consultation process;
4. A name change to the Ministry of Communications (with post implied) will
better position the Ministry to broaden its scope in the digital space. The
change of name would take place in the near future but in the interim the MoPT
would assume the responsibility of the objectives set out in this policy.
6.5 The Role of the ICT Regulator
Periodic policy reviews should be undertaken to strengthen the role of the LTA in light
of ongoing technology convergence which brings together Telecommunications and
broadcasting sub-sectors/ sub-divisions and emerging digital services. In the interim
the LTA will continue to perform the regulatory role for the telecommunications and
broadcast
infrastructure sector. The requisite changes in policy and laws14 should be carried out to
ensure LTA’s is able to carry out its stated objectives including the following:
1. Ensure there is a level playing field and no barriers to entry for the
provision of communication services;
2. Ensure those unserved by affordable services are able to connect
themselves, with the support of The Universal Access Fund if necessary;
3. Continue leadership of the Universal Access Fund to advance
connectivity in underserved areas;
4. Promote and protect investment in the industry with fair and competitive
management practices;
5. Establish and enforce quality of service standards including technical ones;
6. Ensure the prudent/efficient allocation and management of spectrum
including fair, transparent and competitive good practices;
7. Make provisions to allocate spectrum to smaller providers and increase
competition for unserved areas;
8. Develop guidelines to promote efficient and effective infrastructure sharing
and open access;
9. Protect the consumer via awareness and the development of consumer
protection standards in line with international good practices;
10. Carry out periodic assessment of the sector and publish results in an open
and easily accessible format;
11. Carry out evidenced based research and forecasts and advise the MoPT on
policy for the ICT sector;
12. Pursue an infrastructure sharing policy to guide growth of independent
infrastructure management companies, encourage innovation competition
and open access across all ICT owned infrastructure across multiple
sectors;
13. Develop a strategy to manage the Postal Sector.
6.6 The role of Independent Broadcasting Regulator
Broadcasting content will be regulated by an independent broadcasting regulator
under the Ministry of Information, Tourism and culture. The LTA will however continue
to be responsible for the orderly and efficient management, allocation, assignment
and use of radio frequencies, including all civilian, non-civilian and commercial uses
of radio frequencies.
14
The current Telecommunications Act 2007 has stated objectives the LTA is working toward
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