(d) to ensure that information and communication services including telecommunication services are reasonably accessible at affordable cost nationwide and are supplied as efficiently and economically as practicable and at performance standards that reasonably meet the social, educational, industrial, commercial and, other needs of Mauritius; (e) to encourage the optimum use of information and communication technologies in business, industry and the country at large, the introduction of new technology and the investment in infrastructure and services; (f) to promote the efficiency and international competitiveness of Mauritius in the information and communication sector; (g) to further the advancement of technology, research and development relating to information and communication technologies through modern and effective infrastructure taking into account the convergence of information technology, media, telecommunications and consumer electronics; (h) 17. to advise the Minister on all matters relating to information and communication technologies and on matters relating to the Authority generally. Powers of the Authority (1) (2) The Authority, in addition to the powers it has under section 37 of the Interpretation and General Clauses Act, may (a) commission expert evaluations, conduct studies, collect data related to the information and communication industry; (b) authorise any person to conduct such technical tests or evaluations relating to information and communication services including telecommunication as it thinks fit. For the purposes of subsection (1), the Authority may require a public operator who holds a licence granted under this Act to provide information on the use, area of coverage and means of access to his service. The Authority shall have the power to make such determinations, issue such (3) directives and guidelines, and do such acts and things, as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of its objects and the discharge of its functions. Amended by [Act No. 38 of 2011] 18. Functions of the Authority (1) The Authority shall (a) implement the policy of government relating to the information and communication industry;