SIGNAL TO SENTIENCE - merged

PART 1 The Original Story (1901–1945) Empire, Engineers & Early Waves

125 years of innovation and transformation

CONTENTS CTO LEADERSHIP Forward -Hon.Shirley Ayokor Botchwey Message from the Chairperson of the CTO

4 5

Message from the Secretary General

THE FIRST LINK UP

The All-Red Route

12 10

The Birth of the Pacific Cable

How It Changed the Game

RADIO MEETS CABLE: A MATCH MADE IN TECH HISTORY

The New Challenger: Radio

THE EMPIRE’S COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

ICAC in Focus

Crises and Convergence

THE IMPERIAL COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ICAC) A Precursor to Modern Dilemmas

22 24

Financial Strain and Economic depression

PUBLISHER

COMMONWEALTH TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORGANISATION

EDITORIAL ADVISOR BERNADETTE LEWIS

EDITOR IN CHIEF LINDA NEH NGOBESING

COPY EDITOR DINEIL IGNATIUS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS LINDA NEH NGOBESING DINEIL IGNATIUS

LAYOUT AND DESIGN LINDA NEH NGOBESING DINEIL IGNATIUS

Message from the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey.

behalf

the

entire

Commonwealth, warmly congratulate the Commonwealth Telecommunications I Organisation as it marks its 125th anniversary. This is a milestone of real significance – not only for the CTO, but for the Commonwealth as a whole.

Few institutions can trace their story so powerfully through the evolution of our modern world: from the first submarine telegraph cables and wireless transmissions, through the building of national communications systems after independence, to the age of broadband, mobile technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation and artificial intelligence. The CTO’s history is, in many ways, a history of connection itself. Its origins in the Pacific Cable Board of 1901 remind us that communications have always been more than technology. They have been lifelines of diplomacy, trade, governance, learning and human understanding. Across generations, the CTO has helped the Commonwealth navigate each new communications era with cooperation, expertise and shared purpose. Today, we need to transform that connection to realise Commonwealth resilience building and shared prosperity. That is why this celebratory series is so timely and so important. Each volume offers more than a record of institutional achievement. Together, they tell a story of innovation in service of people; of technical progress shaped by partnership; and of a Commonwealth institution adapting with courage and relevance to the changing needs of its members.

Message from the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey.

From signals to sentience, this journey speaks to the extraordinary distance travelled – and to the even greater possibilities ahead. Today, digital connectivity is central to economic opportunity, education, health, public services, democratic participation and resilience. It is also central to equity. For small states, developing countries, young entrepreneurs, women-led businesses and remote communities, access to trusted, affordable and inclusive digital infrastructure can determine whether talent is unlocked or left behind. The CTO’s work is therefore more important than ever. At a time of rapid technological change, when artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data governance and digital inclusion are reshaping the global landscape, the Commonwealth needs institutions that can build trust, share knowledge, strengthen capacity and ensure that no country is excluded from the benefits of innovation. I commend the CTO for 125 years of service, leadership and collaboration. I also commend this publication series as an important reminder that the Commonwealth’s greatest strength lies in the talents, partnerships and practical cooperation of its people and institutions. As Secretary-General, I look forward to working with the CTO and all our partners to ensure that technology becomes a force for inclusion, prosperity and resilience across our Commonwealth.

Congratulations on this remarkable anniversary.

Message from the Chairperson

125 years ago, a bold vision to connect nations across oceans laid the foundation for one of the world's oldest intergovernmental communications organisations. Today, as the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation celebrates this remarkable milestone, we honour not only its history, but its enduring relevance in an increasingly digital world.

Ta ssarajen Pillay Chedumbrum Chairman, Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation

Mauritius is deeply honoured to assume the Chairmanship of the CTO during this landmark anniversary. We do so with a profound appreciation of the organisation's legacy and an equally strong commitment to its future.As Chair, Mauritius will work with all member countries to promote digital inclusion, strengthen resilience, encourage innovation and deepen cooperation across the Commonwealth. Our shared success will not be measured solely by technological advancement, but by the opportunities we create for our people and the lives we improve through connectivity. This publication tells the remarkable story of an organisation that has connected generations of Commonwealth citizens for over a century. It is a story of vision, collaboration and resilience—and a reminder that our greatest achievements have always been realised when we work together. As we celebrate 125 years of service, let us also embrace the responsibility of shaping the next chapter of the Commonwealth's digital future. Throughout its 125-year journey, the CTO has remained a trusted platform for cooperation, bringing together governments, regulators, industry, academia and development partners to advance communications and digital development across the Commonwealth. From the historic Pacific Cable and the All-Red Route to today's conversations on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, satellite connectivity and digital transformation, the organisation has continually evolved to meet the needs of its members.

Message from the Secretary General

Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation

One hundred and twenty-five years of service is a remarkable milestone for any organisation. For the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO), this anniversary is not merely a celebration of longevity; it is a testament to resilience, relevance, and continuous adaptation in a world transformed repeatedly by technological change.

