3.1.3 INTERCONNECTION AND LOCAL HOSTING For voice traffic, few operators in Somalia interconnect with each other, although some may do so internationally, or on a bilateral basis through private agreements. Limited interconnection results in reduced competitiveness in the market and lower quality of service. To address this situation an Interconnection Regulation with a clearly defined set of rules and guidelines for voice connections between licensed operators has been drafted. For Internet traffic, operators interconnect internationally partly due to the currently limited quantity of domestic Internet traffic. However with the rapid growth in use, and expansion of the national backbone and hosting services, domestic Internet traffic will soon need to be routed locally, to provide along with shared caching and related services which need to be available within Somalia. MPTT is facilitating this process with the establishment of Somalia’s first Internet Exchange Point (IXP) in Mogadishu – the Somali Internet Exchange Point (SoIXP). Once operators connect to the IXP this will reduce latency, improve competition and performance, decrease the cost of network operations and provide scale for additional services. 3.2 BROADCASTING Radio is the most important channel for broadcast communications in Somalia. There are dozens of FM radio stations, and a growing number of terrestrial and satellite television stations. Most FM radio stations in Somalia have a limited geographical coverage - in the town where they are based and a small surrounding area, with no single Somalia-based radio station providing broad national coverage. More recently, television has become increasingly popular in urban areas, both in private homes and in public places and viewing centres. State television media is also a part of the current Somali media environment and online media has also developed with a vibrant web site and social media community, including the Somali Media Council (SMC). To develop broadcasting law and regulations, the MPTT is working with the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MOICT), NCA which provides technical licensing, the State Ministries of Information, which is the authority responsible for content. Article 33 of the Media Law refers to Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) describing the protection of a legal framework for an editorially independent service. Aside from ensuring equitable spectrum allocation for broadcasting is made, NCA is also responsible for migrating spectrum use away from analog services. NCA is in the process of developing a draft Digital Migration Strategy which will be implemented through consultative multi-stakeholder process to bring together government, regulator, broadcasters, signal distributors, vendors and consumer association groups to ensure harmonization in the broadcasting radio spectrum area, in line with international practice. 13