Click Here & Upgrade PDF Complete Expanded Features Unlimited Pages Documents utilization of telecommunication infrastructure within the public sector as part of the E- Government strategy; (g) Facilitate the creation of the necessary legal, regulatory and institutional framework and incentives to support the development of the ICT infrastructure in the country; (h) Facilitate the establishment of a Rural ICT Development Fund to support the development of ICT infrastructure and service rollout especially in rural and underserved areas; (i) Require all public sector organizations to liaise, coordinate and harmonise with the agency responsible for the ICT portfolio before embarking on telecommunications/transmission infrastructure projects to avoid duplication; (j) Require network operators to optimise connectivity to the national ICT backbone and Internet Exchange Point to reduce interconnection costs and broaden network access; (k) Adopt and adapt NEPAD Infrastructure projects as the basis for implementing regional and international telecommunications connectivity; (l) Deliberately incorporate telecommunications infrastructure such as laying of fibre optic cables or such other technologies as part of in-built design costs of any public infrastructure investment especially when rehabilitating or building new trunk roads, electricity grids and railways. 6.5.3 OBJECTIVES (a) To implement a nationwide ICT infrastructure expansion programme and outline clear strategies and obligations for licensed ICT service providers with respect to universal access/service goals and Quality of Service (QoS); and ensure cost- effective connectivity to ICT services such as Radio, TV, telephone, Internet, E- Commerce and E-Government services; (b) To partner with the private sector in the rollout of the national telecommunications infrastructure backbone as a way to expand ICT services across the country; (c) To ensure an integrated approach to the development and deployment of ICTs including other supporting physical infrastructure such as electricity and transport infrastructure; (d) To minimise duplication and costs through infrastructure sharing among public 35