National Information and Communications Technology Policy 99% compared to the situation in 2009 and increased telecommunication network coverage to 85% of geographical area. In spite of the above efforts, there are still a number of challenges that need to be addressed. The challenges include low broadband penetration in rural and urban underserved areas; significant level of unaffordability of broadband services and absence of supportive policy framework for universal broadband access. 3.2.1.1 Policy Objective To enhance access and availability of affordable and reliable broadband services to accelerate socio-economic development of the society. 3.2.1.2 Policy Statements The Government shall:i) Ensure conducive environment for collaboration of public and private sector in exploring various means of financing access to broadband services; ii) Ensure availability and accessibility of reliable and affordable broadband services countrywide. 3.2.2 Issue: Infrastructure Development Since 2003, the Government has continued its efforts to leverage business environment to support development of infrastructure. The Government has implemented NICTBB and will continue to develop the infrastructure beyond the current reach of more than 7,560 Km of fibre. Other initiatives include construction of national data centre, Internet exchange points, participation of private sector in metro fibre investment through operators’ consortium and roll out of telecommunication infrastructure countrywide. Despite above achievements, there exist a number of challenges with regard to infrastructure development. The challenges include lack of appropriate frameworks for deployment and utilization of ICT infrastructures including data centres, right of way, e-readiness infrastructure; high investment cost of infrastructure and lack of reliable power supply. 22