for telecommunications and ICT operators and products. The policy supports investment incentives for the following telecommunications and ICT services: a. Universal Access Programs: These are programs that support the deployment and installation of telecommunications and ICT networks using contributions from the Universal Access Funds. These privileges shall benefit service providers who undertake the development of telecommunications and ICT networks in designated universal access communities. b. Basic Services Networks: The National Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) promotes the modernization of the nation’s educational and health systems. Investors, manufacturers and operators shall be encouraged through tax incentives to manufacture, supply and/or deploy ICT networks directly to nationwide educational, agricultural and health programs 2.5.8 National Backbone Infrastructure and Global Connectivity The policy supports the development of a national telecommunications backbone, which requires major funding from the GoL and capital investments from the private sector. The procurement and shipping of network equipment and the implementation and installation of the infrastructure will require the GoL to review tax privileges and duty free programs for the completion of the project. The Government of Liberia recognizes that broadband connectivity which provides large bandwidth, high speed and reliability, is essential for effectively connecting Liberia`s people, institutions and places. As previously published by MP&T in local media, the Government of Liberia’s development goals for the communications and telecommunications sector are to modernize networks and create added value through the effective utilization of ICTs that make use of wireless solutions, submarine and terrestrial cable systems, and national fiber optic infrastructure. The MP&T, as the sector Ministry, in consultation with the LTA and other stakeholders, has designated broadband connectivity, through a variety of transmission platforms, as essential to enhance the growth and development of the ICT and telecommunications sector, both in the short and long term. The MP&T is cognizant of the fact that resolving such capital-intensive infrastructural challenges requires a combination of sound and practical initiatives, including the development of public-privatepartnership models and the creation of an appropriate regulatory framework that safeguards the policy objectives of the Liberian Government. These objectives are to ensure open access to broadband connectivity for our people, a liberalized environment without monopoly control, and nondiscriminatory, affordable pricing to support development. The Government of Liberia recognizes the tremendous opportunities presently available to provide broadband connectivity to Liberia through submarine fiber optic cable projects, which will provide alternative international gateway connectivity. In this regard, the MP&T encourages all major operators to work with the LTA to establish a public-private partnership venture that will lead to shared ownership in landing submarine fiber optic cables and constructing terrestrial networks. The MP&T shall promote the enabling legal and policy environment in support of this goal, which recognizes that current service providers with international gateway licenses may exercise the option to collectively or individually finance the investment(s) required to purchase, deploy, install and own submarine fiber optic cable systems to supplement their existing international gateways. 19