70 likes | 221 Views
Botswana Policy Statement at the WSIS+10. Honourable Nonofo E. Molefhi Minister of Transport and Communications. I ntroduction. Botswana has a very small population As developing nation, we are facing challenges in implementing ICT initiatives
E N D
Botswana Policy Statement at the WSIS+10 Honourable Nonofo E. Molefhi Minister of Transport and Communications
Introduction • Botswana has a very small population • As developing nation, we are facing challenges in implementing ICT initiatives • There are other competing needs such as provision of water, energy and housing • It is very difficult to achieve balance between the competing needs • Despite this challenges, government has invested a lot money on ICT infrastructure • But more effort is required drive the demand for ICT services
Achievements • Policy Framework • 2007 National ICT Policy • 2006 Rural Telecommunications Strategy • Establishment of converged communications regulator • 2012 e-Government Strategy • Broadband Strategy • Regulatory Framework • Service Neutral Licensing Framework • Infrastructure Sharing Guidelines • Various Communications Regulations
Achievements • Deployment of broadband infrastructure • Capacity on undersea cables • National backbone ring • Rural connectivity • Connectivity to school, libraries, post offices and community access centres • High uptake of mobile services • E-Legislation • Electronic Communications and Transactions Act • E-Evidence Act • Provision of government information on line
Challenges • As a landlocked country, high cost of accessing undersea cables • High cost of deploying services due to the big geographical area with small population • High cost of internet services • Low uptake of services especially internet (@ home and business) • Most of villages are not connected to the power grid • Low levels of local content • Low level of public awareness
Ongoing and Planned Activities • Implementation of Broadband Strategy targeting both supply and demand sides • Deployment of mobile broadband network • Deployment of fixed broadband network • Network security • Public awareness and campaign • Digital literacy program • ICT research, innovation and development • Local content development • Internet connectivity and access to public facilities • Privatisation of the incumbent state owned telecommunications operator • Implementation of e-government, e-health, e-learning programmes • Establishment of Universal Access Fund • E-Legislation: Personal Data Protection, etc
Conclusion • Botswana has adopted an ecosystem based approach to broadband • Addressing both the supply and demand side of broadband will lead to attainment of WSIS Action lines • Digital inclusion can only be achieved through regional & international collaboration • Botswana continues to play a role in fostering this cooperation