Bernadette Lewis Secretary General Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation

The CTO traces its origins to the Pacific Cable Board of 1901, a pioneering partnership among Commonwealth nations that established the first trans-Pacific submarine telegraph cable. This landmark achievement helped shrink distances between continents, revolutionised communications across the Commonwealth, and laid the foundations for an increasingly connected world. Over the decades, that vision of cooperation through connectivity evolved into what is today the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation—a unique institution dedicated to enabling collaboration, capacity building, and technological advancement across its membership. The story of the CTO is, in many respects, the story of modern communications itself. From its origins in the age of telegraphy, through the development of wireless communications, the rise of computing and the internet, and into the present era of artificial intelligence, the Organisation has navigated successive waves of innovation. Its continued existence across multiple industrial and technological revolutions speaks to an enduring ability to evolve while remaining faithful to its core purpose: helping nations harness communications technologies for development, prosperity, and inclusion.

Throughout its history, the CTO has served as a trusted platform for cooperation among governments, regulators, operators, policymakers, and development partners. It has supported member countries in understanding and responding to the technological challenges of their time, building skills and institutions, and ensuring that the benefits of innovation are shared as widely as possible. As communications technologies have become ever more central to economic growth, governance, education, healthcare, and social development, the CTO’s role has become increasingly important. Today, the world stands at another pivotal moment. The rapid emergence of artificial intelligence, the growing complexity of the digital ecosystem, heightened cybersecurity risks, and shifting geopolitical dynamics are reshaping the nature of connectivity and digital development. In this environment, the CTO continues to support its members in building resilient, inclusive, secure, and trusted digital societies, ensuring that technological progress remains a force for sustainable development and human advancement. This five-part publication,Signals to Sentience, commemorates the CTO’s 125th Anniversary by tracing this extraordinary journey. Beginning with the laying of the first submarine telegraph cables and concluding with reflections on the digital future, the series chronicles the major technological, political, and social transformations that have shaped communications across the Commonwealth. The five volumes collectively explore the Organisation’s evolution from the era of signals to the age of intelligent systems, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities that have defined each generation. As we reflect on 125 years of achievement, this publication serves not only as a record of the past but also as an invitation to consider the future. The history of the CTO demonstrates that progress is built on cooperation, innovation, and a shared commitment to connecting people and nations. These principles remain as relevant today as they were in 1901 and will continue to guide the Organisation as it works with its members to shape the next chapter of the digital age.

PART I The Original Story (1901–1945) Empire, Engineers & Early Waves

The Siemens Brothers’ cableship Faraday anchored off Fanning Island in 1901 during the laying of the Pacific telegraph cable.

THE FIRST LINK UP The All-Red Route

In the late 19th century, Britain’s global reach depended on more than ships and colonies, it hinged on the cables that carried messages across oceans. By 1870, a telegraph network already stretched from Cornwall to Bombay, and soon after, to Australia and the Far East. Messages that once took weeks could now be answered within 24 hours. For those who could afford the cost, the telegraph revolutionized business, diplomacy, and governance.

As Britain’s telegraph empire expanded in the late 19th century, ships like the Iris turned vision into reality. Equipped with cable drums and laying machinery, she laid and maintained the submarine lines , including routes to India and the Pacific , that made 24-hour global communication possible. Active: ca. 1880s–1900s

Yet, one great ocean remained unconquered by cable: The Pacific. The idea of a direct link bypassing politically unstable territories gained urgency. In 1879, Sir Sandford Fleming of the Canadian Government Railways articulated the vision: Britain and its Pacific colonies should be joined by submarine cable, ensuring Imperial communications independent of foreign powers.

The Birth of the Pacific Cable It would take two decades of negotiation and persistence before governments; Britain, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, agreed to share costs. The Pacific Cable Act of 1901 finally set the project in motion. By 1902, the Pacific Cable Board (PCB) was established, managing what came to be celebrated as the “All-Red Route”, so named for the red shade used to mark British territories on world maps

Stretching 8,860 miles, the route linked Canada, Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand, knitting the Empire’s Pacific dominions into a secure communications web. For the first time, messages could cross the Pacific without detouring through foreign lands.

armored submarine cable used in the 19th-century All-Red Line

Bamfield Cable Station is remembered as one of the most important links in the Commonwealth’s first truly global communications network. Its completion in 1902 meant the British Empire had its own round-the- world cable system — symbolising both The Australian terminus of the Pacific Cable and part of the “All- Red Route.” From Southport, messages traveled across the Pacific to Canada, Fiji, and Britain, securing Australia’s place in the first global telegraph network.

technological progress and imperial power.

Fiji, specifically Suva, became a critical landing station, putting the islands at the center of global telegraph communications.

How It Changed the Game

The Pacific Cable was more than a technical feat; it was political insurance. It safeguarded Britain’s global communications, particularly in times of conflict, while also democratizing access. Telegram costs dropped dramatically, making communication more accessible for commerce and governance.

