(c) ensure that telecommunication services are provided at just and reasonable rates consistent with efficient service and the financial viability of operators; (d) ensure that the requirements of this Act are carried out with due regard to the public interest, including protecting consumers and other users from the unfair practices of operators and other persons who are engaged in the provision of telecommunication services; (e) promote competition including: (i) protecting persons who provide telecommunication systems and services from practices of other operators that are damaging to competition; and (ii) facilitating the entry into the market of telecommunication systems and services by persons who wish to supply those systems and services; (f) regulate the interconnection between and access to systems of operators of telecommunication systems; (g) specify technical standards and procedures for the provision of telecommunication services; (h) regulate types of telecommunication equipment which may be connected to a telecommunication system; (i) regulate rates and charges levied by operators of telecommunication systems and services; (j) monitor the quality of services provided by operators and ensure that services conform to standards of quality specified by the Authority or under regulations; (k) manage the radio frequency spectrum; (l) comply with any general directions given by the Minister under section 7 regarding the performance of the functions and exercise of the powers of the Authority, and furnish such general information as may be required by the Minister; (m) where required by the Minister, represent the government in international conferences or international and other organisations concerned with telecommunications or radiocommunication; (n) advise the Government on policies and legislative measures in respect of telecommunication; (o) collaborate with educational institutions in order to promote technical education in the field of telecommunication. (2) In addition to powers conferred on the Authority under subsection (1) the Authority shall have power as a statutory corporation to do all things necessary or convenient for or in connection with the performance of its functions and may sue and be sued in its corporate name and enter into contracts and may acquire, purchase, take, hold and enjoy property of every description and may convey, assign, surrender, yield up, charge, mortgage, lease, demise, re­ assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of or deal with any property or any interest therein vested in the Authority upon such terms as to the Authority seems fit. (3) Nothing in this section shall be construed as imposing on the Authority any form of duty or liability enforceable by legal proceedings. Notification of Government policies 6. The Minister shall notify the Authority of general policies of the Government in relation to telecommunication. Directions by the Minister 7.(1) The Minister may, after consultation with the Authority, give directions of a general nature to the Authority in relation to the performance of its functions and exercise of its powers. (2) Any direction given by the Minister shall be in writing and published in such manner as the Authority may determine. (3) Except as provided by or under this or any other Act, the Authority shall not be subject to direction by or on behalf of the Government. Annual report and audit 6 6