What is the Policy and Regulatory Framework for the NEPAD ICT Broadband Infrastructure Network for Eastern and Southern Africa?
With a view to resolving policy and regulatory issues that may impede or prevent the realization of the rationalized network, the NEPAD e-Africa Commission worked with Government ICT Experts, ICT Policy Advisors, Regulators, Civil Society, Legal Experts, Executives of Telecom Companies, and Development Funding Institutions to develop a policy and regulatory framework within which the network, including the submarine cable, could be developed. The Experts and Policy Advisors agreed that the integrated ICT Broadband backbone should be based on the principles listed below: The Policy Principles • Non-discriminatory ‘open access’. • Equitable joint ownership of the backbone infrastructure across the region. • Separation of ownership of the infrastructure from its use. • Use of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to build, own and operate the broadband ICT network • ICT broadband infrastructure should be viewed as a “public good†and operated on a cost-recovery basis. The Experts and Pol
