MINISTRY OF WORKS, TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
6.4 PROMOTION OF A CONTROLLED DEVELOPMENT OF
THE INDUSTRY BY REGULATING SUPPLY CONDITIONS.
Justif1cation. The fundamental purpose of telecommunication industry
regulation is to optimize sector performance by creating an environment
which is conducive to long term investment and by enforcing effective
measures to prevent exploitation. When competition is introduced it is
also necessary to create a "level playing f1eld'' and have a referee in the
market
Implications. Telecommunications regulation is a complex and
demanding task even where competition already exists and resources are
plentiful. In Botswana, where the monopoly position of the governmentowned operator is well entrenched and where skilled human resources are
in short supply, the task may be daunting. Not only must the Regulatory
Authority cope with the task to physically establish the organisation, but
also within a short period after its establishment address a host of critical
issues from licensing to pricing, interconnection and competition policies.
It is envisaged that technical and financial support for development of the
regulatory capacity and necessary human resources will be needed for a
number of years.
Given the fact that data available for the Regulatory Authority for its
decision making, at least in the beginning, is mainly available from BTC
or the Ministry, it is important that the Authority demonstrates its
independence by developing its own information channels .s quickly as
possible.
To achieve desired development of the industry and enable the
Regulatory Authority to carry out its functions, it is imperative that the
Authority's legal mandate and its routine operations are defined in a
manner which separates it from direct day to-day interference from either
the Ministry or the dominant operator.
An independent and well functioning Regulatory Authority has an
important role to play in pursuit of the national goals.
6.5 PROMOTION OF USERS' INFLUENCE IN DEVELOPMENT
OF THE INDUSTRY.
Justif1cation. Users participation in shaping and development of the
telecommunication sector will ensure sustained development and protect
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TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY FOR BOTSWANA