4-4-4 Telecoms Market In 2008, the total revenue generated by the voice telephony market in Sierra Leone was estimated to be $176 million. Indeed, the demand in the voice market has been growing at a rate of 72% while that of the Internet lags behind at 15%. The trend in the voice market in Sierra Leone is moving from the traditional voice telephony model to the rich voice (Interactive voice response, ring tone download and audio streaming) model. As for Internet services, there is an ever-growing demand for higher Internet bandwidth for data-intensive services. Many financial institutions are rolling out products requiring higher bandwidth for data services. 4-5 The Postal Sector The Postal Sector has been beset by several problems in the past decade. The use of postal services has reduced drastically, due in part to the emergence of Internet and web technologies, and also due to general loss of confidence in the services. These problems have been exacerbated by poor infrastructure and inadequate finances to improve and expand the sector. Nonetheless, the Government is committed to developing a vibrant and efficient postal sector to effectively meet present and future needs. In particular, the Government plans to liberalize the fast mail and courier service segment of the sector in which the private sector has continued to play an important role. Additionally all post offices will be required to adhere to minimum service standards against which performance will be monitored. The Universal Service Provider will provide exclusive services such as delivery of printed materials and packages weighing up to 350 grams and the issuing of stamps. The non-exclusive market segments will consist of Courier and Parcel Services, Marketing Services, Postal Financial Services, and Agency services with other sectors. The Government recognises the key role of the postal sector to the development of ICTs in Sierra Leone as the incumbent operator, SALPOST is equipped with infrastructure and premises spanning the entire country. The Government is also mindful of the need to converge regulation as technology converges across the postal, telecoms and media sectors. An overview of the strategic considerations on the Postal Sector is located in Annexe B. 4.6 Broadcast Media and regulating converged technology Broadcast media have emerged as one of the most powerful communication tools in the 21st century thus revolutionising the way in which individuals and societies interact. A series of reforms have been undertaken in the broadcasting sub-sector to ensure that it becomes competitive and serves the growing needs of the people. Consequently, over 40 radio and two TV stations are operational in Sierra Leone. ICT Policy of Sierra Leone Page 21 / 63