Brunei  Darussalam  National  Broadband  Policy       Figure 4: ICT Development Index And Gross National Income Per Capita (2013) 10 Korea (Rep.) 9 8 Estonia 7 United Arab Emirates 6 Brunei Darussalam Moldova 5 4 Botswana 3 Gabon 2 Angola 1 0 0 10 000 20 000 30 000 40 000 GNI per capita, PPP$, 2011 50 000 60 000   Source : ITU Responding   to   these   issues,   the   Government   will   foster   the   development   of   an   open,   vibrant,   sustainable   and   competitive   broadband   market   in   Brunei   Darussalam   through   the   implementation   of   a   structured   programme   that   combines   regulatory   and   non-­‐regulatory   initiatives.   This   will   address   key   challenges   on   both  the  supply-­‐side  and  demand-­‐side.       Policy   initiatives   to   address   both   aspects   are   critical.   Whereas   supply-­‐side   policies   tend   to   focus   on   promoting   the   expansion   of   broadband   infrastructure,   demand-­‐side   policies   are   needed   to   ensure   affordability,   improve   digital   literacy,   encourage   adoption   and   usage.   As   the   forces   of   supply   and   demand   are   closely   related,   development   of   the   supply-­‐side   can   help   to   foster   demand   for   broadband   services   while  development  of  the  demand-­‐side  can  help  to  stimulate  supply.   Another   aspect   of   the   broadband   ecosystem   that   must   be   taken   into   consideration   is   the   absorptive   capacity   of   the   economy.   This   refers   to   the   capacity   of   broadband   consumers,   including   government,   businesses  and  individuals,  to  understand  and  apply  the  potential  benefits  of  broadband-­‐enabled  services   to  their  daily  activities  and  in  the  interests  of  social  and  economic  development  (for  example,  through  the   delivery   of   government   services,   commerce   and   education).   The   factors   that   determine   an   economy’s   absorptive  capacity  are  the  macroeconomic  environment,  the  general  business  environment,  the  quality   of  human  capital,  and  the  governance  structure.  As  these  factors  are  not  specific  to  the  broadband  sector,   the   Government   is   addressing   them   through   other   ministries   in   the   interests   of   all   sectors   of   the   national   economy.     In  an  effort  to  provide  guidance  to  the  industry  and  the  community,  the  Government  plans  and  goals  for   broadband  over  the  coming  four  years  are  set  out  in  this  broadband  policy  document,  which  focuses  on   the  three  key  themes:   •   ensuring  access  to  broadband  connectivity  for  all;   •   improving  the  value,  quality  and  affordability  of  broadband;  and   •   maximising  the  adoption  and  utilisation  of  broadband.   The  focus  on  these  particular  areas  reflects  the  Government  holistic  approach  and  the  need  to  drive  the   deployment   of   the   next   generation   of   infrastructure   while   ensuring   that   those   connected   have   the   desire   and  skills  to  access  content  that  is  relevant  and  useful.    This  is  also  consistent  with  the  strategic  thrusts  of   the  ASEAN  ICT  Masterplan  to  enable  greater  integration  with  other  ASEAN  economies  and  contribute  to   the  recognition  of  the  region  as  a  global  ICT  hub.     The   Government   key   policy   is   to   ensure   the   provision   of   affordable,   high-­‐quality   and   high-­‐speed   broadband   services   to   the   majority   of   the   population   of   Brunei   Darussalam.   These   services   will   support   the  creation  of  a  connected,  well-­‐informed,  knowledge-­‐based  society,  will   promote  economic  growth  and   will   enhance   innovation   in   new   industry   sectors.     The   Government   will   promote   free   and   fair   competition   and  continue  its  facilitative  role  by  ensuring  that  the  necessary  infrastructure  of  the  future  is  in  place.   4