Initiation Service of Broadband for Villages for Shanmei Village, Chashan Village, and Shizi Village of Alishan Township, Chiayi County
Universal data communication service for Shanmei Village, Chashan Village, and Shizi Village of Alishan Township was officially initiated on September 9; the ceremony was jointly officiated by Su Yong-qin, the Chairman of National Communications Commission (NCC), Chen Ming-wen, County Chief of Chiayi County, Wang Rui-ying, Assistant Director-General of Council of Indigenous Peoples, Chen Ming-li, chief of Alishan Township, and Cai Ming-zhong, Chairman of Taiwan Fixed Network Company Limited.
It is based on the ruling by NCC that Taiwan Fixed Network Company Limited is responsible for the implementation of broadband network at Shanmei Village, Chashan Village, and Shizi. Taiwan Fixed Network Company is a private telecom service provider, other than Chunghwa Telecom, designated by NCC for implementation. The construction expenditure is jointly shared by Type I and II telecom service providers whose business turnover achieve more than NT$200 million and it is managed through the Telecommunication Universal Services Fund. As under the instruction and guidance of member Xie Jin-nan and Lin Dong-tai, the company has overcome geographical difficulties to distribute and deploy a fiber optic broadband network. Tests were completed by August, 31. NCC acknowledges the work undertaken by Taiwan Fixed Network Company Limited with much affirmation and recognition as its staffs have collaborated to bring the policy of Broadband for Villages into fruition.
Universal broadband data communication service should bring about substantial benefits to these two villages, including the enhancement of frequency for broadband use in remote areas, and the reduction of digital divide, as well as the effectiveness of applications. Specifically, elementary and junior-high school students can now access academic networks via broadband at home, and enhance their learning capability. Aboriginal languages can be promoted or preserved. Eco-tourism can be developed more effectively, as can the local agricultural industry. Local economies can be stimulated, jobs created, and young villagers encouraged to return home to work. Ultimately, the broadband network can connect people in these areas with the world, and with government, greatly enhancing administration efficiency of tribes.
Under the support of Telecommunications Universal Services Fund and NCC members, NCC, on 31st of May, 2007, appointed Chunghwa Telecom Company Limited (43 Villages) and Taiwan Fixed Network Company Limited (3 Villages) to provide universal services of data communication to 46 Village in 2007. So far, the construction of 15 nodes has been completed, and it is believed that by the end of the year the policy objective of Broadband for Villages will not be far from accomplished.