The Pacific Cable marked the first great intergovernmental collaboration in telecommunications, setting a precedent for international cooperation in managing infrastructure. It was, in many ways, the forerunner of today’s multilateral digital partnerships. Its success demonstrated the power of collective action in connecting nations, reducing communication barriers, and advancing shared economic and social development goals. Cable-Laying Machinery on the Great Eastern, 1870 Inside the mighty steamship Great Eastern, whose massive cable-laying gear made possible the Bombay–Suez link of Britain’s imperial telegraph network. This engineering feat connected Britain and India, transforming global communication in the late 19th century.

RADIO MEETS CABLE: A MATCH MADE IN TECH HISTORY

The New Challenger: Radio

By the early 20th century, cables had built a global web of communication, but technology was not standing still. Guglielmo Marconi’s experiments in wireless telegraphy promised a rival medium. In 1901, he transmitted a Morse code message across the Atlantic, proving that the ether could carry voices and signals without wires.

Poster for Marconi’s Wireless Telegraphy, c.1900 — promoting public demonstrations of the new technology that challenged the global cable network.

Soldiers operate a portable radiotelegraph station, using Marconi’s wireless technology to maintain communications where cables could not reach, 1914–1918.

he Southport Cable Hut, Queensland (1902) — the landing point of the first trans-Pacific telegraph cable, linking Australia to the global ‘All Red Line’ network

“The First Direct Wireless Messages from England to Australia, 22 September 1918 — A historic milestone in global communications, marking the successful transmission of wireless signals across continents and demonstrating the power of radio technology to connect the world.”

A telephone operator at the National Telephone Company Exchange, 1910. Operators manually connected calls by inserting plugs into switchboards— an essential role in the early era of voice communication.”

The Pacific Cable Office, Sydney — administrative headquarters for the Pacific Cable Board, overseeing the operation and maintenance of the Empire’s trans-Pacific telegraph links.-1922

General Post Office, Auckland, New Zealand (Pacific Cable Office on the top floor), early 1900s — a key station in the trans-Pacific telegraph network

With the creation of the Imperial and International Communications Company (I&I Co.), a new advisory body was needed to oversee the Empire’s communications strategy. Thus was born the Imperial Communications Advisory Committee (ICAC). The Committee provided a structured platform for coordination and consultation on telecommunications matters across the Empire, helping to align policies, infrastructure development, and strategic priorities during a period of rapid expansion in global communications. THE EMPIRE’S COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE ICAC in Focus

The ICAC was more than just another layer of bureaucracy, it became the Empire’s nerve centre for telecommunications policy. It balanced the often- competing interests of cable and wireless operators, advised governments on investment and innovation, and ensured that communications served not only commerce, but also defense and diplomacy.

In doing so, it laid the groundwork for more coordinated international governance of communications infrastructure and demonstrated the growing strategic importance of telecommunications in shaping political and economic relations across nations.

Radiotelegraph services sprang up across Europe, North America, and Australia. Marconi’s shortwave “beam” system, launched in 1927, could transmit faster, at lower cost, and with far less power than traditional long-wave systems. Governments took notice, the British Post Office quickly rolled out Beam Wireless services to Canada, Australia, South Africa, and India threatening to disrupt the established cable monopolies.

This photo shows a collection of antique telegraph equipment displayed on a wooden table. The devices are constructed mainly from polished wood, brass, and metal, with glass panels protecting some of the mechanisms.

Framed polar projection time zone maps used in cable stations to coordinate global telegraph traffic. These maps helped operators track the Empire’s submarine cable network across different time zones, ensuring messages could be sent and received seamlessly around the world

A display of pioneering telegraph and wireless instruments from the late 19th to early 20th century. Featured here are a loop antenna, switching board, Morse tape register, relays, and dial telegraphs — the essential tools that carried the first coded messages across continents and seas, laying the foundation for global communication.

Display of submarine cable sections, showcasing over 150 years of telegraph, telephone, and data cable history.

Crises and Convergence The rise of radio posed an existential challenge to the cable companies. By the mid-1920s, wireless links were cheaper and faster, putting submarine cable operators on the defensive. The crisis culminated in 1928, when the British Dominions demanded a coordinated approach. This turning point underscored the need for stronger collaboration and strategic oversight to ensure the sustainability, security, and efficiency of the Empire’s rapidly evolving communications network.

Delegates at the Imperial Communications Conference, London, 1928 – Leaders and officials from across the British Empire gathered to shape the future of global telecommunications.

The result was the Imperial Wireless and Cable Conference a watershed moment where competition gave way to consolidation. Out of it emerged Imperial and International Communications Limited (I&I Co.), created in 1929 by merging the Eastern Telegraph Companies, the Pacific Cable Board, Marconi’s Wireless Telegraph Company, and the British Post Office’s Atlantic cables and wireless services. 21

The marriage of radio and cable technology turned once-bitter rivals into reluctant partners. Under ICAC’s watch, the reliability of cables was blended with the flexibility of wireless, creating a hybrid model that would strengthen Imperial communications for decades. This was no small feat. The Empire’s communications lifelines were vulnerable, cables could be cut during wartime, and radio was still prone to interference and disruption. ICAC’s role was to mitigate these risks, ensuring that a telegram from London to Sydney, or a signal from Delhi to Ottawa, would get through despite global upheavals.

