of e-Government services. Effective use of ICT by government will increase the ability of Kiribati people to access government services, participate in government initiatives and support the democratic process. The development of e-Government initiatives is part of this plan. 7.1 Twelve Guiding Priciples The twelve guiding principles which underpin the objectives of this National ICT Policy 1 2 UNIVERSAL availability of services OPEN & COMPETITIVE markets 7 enabling CYBER SECURITY awareness & protection 8 facillitating effective nationwide DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT 3 4 9 10 FINANCIAL SUPPORT (justified by benefits) for uneconomic essential services morden, independent & proportionate REGULATION now largely established making OPTIMAL USE of scarce RESOURCES FACILITATING efficient delivery of PUBLIC SERVICE 5 6 NON-DISCRIMINATION all services available to all people on same price, terms and conditions TECHNOLOGY NEUTRALITY licenses base on services provided & not the technologies employed 11 promoting the development and use of ICT applications for socioeconomic development 12 promoting the development and use of ICT applications for socioeconomic development These principles form the basis of the specific goals and objectives described below. 7.2 Specific Goals and Objectives Bridging the digital divide through universal, secure, affordable, reliable and accessible communications. i) UNIVERSAL ACCESS Voice and high-speed Internet services (minimum 6 to 8 Mb/s) to be available in every village across the whole of Kiribati, with priority given (where possible) to areas of significance and value in promoting tourism. ii) UNIFORM PRICING The prices that each operator offers its customers to be the same throughout Kiribati. Calls between islands to be priced the same as local calls. Each operator sets their own prices, but the intent of this goal is that people living in the Outer Islands shall have have Kiribati National ICT Policy 2019 services at the same prices as those offered in South Tarawa. iii) AFFORDABLE PRICING The prices of services in Kiribati to be at least comparable with those in other island countries, with a longer-term target of achieving prices comparable with those in developed countries. iv) UNIFORM QUALITY The quality of services offered to be the same throughout the country. This includes the quality of voice calls and speed, latency and reliability of Internet services. v) SECURE & FAST INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS To have at least two high-quality lowlatency traffic routes between Kiribati and 16