The Government of Kiribati recognizes the critical role of ICT in Kiribati’s future economic development. ICT is a key ingredient in connecting people to each other and to vital services which underpin economic and social wellbeing. Consequently, the Government is committed to fostering the development and use of affordable, reliable ICT services in the interests of all of the people of Kiribati.

The Government affirms the need for affordable and reliable ICT services as a fundamental input for enhanced economic growth and development, particularly in the underserved and remote areas of Kiribati. International experience, particularly in developing countries, shows that telecommunications are an essential input for other sectors, and for the creation of wealth and jobs. However, the penetration and usage must be significant or high for tangible results.

This National ICT policy is focused on creating a robust, stable, market-­‐driven ICT sector, which the Government believes will create a favorable climate that is attractive to private investors and will lead to increased ICT infrastructure investment and services development. The Government acknowledges that a key element of a sustainable market is that tariffs must reflect the actual efficient costs of providing the services.

Content

• Background
• Links to other Government policies
• Importance of the ICT sector
• Current status of telecommunications in Kiribati
• Policy objectives for the ICT sector
  • Five guiding principles
  • Statement of specific objectives and timetable
• Outer Island Strategy
• Strengthening administration of the telecommunications sector
  • Ministry of Communications, Transport and Tourism Development
  • Independent and proportionate regulation
• Regulatory policies
  • Market entry and operator licensing
  • Competition issues
  • Tariff policy
  • Interconnection
  • Infrastructure sharing
  • Market conduct, mergers and acquisitions
  • Rights of Way
  • Numbering
  • Customer premises equipment
• International connections and Gateway
• Radio spectrum
  • Spectrum management
  • Radio spectrum for mobile operators
• Other obligations, taxes
• Strengthening Telecom Services Kiribati Limited
• Government's ICT activities
• Further development of the Policy