In 2007 - the USTTI's 25th year of global outreach - we achieved the important benchmark of graduating our 7,500th USTTI scholar who, together with her fellow alumni, is working today to make modern communications a reality for their countrymen in 166 developing nations.

In 2007 the USTTI staff processed 10,746 applications - an all-time high that provides further evidence of the increasing relevance of ICT training in every corner of the developing world. Importantly, USTTI scholars continued to demonstrate a fierce determination to promote policies that will aggressively and efficiently use their country's spectrum so that new, affordable ICT communications are readily available to their countrymen.

2008 promises to be an even more exciting year for USTTI scholars and their volunteer expert trainers across the United States. The USTTI curriculum has been expanded to include special courses on Internet governance, e-government and rural connectivity. With the expanded curriculum, we still have maintained our bedrock courses in spectrum management, satellite communications, privatization, regulatory reform, wireless, wireline, distance learning and telemedicine.

As we start our 26th year of training, the USTTI Board of Directors is committed more than ever to provide the vital assistance and support that have become a hallmark of the USTTI's partnership with women and men who are equally committed to improving the quality of life for their fellow citizens in every region of the world.

Michael R. Gardner
Chairman, USTTI