8 Services Telecommunications services are growing in importance for all the sectors of the economy including education, health, agriculture and other development initiatives. Maitlamo, the Draft National ICT Policy, clearly states that all schools and clinics in Botswana are to be connected with telecommunications capabilities. It has become a necessity that the general human resource development systems embrace and strongly use ICT in order to prepare Batswana to engage the global society. This function is critical and central to the future prosperity and development of Botswana. The Rural Telecommunications Program shall therefore ensure these capabilities are developed and provided in every community. 8.1 Services Offered Voice, internet and data services shall be provided in the rural areas to assist these communities to become more economically and socially sustainable. The rural public shall also have access to directory information and all emergency services. 8.2 Affordability Given that disposable incomes in rural areas are low, it is imperative to look beyond the traditional business and residential access. Public access at a nominal cost shall therefore be provided using a Public Pay Phone and/or Community Access Point. This will make available an affordable alternative to personal ownership of communications equipment such as telephones, computers and internet connectivity. This would also minimize the high cost of providing services to the rural areas. The implementation of these Public Pay Phones and or Community Access Points shall be negotiated between the individual communities and the applicable service provider. It is recommended that the setting up of these Community Access Points should be implemented through public and private partnership arrangement. Rural Telecommunications Strategy 26 October 2006 21