A battered fragment of armored casing from an early submarine telegraph cable. Sections like this reveal the extreme pressure and hazards undersea cables faced while carrying the world’s first global communications across oceans.

This display shows a section of armored submarine telegraph cable alongside a grapnel — the iron tool used to hook and recover cables from the ocean floor. When faults occurred,

cable ships dragged grapnels across the seabed to retrieve

damaged lines for repair. These tools were vital in maintaining the global telegraph network, which carried messages across oceans long before satellites and fiber optics.

THE IMPERIAL COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ICAC) A Precursor to Modern Dilemmas

In retrospect, the ICAC’s work foreshadowed the dilemmas of today’s digital age. The committee grappled with questions that remain familiar. By mediating these tensions, ICAC helped craft a communications framework that not only underpinned imperial cohesion but also laid groundwork for the global systems that followed.

In its first report to the governments of the Empire in October 1930, the Imperial Communications Advisory Committee (ICAC) defined its role as a clearing house for communications issues beyond domestic concerns— balancing interests and guiding cooperation across the Empire In subsequent reports ICAC underlined that “The telegraph service is not only a matter of common interest, but possibly the link on which, more than any other, the several parts of the Empire depend for mutual intercourse and mutual understanding.This stressed the telegraph’s role as a unifying bond across the Empire, vital for both communication and cohesion.

Cross-section diagrams of the Pacific Cable (Vancouver–Fanning Island Section A), showing different types of cables: Heavy Shore End, Heavy Intermediate, Light Intermediate, Deep Sea, and Land Cable. At the bottom is a full-size illustration of the Deep Sea Cable, detailing its layers of copper conductor, gutta-percha insulation, steel wire, and protective serving.

This striking map celebrated the global communications network of the early 20th century. With London at its hub, it shows submarine cables and wireless links encircling the world, binding together the Commonwealth and beyond. Illustrated with cable ships, telegraph rooms, and wireless stations, it symbolized both technical achievement and Britain’s pride in controlling the “All-Red Line” — the world’s first truly global communications web.

Financial Strain and Economic depression

The story of ICAC reminds us that every technological leap comes with governance challenges. Just as the Empire once sought to harmonize cable and wireless under a single vision, today’s world faces similar crossroads in managing the internet, satellites, and digital platforms. The names and tools have changed but the fundamental questions of access, security, and fairness remain. By late 1930, ICAC warned of financial challenges. A letter from Imperial and International Communications Limited forecast: “ For the year 1931 it is clear that there will be practically no net revenue, and there is more likely to be an operating loss …”This highlighted how economic depression, competition, and falling traffic threatened the viability of the cable and wireless network. In short, communications infrastructure should primarily serve and sustain the Empire’s own communities, rather than rely on external usage. The Second Report of ICAC underlined that “The telegraph service is not only a matter of common interest, but possibly the link on which, more than any other, the several parts of the Empire depend for mutual intercourse and mutual understanding.” This stressed the telegraph’s role as a unifying bond across the Empire, vital for both communication and cohesion. The report emphasised that “if this link is maintained so as to bring the communities which it is its function to serve all the benefit which naturally flow from a rapid, cheap and efficient system of communications, it can no longer rely to the same extent as in the past on the utilisation of its system by foreign countries, but must mainly depend for support on the communities which form the British Empire.”

Temporary staff quarters for Telegraph staff -1902

Photo of Cable and Wireless station at Ongar in Essex, UK, taken in June 1944. It shows the wireless telegraph transmitter towers, which at the time was the biggest wireless telegraph transmitter in the UK. The beam aerials covered a site of 700 acres, making it a major

hub for wireless communication

PART 11 New World, New Wires (1946–2000) From Colonies to Collaborators

2 In December 1961, Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated the Commonwealth Atlantic (CANTAT) telephone cable by making the first call from Buckingham Palace to Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker in Ottawa—marking a new era of transatlantic communications

CONTENTS

COMMS AT WAR:KEEPING THE LINES OPEN IN WWII When Communication Became a Weapon of Victory 4 Wartime Cable Networks-The Code wars 5 Building a Post-War Network 6 Expansion and Innovation 7 9 BIRTH OF THE COMMONWEALTH TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORGANISATION Legacy and Meaning 14 CTO 1.0 – THE 1977 REBOOT Modernizing for a Globalised Commonwealth 15 Why 1977 Changed Everything 16 SATELLITES AND FIBRE OVERTAKE 18 The INTELSAT Era Women in wartime communication

Policy in the Age of Instant Communication 19 WELCOME TO THE DIGITAL 90S– THE TRAINING ERA When Knowledge Became as Important as Infrastructure 20 Why training mattered 21 PDT on the move 22 Empowering Connectivity – One Nation at a Time 24

COMMS AT WAR:KEEPING THE LINES OPEN IN WWII

When Communication Became a Weapon of Victory

When war engulfed the world in 1939, communication became as vital as ammunition. The Commonwealth’s far-reaching network of telegraph cables and wireless stations was suddenly transformed into the lifeblood of Allied strategy.

