Orientation of proposal

 That definitions of essential services are both precise to define the rights and responsibilities of different social actors (government, the private sector, citizens) but flexible enough to adapt to technological and societal changes.

 Thus the following should now be considered as essential services : access by the general public to the Internet and its related technology, adequate and continuous training to ensure it is used well and the guarantee of varied contents suited to the needs and hopes of different categories of the population.

 The essential services should acknowledge that the public is not merely a recipient and consumer of information but also an actor and that policies and programmes should encourage and promote the production and diffusion of information and knowledge stemming from individuals and community groups.

 That the regular updating of definitions and standards of essential services follows the progression of the needs of the population regarding information and communication services affecting economic, social, cultural and community life. That this study of needs is carried out by an organisation in which community groups participate and have equal standing.