b. Insufficient supply of ICT hardware and software. Import duty on ICT hardware accessories. c. Very high costs of data communications and lack of real broadband access. d. Some imported terminals, internal cabling and CPE devices do not conform to engineering standards. e. Absence of online business services. f. Absence of a legal framework for the operation of e-commerce. g. Dominance of the informal sector in business, making it difficult, if not impossible to mainstream modern information systems into the management of this sector. h. Lack of support for internal cabling by construction companies. A1-1-2 Objectives a. To facilitate disbursement of government services and information electronically, e.g. business registration and other business start up services. b. To establish industry standards for infrastructure, application and services. c. To eliminate the use of arbitrary discretion in official transactions and facilitate a level playing field for all investors and traders. d. Facilitate intra country electronic commerce. e. To reduce dumping of obsolete and inappropriate technologies without proper standardization. A1-1-3 Challenges a. Unavailability of reliable and stable power supply in the country for a power intensive and electric-based industry like the ICT sector. b. Lack of awareness of the wealth generated for businesses that adopt technology. c. High tariffs and taxes imposed on ICT equipment. A1-1-4 Targets a. Establish a national online new business registration portal with tax return filing system via Internet by 2010. b. Establishment of a convergent regulator that takes cognizance that its role includes growth and development of nascent facets of Sierra Leone’s ICT industry. c. Enact a Data Protection Law by 2010. d. Adopt necessary reforms in Government policy as to allow small local enterprises to emerge in the ICT market, especially reforms supporting technical activities in ICT, service providers and local content creation by end 2009. ICT Policy of Sierra Leone Page 47 / 63