Loading submarine telegraph cable onto the cable ship Benvennoch, 1958. Massive coils of undersea cable were carefully arranged on deck before being laid across oceans to connect continents.

Orders for naval movements, aircraft deployments, and vital supply routes relied on lines stretching under oceans and across continents, lines that had to be kept open at all costs.

Wartime Cable Networks

Undersea laid decades earlier to link the British Empire, became crucial for secure wartime communication. These cables, cables connected Britain to Canada, Australia, India, and Africa. Their importance was so great that naval units were dispatched to guard cable landing stations, and divers risked their lives repairing lines in hostile waters.

The Code Wars

Security was paramount. The Commonwealth played a leading role in code- breaking, with facilities like Bletchley Park in Britain and signals intelligence units in Canada and Australia working together. They intercepted Axis communications, decoded enemy plans, and relayed this intelligence through secure channels. These efforts shortened the war and saved countless lives.

Engineers rigging a telephone line in a sector of the western front during the first world war.Despite heavy shellfire,mass attacks relied on field telephones for ordination underscoring the vital role of communication in warfare

Building a Post-War Network

In the aftermath of the Second World War, the Commonwealth confronted the urgent need to rebuild and modernise its communications. To meet this challenge, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Board (CTB) was established in 1948. Its purpose was to coordinate cable and wireless services among member states, set technical standards, and ensure long-distance telephone and telegraph connections across the Commonwealth. Beyond infrastructure, the CTB also nurtured expertise through training programmes and exchanges, helping countries build the professional skills needed to operate modern telecommunications.

Operators at the Barbados Telegraph Station transmitting live updates of the 1955 West Indies vs Australia cricket test match to Australia.

Expansion and Innovation

The 1950s and 1960s were years of rapid progress under the CTB’s guidance. This period saw the transition from reliance on submarine cables to radio links, and eventually to satellites, which dramatically improved speed and reliability. International long- distance telephone services flourished, bringing Commonwealth nations closer than ever before. For developing members, the CTB became a vital partner, providing technical assistance and helping to lay the foundations of national telecom networks.

By the late 1960s, however, the pace of change had outstripped the CTB’s limited advisory role. New technologies—particularly satellite systems and early digital networks—demanded broader strategies. At the same time, newly independent Commonwealth nations were pressing for support not only in technical matters but also in policy, regulation, and institutional development. The CTB’s structure no longer reflected the needs of its diverse membership. It became clear that a new organisation was required to provide a stronger developmental focus. The opening session of the Pacific Cable Conference, held on 2 September 1959 at OTC (A) House, Spring Street, Sydney, Australia. This historic gathering brought together Commonwealth representatives to deliberate on the future of international telecommunications cooperation.

Kenyan President Jomo Kenyatta receives a cheque for the Gatundu Self Help Hospital from Mr. H.H. Eggers, Managing Director of Extelcoms, during the foundation stone laying ceremony of Extelcoms House in Nairobi, 28 May 1969. At the centre is Hon. James Nyamweya, Minister of Communications.

The Central Telegraph Office, Nairobi, Kenya, April 1949 — Telegraph operators Markus Okongo, G. L. Patel, P. Mwangi, and J. Karanja at work, exemplifying the teamwork and precision that powered East Africa’s communications network in the mid-20th century.

Women in Wartime Communications

Behind the scenes, thousands of women kept the Commonwealth connected. As operators, cryptographers, and maintenance technicians, they worked long hours at switchboards and decoding rooms. Their contribution was essential, yet often overlooked. A silent army of communication warriors.

The “Telcom girls” served in Malta during World War II. These women worked in telecommunications, helping to operate and maintain critical communication links during the war, playing a vital role in supporting military coordination and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of strategic information during one of the most challenging periods in history. Their contribution also highlighted the important role women played in the evolution of global communications, laying early foundations for greater inclusion of women in the telecommunications sector.

Cable & Wireless dispatch riders in London during the 1940s. These riders played a vital role in delivering urgent telecommunications messages across the city during wartime, ensuring swift and secure communication when it was most needed.

