12 Key Stakeholder Roles The Rural Telecommunications Program has been developed to provide basic telecommunications services in the rural areas and thus improve the quality of life. All stakeholders shall participate and contribute towards the successful implementation and utilisation of the rural program. There is no doubt that this program will assist in meeting the economic and social development of the country. 12.1 Government The government shall continuously develop and review the sector policy framework in order to provide an enabling environment for provision of service. The Government shall oversee and manage the rollout of appropriate infrastructure. The Government shall also establish a monitoring mechanism for both the operators and the regulator in order to ensure that the program is effectively implemented. The Government shall also establish a funding mechanism to ensure that operation and maintenance costs are funded accordingly. Government ministries and departments are urged to enhance their coordination efforts in a bid to boost efficiency. 12.2 Regulator The regulator’s role is to ensure the program is executed in a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory manner. The regulator shall also ensure that an enabling environment exists for the provision of telecommunications services to the rural areas in line with the aspirations of this program.. Regulatory intervention in the areas of licensing, interconnection, fees, tariffs, numbering, spectrum and customer complaints are required to be established and managed as part of monitoring process. The regulator will also monitor the operators’ performance and protect consumers against abuse. The regulator will also make sure that the program is equitable to all parties and allow for quick and efficient dispute resolutions. The regulator shall collect funds from levies or licensing activities to support the Rural Telecommunications Program as provided for by the law. They are also to contribute towards the cost of operating and maintaining the operations of rural networks in the form of excess funds. Rural Telecommunications Strategy 26 October 2006 31