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Lesotho Telecommunications Authority
Bill 2000
Memorandum of objects
The main object of the Bill is to make provision for the restructuring and the
development of the telecommunications industry (sector) in Lesotho within the
framework of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region This
will be achieved by the establishment of an independent regulatory authority which
shall be responsible for, inter alia,
· Licensing of telecommunication services providers;
· Management of the use of the radio frequency spectrum;
· Approval and inspection of equipment used;
· Review of tariffs, rates an charges, and
· Universal access
Currently, telecommunications services are basically licensed, regulated and
provided by Lesotho Telecommunication Corporation established by Act No. 12 of
1979 Under this Bill, Lesotho Telecommunications Corporation will be restructured
into a public company in which citizens will be free to purchase shares, and which
company and other telecommunications service providers will have to be licensed
and regulated by Lesotho Telecommunications Authority as market conditions and
the public interest may warrant.
In granting those licences, the regulatory authority will have to pay particular regard
to fairness, transparency, universal service and accountability to the general public.
The Bill also introduces competition in a regulated environment so as to enhance
development, quality of service and universal access in the telecommunications
sector.