FOREWARD This National Information and Communications Technology Policy (National ICT Policy) is proposed by the Ministry of Communications and Aviation (MCA). It is based on the 2015report of the ICT Policy Technical Advisor, Dr. Andrew Simpson, updated by MCA to reflect changes in circumstances occurring since 2015. The present draft National ICT Policy should be read together with the Legislative Reforms for Implementation of the National ICT Policy; the National Broadcasting Policy; and Legislative Reforms for Implementation of the National Broadcasting Policy proposed by the ICT Policy Technical Advisor. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. 2. 3. This National ICT Policy sets out the policy of Solomon Islands Government with respect to meeting the information and communications technology ( ICT ) needs of Solomon Islands people. The aim of this National ICT Policy is to provide policy to direct changes that benefit people and organizations in Solomon Islands, which:  Can in practice be implemented to yield tangible benefits for Solomon Islands; and  Can be monitored, evaluated and improved on, consistent with the methods favoured by the Solomon Islands Government and its principal development partners. The National ICT Policy is structured in three Parts. PART ONE comprises:   Vision and Mission – stating the national Vision and Mission for ICT in the life of Solomon Islands, consistent with the DCCG vision of a “Peaceful, United and Progressive Country of Solomon Islands.”1 Background – describing the importance of ICT and ICT policy for Solomon Islands and the current state of ICT availability and use.  Policy Principles – setting out the principles which have guided the Government in determining this National ICT Policy are set out, to assist in its interpretation and in making the many choices that will be required in its implementation, including as to priorities among ICT Strategies, the action plans to put ICT Strategies into 1 Democratic Coalition for Change Government Policy Statement (Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, January 2015) para 5.0. Page | 3 Solomon Islands National ICT Policy