Interconnection of facilities 18.(1) An operator may enter into an agreement with another operator or other operators for the purpose of connecting its network facilities with the network facilities of the other operator or operators on such terms and conditions as – (a) the first operator and the other operator or operators agree; and (b) the Authority approves. (2) If the operators referred in subsection (1) fail to agree on terms for interconnecting network facilities, the Authority shall, at the request of any of them, determine such terms and conditions. (3) The Authority may, on the application of an operator, order another operator or operators to connect any of the network facilities of the first-mentioned operator with the network facilities of the other operator or operators on such terms and conditions as the Authority may determine. (4) The Authority may issue guidelines in accordance with which telecommunication operators may negotiate interconnection agreements. Regulation of rates and tariffs 19.(1) No public telecommunication operator shall provide a basic telecommunication service except in accordance with a tariff or table of charges approved by the Minister, in consultation with the Authority. (2) A tariff or a table of charges shall be prepared and published in such manner as the Authority may direct. (3) The Minister, in consultation with the Authority, shall not approve any tariff or charge unless it is satisfied that it is just and reasonable. (4) A public telecommunication operator shall not unduly discriminate against or give undue preference to any person, including itself, or subject any person to an undue disadvantage, in relation to tariffs, charges, or the other terms on which it provides service. (5) The Authority may issue guidelines on any matter concerning tariffs or charges for services, including the method or techniques in accordance with which operators shall calculate tariffs or charges for services. (6) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where a public telecommunication operator has submitted a tariff or table of charges to the Authority and it has not been approved or rejected by the Authority within one month, the operator may implement the tariff or table of charges. (7) A tariff or table of charges shall not be implemented before it has been published in the Gazette. Technical standards 20.(1) The Authority may determine technical standards regarding telecommunications, including standards about network matters and customer premises equipment. (2) In determining a technical standard the Authority may apply, adopt, or incorporate, with or without modification, any existing standard. (3) Every determination regarding a standard shall be published in such manner as the Authority may direct. Approval of equipment 21.(1) The Authority may, by notice published in such manner as it may direct, specify the telecommunication equipment that requires the Authority’s approval before it may be connected to a licensed telecommunication system. (2) Every person who intends to connect to a licensed system equipment to which subsection (1) applies shall apply to the Authority in the form and manner required by the Authority. (3) A person applying for approval under this section may be required by the Authority to comply with such requirements as the Authority may consider appropriate, and those 9 9