Opening of the Commonwealth Pacific Cable (COMPAC), Wellington, New Zealand, 2 December 1963

Dignitaries officials gathered for the inauguration of the COMPAC telephone cable, linking Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and Hawaii to London. and The ceremony included a recorded message from Queen Elizabeth II and live exchanges between the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

BIRTH OF THE COMMONWEALTH TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORGANISATION

Legacy and Meaning

In 1967, the CTB was restructured into the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO). This shift marked a decisive turning point. The CTO’s mission extended beyond technical coordination to embrace development cooperation, policy and regulatory advice, and structured programmes of training and research. The transformation symbolised a broader recognition that telecommunications were not just technical systems but critical enablers of national progress, social inclusion, and international partnership. New Roles in a Changing World From the 1970s into the 1980s, the CTO focused heavily on capacity building. It assisted newly independent states in setting up their telecom institutions and trained thousands of professionals across the Commonwealth. As the satellite era took hold, the CTO played a key role in ensuring member states gained access to global systems such as Intelsat. In the 1990s, as liberalisation and privatisation reshaped the sector, the CTO became a vital forum for sharing regulatory experiences and best practices. The transformation from the CTB to the CTO represented more than just an organisational change. It marked a fundamental shift in how the Commonwealth understood communications: no longer only as wires and signals, but as the backbone of modern societies. From coordinating technical services to championing digital inclusion and development, the CTO’s journey reflects the Commonwealth’s evolving vision of communications as a force for growth, equity, and global connection.

CTO 1.0 – THE 1977 REBOOT Modernizing for a Globalised Commonwealth

By the 1970s, the world had changed again. The rapid expansion of international communications demanded that the CTO evolve. In 1977, the organisation was overhauled to address modern realities: deregulation, emerging digital technologies, and the need for policy coordination in an increasingly interconnected world.

Why 1977 Changed Everything The CTO’s new mandate moved beyond infrastructure to include policy advice, technical assistance, and regulatory harmonization. This shift ensured that members could participate in global telecommunications markets on equal footing.

Quartz Oscillator Unit M6, used for frequency control in telecommunications. The top image shows the assembled unit with its quartz ring in suspension, while the lower image displays the oscillator dismantled into its precision- engineered components.”

Many Commonwealth nations were still struggling with inadequate networks. CTO technical missions helped design national systems, train local engineers, and secure financing for new projects. From rural telephone lines in Africa to microwave towers in the Pacific, the CTO’s fingerprints were everywhere. Training as Power The seeds of what would become the Programme for Development and Training (PDT) were planted here. The CTO understood that technology alone was not enough—people needed the skills to operate and sustain it.

SATELLITES AND FIBRE OVERTAKE

The INTELSAT Era

In 1965, the launch of Early Bird (INTELSAT I) marked the dawn of satellite communications. For the Commonwealth, this was transformative now, a message could cross the globe in seconds. By the 1980s, fibre-optic technology brought unprecedented capacity and speed, laying the foundation for the internet age. Commonwealth engineers contributed to satellite ground stations from Canada to the Caribbean. Ascension Island in the South Atlantic became a critical relay point, linking Europe, Africa, and the Americas. As fibre-optic cables replaced copper, the CTO helped members adopt and finance this cutting-edge technology. It was a leap from kilobits to megabits, enabling modern data services and global commerce.

Participants at the CTO Workshop on Earth Station Management, Kuantan, Malaysia, August 1997. Hosted by Telekom Malaysia, this was the first workshop organised in collaboration with INTELSAT, marking a milestone in strengthening global cooperation on satellite communications .

Policy in the Age of Instant Communication

With new technology came new challenges: spectrum management, data privacy, and cross-border regulation. The CTO became a trusted forum for solving these complex issues collectively. Through policy dialogue, technical cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives, the organisation helped member states navigate rapid technological change while promoting harmonised and inclusive digital development. It also strengthened the voice of Commonwealth countries in global ICT discussions, ensuring that the priorities of both developed and developing nations were reflected in international policy and regulatory processes.

WELCOME TO THE DIGITAL 90S– THE TRAINING ERA When Knowledge Became as Important as Infrastructure

By the 1990s, the world was digital and the skills gap was glaring. The CTO responded with the Programme for Development and Training (PDT), a landmark initiative that turned telecommunications into a driver of development.

WORKSHOP ON CRITICAL INFORMATION INFRASCTUCTURE

For many developing nations, new equipment meant nothing without trained personnel. PDT provided hands-on courses in network management, satellite operations, and later, internet technologies. Engineers trained through PDT modernized entire national networks Why Training Mattered

For decades, the PDT served as the beating heart of the CTO’s development agenda, equipping engineers, policymakers, and regulators with the skills to modernise national networks and craft effective ICT strategies. It was through these hands-on programmes — from network management and satellite operations to internet governance and regulatory reform — that entire telecommunications systems were strengthened, and generations of professionals were shaped. As technology evolved, so did the PDT. What began with technical training in switching and satellite systems grew to include policy design, regulation, broadband, and digital transformation. This evolution reflected the CTO’s understanding that connectivity is no longer just about wires and waves — it is about enabling nations to participate fully in the global digital economy.

