance; in fact ICT impacts on every aspect of our society today...

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...