encourage all parties to take a technologically neutral approach. The Government generally prefers decisions on specific technologies and solutions to be taken by users and providers of such solutions, unless a choice of specific technologies is justified by public interest imperatives, such as significant reductions in costs resulting from harmonized approaches to the provision or procurement of services or other solutions. The Government also recognises the continuing importance of ‘old’ ICTs, in particular traditional terrestrial radio40, for achieving the overall objective of this Policy. Television could potentially also serve important needs of residents. However, costs and benefits of expanding television services would need to be further evaluated, especially in light of convergence of technologies, networks and services leading to a potential to provide television-like services over Internet-type networks. The Government also acknowledges that models of shared and common use of ICT services, such as Public Internet Access Points (including Internet Cafes) and, more traditionally, communal use of radio and television41, have found their acceptance in Vanuatu. While ensuring that it remains vendor-neutral, the Government will generally promote use of devices that are suitable for specific conditions of use, in particular when respective ICT solutions are implemented in outer islands42. However, regard should always be had to the considerations outlined in point 2 below. In this context, for example, durability of devices should be weighed against easiness and affordability of replacement as well as initial acquisition barriers. The Government will also take a pragmatic approach when selecting software platforms, tools and solutions to use. It will make decisions on whether to use Free and Open Source Software or commercial products on a case-by-case basis, having regard to total costs of ownership, capabilities of available human resources and other relevant factors. 2 40 Have reasonable expectations for the appropriate level of access to ICTs and their reliability, quality and sophistication provided and utilised in the context of specific solutions. The ultimate goal of this Policy, in particular as sought via Priority 2, is to provide residents with individualised access to ICTs, which they could use to maximise their personal utility. However, the Government acknowledges that this may not be immediately feasible. Therefore it considers shared access to ICTs, including via use of ICTs in shared (common) facilities or sharing access to telecommunications services via wireless or other similar networks covering specific localities, to be an As demonstrated by the findings of InterMedia (2013). Citizen Access to Information in Vanuatu. Study supported by ABC International Development and AusAID. 41 InterMedia (2013). Citizen Access to Information in Vanuatu. Study supported by ABC International Development and AusAID. 42 e.g. in many circumstances mobile devices, which would be more resilient to elements (including sun and rain) and powered by a battery, which ideally could be charged using solar or small-generator-based power sources, might be better suited for use in outer islands than stationary devices requiring an uninterrupted external power source. 30 National Information and Communication Technology Policy