PDT on the Move

Across the Commonwealth, the impact of the PDT was visible not in abstract statistics, but in transformed systems, empowered institutions, and thriving professionals. From the Caribbean to Africa, from Asia to the Pacific, PDT-trained engineers modernised national networks, built data centres, and introduced new services that connected rural communities to opportunity. In some countries, telecommunications ministries and regulators were led by alumni of the PDT, professionals who had returned home to apply the principles of innovation and good governance they had learned under the programme. Others became regional champions, mentoring new generations of ICT leaders and extending the Commonwealth’s influence well beyond its borders. The mobility and reach of the PDT became its hallmark. Courses were hosted in member countries, making capacity building accessible and context-specific. This model enabled peer learning, fostered South–South collaboration, and built enduring professional networks among Commonwealth practitioners. The CTO’s commitment to training “for members, by members” meant that expertise was not imported — it was cultivated within the Commonwealth family.

At the heart of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation lies a conviction: technology is only as powerful as the people who use it. EMPOWERING CONNECTIVITY – ONE NATION AT A TIME From the click of the first telegraph key to the hum of artificial intelligence, the story of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation is a story of connection — human, technological, and visionary. In 1946, the world was rebuilding. Nations sought not only peace but progress — and in that spirit, the CTO became a bridge between developed and developing countries, between policy and practice, between innovation and inclusion. As the world moved from copper to fibre, and from analogue waves to digital clouds, the CTO moved with it — guiding, training, and transforming how nations communicated and collaborated.

Today, as we stand at the frontier of the fourth industrial revolution, the CTO’s purpose remains clear: to ensure that every member state has not only access, but advantage — not only networks, but knowledge.This is the legacy of 125 years — and the promise of the next century. From telegraph lines to fibre optics, from data to intelligence, the Commonwealth continues to lead where it has always excelled: connecting the world, empowering its people, and shaping a digital future built on trust, collaboration, and shared prosperity.

PART 3

Digital Shift & Global Power Moves (2001–2019) From Broadband to Brainwaves

CONTENTS FROM BROADBAND TO BRAINWAVES Leading Worldwide Efforts to Bridge the Digital Divide 4 NEW TECH, NEW WORLD – BROADBAND, CLOUD, AND MOBILE TAKE OVER Guiding Member Nations Into the Broadband Era 5 CYBER EVERYTHING – SECURITY, REGULATION, AND POLICY EVOLUTION Connectivity’s bright promise carried a darker shadow: vulnerability. 8

Secretariat to Strategic Convener

12 11

Small States, Systemic Influence

The CTO at the digital table

STRATEGY OVERHAUL: REFRESHING THE CTO MANDATE The CTO is not content to rest on its laurels, it is reinventing itself.

LEADERSHIP THROUGH THE AGES Six Secretary-Generals, two decades, one shared mission Mr. Graham Cunnold (2001–2003) :The broadband pioneer 16

17 18

Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah (2003–2005) :The development advocate

Dr. David Souter (2005–2007):The policy strategist Professor Tim Unwin (2007–2015) :The Inclusion Champion 19 Mr. Shola Taylor (2015–2020) :The moderniser Ms. Bernadette Lewis (2020–Present):The resilience builder 21 22 20

FROM BROADBAND TO BRAINWAVES Leading Worldwide Efforts to Bridge the Digital Divide

The CTO became a vocal supporter of “connectivity as a human right,” influencing international policy and funding programs to expand access in underserved areas. Projects funded and coordinated by the CTO brought internet access to rural schools, telemedicine to remote clinics, and digital entrepreneurship to emerging economies.

The 8th annual Digital Broadcasting Switchover Forum of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation, Johannesburg, South Africa

NEW TECH, NEW WORLD – BROADBAND, CLOUD, AND MOBILE TAKE OVER

Guiding Member Nations Into the Broadband Era

By the early 2000s, the digital landscape had begun to change beyond recognition. The hum of dial-up connections faded into memory as broadband emerged, not just as an upgrade, but as a revolution. Internet speeds that once seemed impossible became the norm, opening the door to a new world of possibilities. For the Commonwealth, this was not just a technological leap, it was a socio-economic turning point. The CTO played a pivotal role in this transformation, ensuring that its member nations were not left behind.

Mobile technology further accelerated this transformation. In parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, nations leapfrogged expensive fixed-line infrastructure and embraced wireless networks, bringing millions online for the first time. Then came the cloud—a game-changer that shifted data from dusty server rooms to agile, global platforms.

Delegates at the Commonwealth Broadband forum-Kenya

By advising governments on spectrum allocation and national broadband strategies, the organisation enabled connectivity to evolve from a privilege of the few to a necessity for all. It redefined how governments delivered services, how businesses operated, and how citizens interacted with the world. The CTO’s foresight in championing these technologies cemented its reputation as a guiding force in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

CYBER EVERYTHING – SECURITY, REGULATION, AND POLICY EVOLUTION

As digital ecosystems expanded, so too did the risks. Cybercrime surged, state-sponsored attacks made headlines, and data privacy became a global concern. The CTO recognised early on that a connected world required not only innovation but also protection. Connectivity’s bright promise carried a darker shadow: vulnerability.

