MINISTRY OF WORKS, TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION . 8. POLICY MEASURES The process of liberalisation of the telecommunications industry is a fairly recent occurrence and there is limited international experience to draw from. Besides, each country is unique in its social, economic and political structure and subsequently requires specific solutions for its own development. Policy measures presented in this paper have been subject to intensive consultations in Botswana and they have been designed to represent a balanced and realistic policy framework for a modern telecommunications industry in Botswana. 8.1 COMPETITION IS INTRODUCED IN THE TELECOMMMUNICATION; INDUSTRY AND BTC'S EXCLUSIVE PRIVILEGE TO PROVIDE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IS ABOLISHED. Justification. Various concepts of market structures, ranging from full or partial retention of the monopoly in some market segments to a mixture of duopoly and competition in other areas have all been rejected by the consulted interest groups. | Strong support for full competition in all aspects of provision of telecommunication I networks and services has been pronounced. Implications. In Botswana, with a very large unmet demand for telecommunication services, these demands might be more quickly satisfied by lifting all barriers to market entry at the outset of the reform programme. The prevailing situation of unsatisfied demands and high prices makes the industry attractive also for new entrants, thus creating a favourable climate for real and sustainable changes to take place . Full competition in all areas of telecommunications, however, requires sophisticated and well developed regulatory capacity. In the absence of trained expertise and supportive legislation, interim measures and solutions need to be put in place. The consequences of introduction of competition, as indicated in paragraph 6.1, also need careful consideration. Measures to compensate under-privileged groups and areas as well as concern about the expansion of the national network need to be addressed. Hence, competition should 19 TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY FOR BOTSWANA