This document focuses on the measures that concern the development of a communication infrastructure as a unique technological platform for the development of the information society, as a precondition for introduction and mass use of all services of the information society (e-Government, e-Education, e-Business, e-Health, etc.) and digital contents that finally aim at improving the quality of life in the Republic of Macedonia. Although this document gives priority the development of electronic communications, the converging of technologies makes it necessary to deal also with issues related to information technologies and media. This document does not include a strategy for supporting the domestic IT industry, measures for increased penetration of personal computers, nor the issues related to info-communications in the public administration. Electronic communications play a central role in the development of the Information Society; of critical importance for their development is that the Republic of Macedonia chooses the best option taking into consideration the dominance1 of the telecommunications sector compared to the information sector on state level. The National Strategy for the development of Electronic Communications with Information Technologies has as a goal to reduce this unbalance as a precondition for the development of the Information Society. The realisation of the Strategy will be followed through the progress made in achieving the goals of the Strategy: Measured against all most important ICT indicators, the Republic of Macedonia should achieve: -80% of the average of the new EU Member Countries in 2010 -90% of the average of the new EU Member Countries in 2012 A precise list of ICT indicators will be made up additionally by the institutions in charge of regulation and development of the information communication technologies in the Republic of Macedonia. When comprising the list, account will be taken of the European and global experiences with regard to measuring aptitude and readiness for the development of the Information Society. Due to the enormous importance of broadband internet access, the percentage of families in Macedonia that have such type of internet access from their homes will be considered a most important indicator. Within 3 months following the adoption of this Strategy, a detailed Action Plan will be prepared by a Working Group consisting of representatives of all interested sectors that will provide detailed directives for the systematic realisation of the measures set forth in this Strategy. Activities and measures defined in this document primarily concern the period from the middle of 2007 to the middle of 2010, however, the complete effects that they will have 1 IDC Adria research on the situation in the ICT sector in 2005. Page 2 of 40