In 2010, the organisation launched its first Commonwealth Cybersecurity Framework, setting benchmarks that many nations would later adopt. “We knew that no single country could tackle cyber threats alone,” says a former CTO security policy lead. “Our role was to foster collaboration, share expertise, and create common standards.” 8

This commitment extended beyond policy papers. The CTO conducted training programmes to build cybersecurity expertise within member states, hosted high-level dialogues on digital governance, and helped shape regulations that balanced innovation with citizens’ rights.

The shift from reactive responses to proactive resilience became a defining feature of the Commonwealth’s approach to cyber issues. Over the years, the CTO’s emphasis on trust and preparedness has enabled its members to navigate a digital environment where the stakes have never been higher

Secreteriat to Strategic Convener

By the late 2010s, the CTO had evolved beyond its traditional role as a technical secretariat into a strategic convener of global digital dialogue. It increasingly brought together governments, regulators, industry, and development partners to align policy, share experience, and anticipate emerging challenges. This shift positioned the organisation not only as an advisor, but as a trusted platform for consensus-building in a rapidly changing digital environment.

Small states ,systemic influence

For small and developing states, the digital era presented both opportunity and vulnerability. Through collective advocacy and shared platforms, the CTO enabled these nations to exert influence disproportionate to their size in global ICT discussions. By amplifying their voices, the organisation helped shape standards, policies, and negotiations that might otherwise have excluded them.

DIGITAL BROADCASTING FORUM JAMAICA Through collective advocacy and shared platforms, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation helped amplify the voices of these nations in international ICT discussions. The organisation enabled member states to participate more effectively in shaping policies, standards, and negotiations on issues such as internet governance, cybersecurity, connectivity, and digital inclusion. By strengthening cooperation and capacity across the Commonwealth, the CTO ensured that smaller states could influence the global digital agenda far beyond their individual size.

LEADING THE PACK The CTO at the Digital Table

In the crowded arena of global ICT diplomacy, the CTO’s voice has consistently carried weight. The organisation has been a driving force in ensuring that the needs and perspectives of Commonwealth nations—particularly developing ones—are heard in global forums. From the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), the CTO championed digital inclusion, fairer internet governance, and affordable access.

This advocacy has had tangible impacts. Through its lobbying efforts, small island nations have gained better terms for undersea cable connections. Through its research and policy papers, it has influenced how spectrum is priced and shared. And through its convening power, it has forged alliances between governments, industry, and academia. The Post-COVID Era – Charting a New Course for the CTO The pandemic did not change the digital agenda—it accelerated it.

When COVID-19 hit, connectivity became the lifeline of societies. Education moved online, businesses embraced remote work, and telehealth became essential. Yet, stark inequalities were exposed. Millions lacked access to reliable internet, and those nations fell behind fast.

Recognising that yesterday’s strategies cannot solve tomorrow’s challenges, the organisation has embarked on a bold transformation. Its new mandate embraces artificial intelligence governance, 6G readiness, and sustainable ICT solutions. Partnerships with the private sector and academia have been strengthened, ensuring that innovation translates into impact. The CTO is not content to rest on its laurels, it is reinventing itself. STRATEGY OVERHAUL: REFRESHING THE CTO MANDATE

LEADERSHIP THROUGH THE AGES Six Secretary-Generals, two decades, one shared mission

Over the past two decades, six Secretary-Generals have led the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation through periods of rapid technological transformation — from the expansion of broadband and mobile communications to the rise of cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and emerging technologies. While each brought unique priorities and leadership styles, they shared one common mission: strengthening cooperation and ensuring the Commonwealth remains connected in an evolving digital world.

Under their leadership, the CTO strengthened its role as a platform for cooperation, policy dialogue, capacity development, and international advocacy for Commonwealth countries. While each Secretary-General brought distinct priorities and leadership styles, they remained united by one common mission: ensuring that all member countries — particularly small and developing states — could navigate and benefit from an increasingly connected and fast-changing digital world.

The Broadband Pioneer MR. GRAHAM CUNNOLD (1979–1995)

when Graham Cunnold took office in 1979 the world was transitioning from Analogue to Digital technology and the Internet had yet to be developed. A pragmatic technocrat with wide ranging experience in financial analysis and change management, Mr. Cunnold recognised the future of telecommunications hinged on good collaboration.

During Mr. Cunnold’s term in office, The CTO was focused on resolving the issues that had delayed the implementation of the CTO’s 1973 Agreement while member countries concentrated on broadband expansion and the development of digital infrastructure across the Commonwealth. At a time when many developing countries and small Island states faced high connectivity costs and limited access to international bandwidth, Mr. Cunnold championed collective action to improve affordability, reliability and access to telecommunications services. Recognising the importance of collaboration in the development of international telecommunications, he engaged with both private and public sectors, helping establish a stronger culture of public-private partnership within the organisation. These partnerships enabled member countries to share technical expertise, investment opportunities and good governance during this critical phase in the growth of global telecommunications His vision is captured in his observation “Collaboration is the foundation of international telecommunications. Our task is to share expertise to make telecommunications affordable, reliable and accessible across the Commonwealth.”

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