Telecom Policy Review ED

UCC CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOPNILE HOTEL, KAMPALA – 6TH DECEMBER 2004: 

UCC CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOP NILE HOTEL, KAMPALA – 6TH DECEMBER 2004 TELECOM POLICY REVIEW: MOTIVATION , PROCESS AND TARGETS By PATRICK MASAMBU

1. Agenda: 

1. Agenda Background Motivation for Policy Review Holistic Approach to the Review The Process The Output Proposed Targets

2. Background: 

2. Background Current policy and regulatory framework derivative of 1996 Telecom Policy Operationalised through the Uganda Communications Act, 1997 The policy and law coupled with national operator licences have essentially led to establishment of a market structure and regulatory environment which has radically impacted on the development of telecoms in Uganda Notwithstanding the successes, recent sector reviews and analyses point to the need for addressing gaps and shortcomings in current policy so as to achieve better impact on human development

Background… (cont’d) : 

Background… (cont’d) Recognition of the need for a review following end of duopoly in July 2005. A UCC recommendation to the Minister about the need for a review led to the Minister’s request to UCC to undertake a holistic review of policy and make recommendations. Report reflects: motivation, background, source of documentation and thinking forming basis for recommended goals, objectives, strategy and Master Plan.

3. Motivation for Policy Review: 

3. Motivation for Policy Review Key objectives of 1996 Policy: separation of roles of policy, regulation and operations; increasing penetration of services to set targets; access by consumers to competitive range of services; increasing private investment substantially achieved. Time to set new horizons. Limited competition was key strategic pillar for attracting private investment. However, in reality the market growth has exceeded expectations need for a rethink?

Motivation …….(cont’d): 

Motivation …….(cont’d) Limited competition as per licence provisions may not be extended beyond expiry in July 2005, implying policy decisions required to redefine market structure. Convergence in terms of transport and delivery infrastructure irrespective of user services now reality  need to review current policy/regulatory environment The need to address identified shortcomings and gaps while building on established strengths.

4. Holistic Approach to Review: 

4. Holistic Approach to Review The main drive for 1996 Policy was to provide a minimum but acceptable basic infrastructure; with present achievement, the desire now is to build infrastructure to enable other sectors. Policy that creates telecom environment responsive to development needs. Policy derived from a National Vision (Vision 2025) and PEAP – as implemented through the various pillars, and the National ICT Policy.

Holistic approach….. (cont’d): 

Holistic approach….. (cont’d) A policy responsive to broad world aspirations: Millenium Development Goals, World Summit on Information Society Declaration and Action Plans- Phase 1 The Holistic Approach also needs to take due cogniscence of marginalised citizens.

5. The Process: 

5. The Process Critical that the policy review can lay claim to national ownership Process designed to provide opportunity for meaningful contribution by various stakeholders Started with internal review within UCC prior to expansion to include other stakeholders

The Process….. (cont’d): 

The Process….. (cont’d) Inception and Drafting Phase (Phase 1): Direct players in National ICT Policy involved in inception and thinking prior to draft report and policy production. Consultative Phase (Phase 2): expanded discussions and involvement

6. The Output: 

6. The Output The Policy Consultative Document Proposed Targets

Slide12: 

END OF PART 1 Thank You

7. Proposed Targets : 

7. Proposed Targets Defined within the context of providing an infrastructure that provides by the year 2010, accessibility & availability----voice/data network point. PART A : Targets to support UA-RCDF Institutional Data Access Points of speeds not <64Kb/s : All UPE schls & post primary insts; Educ.insts; govt HC(LCIII); pop-ctrs>…; agric.ext units and other public insts.(UCC determined).

Targets….(cont’d): 

Targets….(cont’d) Public Data Access points of not < 64 Kb/s in each sub-county(LCIII). Public Voice Access in each LCII/parish. Interconnection of all district capitals by gigabit optical fibre---national data backbone.

Targets….(cont’d): 

Targets….(cont’d) PART B : Targets addressing population sectors that can afford services. A universal service target of 20% of projected population—up from current 4.2%.-assumes 30% of pop>poverty line Internet connection at speeds >64Kb/s to at least 10% of households---up from current of less than 1%.

Targets……(cont’d): 

Targets……(cont’d) PART C : Strategy Objectives-aimed at market regulation. Licensing Objectives Addressing affordability Investment targets—identify at least 5PPP for backbone infrastructure by 2010.

Targets…..(cont’d): 

Targets…..(cont’d) Provisional Targets for 2005-2007: 64Kbit/s infrastructure Education: At least 5 UPE schools at each sub-county At least 1 secondary school at each sub-county All Universities and Tertiary Institutions.

Targets…..(cont’d): 

Targets…..(cont’d) Health : At least 1Hospital per district 2 Health Centres per LCIII&LCII Public Voice Access@ all HC-LCIII & LCII

Targets….. (cont’d): 

Targets….. (cont’d) Agriculture All district research and development centres. All agricultural research centres Agricultural extension offices.

Targets…..(cont’d): 

Targets…..(cont’d) E—Governance All district headquarters All sub county headquarters Public Voice Access at each LCII/parish

Slide21: 

Thank You