ICT Policy Africa

Table of Contents
Glossary ....................................................................................................................................3
Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................4
1
Introduction ...................................................................................................................6
2
Background ...................................................................................................................8
3
Development of the Strategy ......................................................................................10
4
Definitions and Rationale............................................................................................12
4.1
Definition of Rural Telecommunications ...............................................................12
4.2
Rationale for Rural Program ...................................................................................12
5
Goals and Objectives ..................................................................................................14
6
Rollout Plan .................................................................................................................15
6.1
Community Consultations ......................................................................................15
6.2
Development of the Criteria ....................................................................................15
6.3
Eligibility Criteria .....................................................................................................16
6.4
Prioritization of Localities .......................................................................................16
6.5
Publication ...............................................................................................................17
7
Regulatory environment .............................................................................................18
7.1
Licensing Framework ..............................................................................................18
7.2
Allocation of Scarce Resources .............................................................................19
7.3
Consumer Protection ..............................................................................................19
7.4
Interconnection........................................................................................................19
7.5
Infrastructure Exclusivity ........................................................................................20
7.6
Cross Border............................................................................................................20
8
Services .......................................................................................................................21
8.1
Services Offered ......................................................................................................21
8.2
Affordability .............................................................................................................21
9
Program Implementation ............................................................................................22
9.1
Introduction of Competition ....................................................................................22
9.2
Cost Effective Solutions..........................................................................................22
9.3
Build, Operate and Maintain ...................................................................................23
9.4
Botswana Registered Companies ..........................................................................23
9.5
Ownership ................................................................................................................23
10
Program Funding.........................................................................................................25
10.1 Funding of RTDF .....................................................................................................25
10.2 Implementing Agency .............................................................................................26
10.3 Operations Subsidy .................................................................................................26
11
Program Monitoring ....................................................................................................27
12
Key Stakeholder Roles ................................................................................................31
12.1 Government .............................................................................................................31
12.2 Regulator ..................................................................................................................31
12.3 Service Provider ......................................................................................................32
12.4 Consumer.................................................................................................................32

Rural Telecommunications Strategy

26 October 2006

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