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THE ROAD TOWARDS HARMONISATION OF ACCESS/SERVICE TO ICT – LESSONS LEARNT. Bridget Mphatso Linzie, CRASA Acting Executive Secretary Workshop on Guidelines on Universal Access/Service Gabon 21 June 2012. CONTENTS. Background to CRASA ToRs for ToolKit Development
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THE ROAD TOWARDS HARMONISATION OF ACCESS/SERVICE TO ICT – LESSONS LEARNT Bridget Mphatso Linzie, CRASA Acting Executive Secretary Workshop on Guidelines on Universal Access/Service Gabon 21 June 2012
CONTENTS • Background to CRASA • ToRs for ToolKit Development • Process in Development of Toolkit • Status of UA/S Programs in SADC • Lessons learnt
BACKGROUND • Established in year 1997 under the Article 10.7 (b) of the SADC Protocol on TCM • A consultative body to deal with the harmonisation of ICT regulatory framework in SADC • Merged with SAPRA in June 2011 ( Ministerial directive) and current focus in harmonisation of postal and ICTs regulatory frameworks (maximisation of value and benefits of a converged policy and regulatory environment) Apart from Madagascar and Seychelles
BACKGROUND • Enhance regulation and promote regulatory framework harmonisation in SADC • Promote investment in the sector • Promote regional integration (Merge the small national ICT and Postal markets to relatively larger ones and enable firms to exploit the achieved economies of scale) • Promote universal network development and universal access to postal and ICT services; • Promote the adoption of best practices, exchange of ideas and information and expertise • Act as a common voice for SADC Postal and ICT regulators on international arena (credibility, visibility and better negotiating outcomes at the international fora)
OUTCOME • Old SADC UAS Definition • Provision of basic telecommunications services and internet • New SADC UAS Definition • services beyond fixed and mobile voice are included, which could include Internet, broadband and broadcasting
Lessons Learnt • Definition of Universal Service/Access must be rooted in realities of local experiences, circumstances and diversities • Definition of Universal service/access revolutionise with time • Need for innovation and creativity in identification of service to be under USAF: • mobile ICTs have taken over the Fixed ICTs in provision of Universal Access • Need to consider addition of new services (Broadband/Digital Broadcasting)
Lessons Learnt • Monitoring mechanism critical • Multi stakeholder approach vital • Learn but do not copy, Africa needs to find African-driven solutions to Universal Access
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