public-private partnerships that will operate under the same conditions applicable to commercial operators and will focus on overcoming the digital divide. A sustainable manner of overcoming the digital divide taking into account the principle of subsidiarity is the initiative for opening e-points31, in particular in the rural areas. If these points are combined with the function of outpost offices of the municipality through delegating responsibilities32 the result will be a multifunctional space that combines all possibilities for access to e-services and digital contents and the classic counter services, in particular for the citizens from the rural areas, with an accent on the obvious benefits from saving time in the performance of the obligations. At the same time, this generates demand for functioning, efficient and two-way universal e-services and digital contents, both at local and national level (thus increasing the efficiency and functionality of these distribution points and reducing costs). The municipalities, public enterprises and public-private partnerships should ensure open, equal and fair access for all commercial operators that wish to offer their services to the end users via the passive infrastructure of the municipal electronic communication networks and systems. This will increase the quality and quantity of the services offered by commercial operators to their users. Municipalities should develop and use municipal electronic communications networks and systems to stimulate rural development and consequently reduce the digital divide in the Republic of Macedonia. Municipalities in the Republic of Macedonia will practice the right to an inter-municipal cooperation for realisation of joint projects for constructing joint municipal electronic communications networks and systems for the development of the municipalities. II.8.3 Measures Measure 2.8.a Local governments shall, within one and a half year, adopt local ICT strategies. The National Information Society Council shall prepare quarterly reports on the progress made as regards adoption of local ICT strategies. Measure 2.8.b Campaign on the advantages and benefits from constructing and development of municipal electronic communications networks as a basis for an information society. Measure 2.8.c ZELS and the NGO sector in cooperation with the Government, the business sector and the foreign funds shall organize a series of public discussions and trainings for construction of municipal networks and 31 Public access internet points, tele-centres, digital clubs, terminals. Defined in NSDISAP, pillar e-Citizens Case study for the e-point with delegated municipal responsibilities in the settlement Orizari – Veles is – developed by the Foundation Metamorphosis and the Municipality of Veles (2007) 32 Page 26 of 40