MINISTRY OF WORKS, TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
5. GOALS
The telecommunications industry has an important role to play in
attainment of Botswana's development goals. In order to link
development of the telecommunications industry with Government's
overall development policies, three interrelated objectives for the sector
have been identified. These are:
UNIVERSAL SERVICE
Access to basic telecommunication services e.g. basic telephony, has
been recognised in many countries as a citizen right, comparable with the
right to basic education and primary health care. In Botswana, with 4.1
telephone lines per 100 inhabitants, there is still a long way to go in order
to achieve universal services i.e. a telephone in every household wanting
the service, at an affordable price. Expansion of networks and services
should therefore be the primary goal of the telecommunications industry.
By making universal services a primary goal, actors in the industry would
be made aware of their expected responsibilities in the development of
the sector.
EFFICIENT SERVICES
The former and present driving forces of economic growth are weakening
and need to be supplemented and replaced by new and dynamic ones. The
need for development and diversification of the economy has been stated
by Government as a national goal. Whatever options and directions are
chosen, it is evident that they will be dependent on a modern and efficient
telecommunication infrastructure and services. The telecommunications
policy should aim to promote a broad, reliable and efficient supply of
telecommunications services in the country to international standards and
at the lowest possible cost to consumers and to the national economy.
REGIONAL BALANCE
Economic development is taking place unevenly in different regions of
the country and between rural and urban areas. This is a natural
phenomenon in all economies, in developed as well as in developing
countries. Traditionally, the State has intervened to counterbalance the
gap created by market forces. In Botswana, with the majority of the
population living in rural areas, an important challenge for Government is
to integrate these people and areas into the economic and social
development of the nation. The relevance of telecommunications in this
process should be recognised.
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TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY FOR BOTSWANA