telecommunications are an essential input for other sectors, and for the creation of wealth and jobs. This National ICT policy is focused on creating a robust, stable, marketdriven telecommunications sector, which the Government believes will create a favourable environment that is attractive to private investors and will lead to increased telecommunications infrastructure investment and services development. The Government acknowledges that a key element of a sustainable market is having tariffs that reflect the actual efficient costs of providing the services. The Government also recognizes, that there are remote and underserved areas in Kiribati where the provision of services is not commercially viable and where innovative financing mechanisms are needed to increase access to voice and Internet services. The Government’s goal is to achieve equal access to services across all of Kiribati including the Outer Islands. Improving connectivity for the Outer Islands is a central component of the Government’s plans for the sector as envisaged in the KV20. 2. Links to Other Government Policies The achievement of many of the goals in the Kiribati Development Plan, reflected in the KV20 and the Government Manifesto, will be supported by the availability of efficient modern telecommunication infrastructure and systems spanning the entire country. For example, good telecommunication services can enhance the quality and effectiveness of the public delivery of services such as health and education. The Government and the private sector in Kiribati have limited budgets. Hence, it is critical that every dollar is spent wisely and in a way that delivers the greatest benefit for the people of Kiribati. The Government believes that ensuring appropriate coordination and information sharing between Government departments and the private sector will enhance investment outcomes. 2.1 Kiribati's 20 Year Vision (KV20) The KV20 is a long-term development planning framework for Kiribati which aims to transform the country into a wealthier, healthier, more peaceful and secure environment to live in during the 20-year timeframe 2016 to 2036, and is recognised as the guiding framework for this policy. The KV20 fosters alignment between the policy areas of respective Ministries and provides a basis for government, stakeholders, donors and development partners to further collaborate to realise transformative development that will maximise the returns from the country’s natural, human and cultural capital. Kiribati National ICT Policy 2019 2