GSM operators, corporate business with ISP, ASP, large enterprises and administrations. 8-4 • To build up fibre optic links between the capital and all the main cities of Sierra Leone to allow broadband access to the rest of the country. • To upgrade the IXP (Internet Exchange Point) to establish a shared network. To expand fixed and mobile access networks in remote areas The objective of this implementation plan is to ensure the expansion and upgrading of the national telecommunications infrastructures across the country. The priority of NATCOM is for mobile operators to extend and improve their networks in the provinces with better coordination and sharing of infrastructure. The Government considers that IP-based networks that merge voice telephony with data and image can offer a lot of business opportunities to operators and consumers. NATCOM shall encourage operators to consider the progressive migration of traditional networks (PSTN and GSM) to an all-IP network in their medium and long-term strategies. IP-based networks will facilitate the provision of innovative services and applications. For new entrants, the cost of building or leasing IP networks/links will be significantly lower than those of circuit-switched networks. NATCOM shall encourage 3G wireless technologies to boost the market for wireless communications. Some initiatives are opening the door for an emerging wireless Internet market even as broadband 3G becomes commercially available. Other network wireless high-speed data technologies are being developed and tested. The entry of WiMax shall be particularly encouraged. 8-5 To develop services and applications by local suppliers This implementation plan aims at delivering a complete range of affordable services and applications to satisfy different categories of ICT users, and to emphasize the production of local content. In this regard, Government shall: Ø Support the development and implementation of ICT services and sectoral applications (e-governance, e-commerce, e-learning, e-health, etc.). Ø Facilitate the development of the local ICT industry. Computer and Accessory costs The Government shall seek to establish a zero tariff on computers and computer accessories. Cybercafés and community resource centres are to be supported to facilitate the usage of nomadic users and other persons who cannot afford computers at home or for their small business. Local Content The Government is keen to ensure the indigenous development of Sierra Leonean content on the Internet. Local service provision currently gives preference to international content and little is available on Sierra Leone culture. Using various forms of Mass Media, it is ICT Policy of Sierra Leone Page 43 / 63