The policy recognizes that LTC was originally chartered through legislation to provide telecommunications services such as data and video communications and high-speed broadband networks services. The national operator shall also be required to provide secured government network, including e-services. This policy acknowledges SCHEDULE A of the Telecommunications ACT of 2007, which grants LTC the permission to establish and operate all manner of telecommunications facilities; and to provide telecommunication services, as provided for in one or more licenses issued by the LTA. The long-term goal of the Government of Liberia (GoL) is to promote greater private sector ownership and control of the public telecommunications facilities and services in the country. By 2011, GoL intends to divest part or its entire stake in LTC. The terms and conditions of LTC’s divestment and privatization shall be determined by GoL. The procedure for privatizing LTC must protect the consumer and take into account the public interest. The Policy requires Libtelco to get the concurrence of, and work in harmony with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MP&T) and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) before embarking on any major sector undertaking that may have implication on policy and regulation – pending the elaboration of the National Operator’s responsibilities and functions pursuant to the Telecommunications Act 2007. National Operator The current policy, which supports GoL’s Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS), defines the National Operator within the following objectives, which shall be implemented in accordance with regulations and guidelines issued by the LTA: a. Support the Poverty Reduction Strategy. b. Provide networks to support universal access when called upon by the LTA. c. Pay the appropriate government taxes on goods sold and employees’ income. d. Pay all regulatory fees and charges as well as contribute to the Universal Access Fund. e. Report to the Ministry of Finance any and all annual capital gains and/or net earnings from participation in any of the competitive markets. f. Support the provision of broadband communications systems and networks. g. Support the provision of international gateway network. h. Develop transmission networks using terrestrial technologies like fiber optics and cable systems. i. Develop, deploy and maintain national land based infrastructure, in addition to such infrastructure developed, deployed and maintained by other operators. j. Provide high speed data transmission and real time information sharing communication systems. k. Ensure government networks are secure and reliable. 13