 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dick Butler passes away
Richard E. Butler, probably the most influential Australian on the international
telecommunications scene to date, has passed away.
Butler served as deputy secretary-general of the International Telecommunications
Union from 1968 to 1983 and subsequently became the only Australian
to occupy the position of secretary-general of that organisation, a post he
held from 1983 to 1989.
After retiring from the ITU, he served on the board of the Asia-Pacific Satellite
Communications Council and as the chairman of Asian satellite firm
Asiaspace; he also served on the boards of the Pacific Telecommunications
Council and SkyStation.
Butler headed the ITU at a key time in international telecommunications, with wireless technologies beginning their commercialisation and the former government monopoly model of telecommunications provision which had prevailed for a century breaking down under forces of commercialisation and liberalisation.
Significantly, international telecommunications regulations drafted and ratified on his watch in 1988 have prevailed to the present day and are only being re-drafted this year.
Butler remained a passionate advocate in the telecoms space; in 2004 he called for the review and consolidation of global wireless regulation, urging better recognition of broadcasting and telecoms convergence.
As recently as this year, Butler was a member of Australia’s delegation to the World Radiocommunication Conference.
Communications minister Stephen Conroy led industry condolences yesterday. “The Australian telecommunications and radiocommunications community is deeply
saddened by the sudden loss of Dick Butler," said Conroy. “Dick helped shape the telecommunications industry we know today. In the decades following his leadership of the ITU, he continued to make a substantial contribution.”
“For over 30 years he has mentored many individuals both from Australia and around the world. He will be missed by all.”
A private ceremony for Dick Butler is expected to be held this week in Melbourne.
Petroc Wilton - CommsDay |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
