By VB, founder of www.vortexpng.com

Information Communication Technology (ICT) policy is a blueprint of how Broadcasting, Internet and telecommunication can be used for nation building. Government have to set out its policy independently before the private companies come in. If we allow companies to come in without us having a ICT paper, the development of the policy down the track are usually dictated by the vested interest (private companies), and that is usually money driven.

I do understand its great for competition by lowering rates, that will be inevitable.

Within the ICT policy it usually contains an action plan and strategy. Following are some examples.

1.Health services: e-medicine techniques: as it is a policy, companies are driven towards servicing in that area, collaborating with medical institution etc…

2. Agriculture:weather data, commodity prices and global markets, and agriculture information system. As it is a government policy companies will be compelled to provide opitimol services in these areas when requested.

3. Administrative and social services. Access to government administrative and social services is often time consuming, or beyond the reach of people in rural areas. Government documents can be made available through on-line. Again companies will be oriented to assist in national building through the ICT policy.

In addition to the strategies are tax concessions and other incentive for private companies, if they are heavily involved in national building, is governed by the ICT policy.

Another important issue is information confidentially, coordination between NIO, Police, Military, and private companies will also be governed by the policy.

I know the competition opens up many possibilities, but as a sovereign nation we have to stratigically make use of the foreign companies who decide to come and make money from us.

em liklik 2toea blo mi tasol

all have a great week

vb