KEY PROGRAMS Each major objective consists of key programs and projects (initiatives) that will be implemented with relentless passion. The key programs are identified and described below. • ENHANCING AND HARMONIZING THE NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE • ICT IN EDUCATION • DEVELOPING THE E-COMMERCE INFRASTRUCTURE • BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE – CONNECT BELIZE • CREATING JOBS - DEVELOPING ICT INDUSTRY • MODERNIZING THE PUBLIC SECTOR USING ICT ENHANCING AND HARMONIZING THE NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE The country of Belize needs to take action GOB in collaboration with the private sector, to create a vibrant, competitive and open civil telecommunication industry that enables development partners will implement the the availability and accessibility of quality following Projects/Initiatives to facilitate the and affordable telecommunication services enhancement and harmonization of the to consumers and fostering social and Belize economic benefits to the country. infrastructure: While the number of ICT users in Belize is • society, and national its international telecommunications Develop a comprehensive and sound growing, there are still significant segments competitive framework of the population that do not have ready communications services access to telecommunication; in particular, international Internet services. The challenge for GOB, in promoting competition, innovation, and collaboration with its private sector, civil investment in broadband services. society and international development • best for matching practices by Promote and facilitate domestic and partners, is to encourage the development foreign investment in additional Internet of backbone a vibrant, high-quality, low-cost in an international telecommunications infrastructure which all competiveness mode in order to bring citizens have the opportunity to access. more telecommunication capacity and Belize ICT National Strategy 44