Click Here & Upgrade PDF Complete Expanded Features Unlimited Pages Documents proliferation of Multimedia technologies and Internet. 2.4 ICT SECTOR The ICT sector is represented by a four-tier system, namely policymaking, legal and regulatory framework, operators and consumers (end users). Policy Making The Policy making machinery in the country is an important component shaping the ICT industry. Given the crosscutting nature of ICT, all line ministries, legislators, traditional leaders, co-operating partners, public sector, private sector, civil society and individuals are key stakeholders to the policy making process. However, with respect to the ICT Portfolio, the Ministry of Communications and Transport is charged with the responsibility of setting the policy direction for the industry and country at large taking into account stakeholder views. Therefore, a clear policy framework is the foundation for the development of ICTs in the country. Legal and Regulatory Framework The responsibility for development of the legal framework for the sector lies in the ministry in charge of the ICT portfolio supported by the ministry responsible for the Justice portfolio and the legislature (Parliament). However, another important component in the process is the regulatory function in the sector. Currently, the Communications Authority of Zambia and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services carry the regulatory functions in Telecommunications and Broadcasting sub-sectors respectively. With the enactment of the IBA Act, on Independent Broadcasting Authority will assume the responsibility of regulating the broadcasting sub-sector. Operators At the operator level, the major players can be classified as follows; (a) Telecommunications Services The telecommunications sub-sector is composed of traditional fixed telephony and mobile communications based on the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication standard. Another category in this area includes Internet Service Providers. Equipment installation and other services is a small component of the sub-sector. (b) Information Technology This category comprises businesses involved in office automation and networking solutions such as supply and installation of computers and networks, system vending, end user training and distributorship. Over the years, the number of projects in this category has increased. However, foreign companies carry much of the substantial works leaving local companies to provide very limited services to clients. 6