CHAPTER IV Measures to Ensure Information Technology Application and Development SECTION I Information Infrastructure Servicing Information Technology Application and Development Article 54 Principles for development of information infrastructure 1. Information infrastructure shall be developed to ensure quality and diversification of services in order to meet requirements of information technology application and development. 2. The authorized State body shall be responsible to ensure development of information infrastructure consistent with requirements for socio-economic development; to facilitate all economic sectors in using information infrastructure in an environment of fair, equitable and transparent competition; and shall take synchronous measures to prevent any act abusing the information infrastructure to commit a breach as specified in article 12 of this Law. Article 55 Ensuring information infrastructure for servicing information technology application and development 1. The State shall adopt policies aimed at developing the national information infrastructure in a wide range, with a large capacity, high speed and quality and competitive charge compared with those in regional countries; encouraging organizations and individuals to jointly invest in and use information infrastructure. 2. Public internet access points shall be given priority for installation at post offices, communal postculture points, railway stations, bus terminals, seaports, airports, bordergates, residential areas, hospitals, schools, supermarkets and cultural and sport centres, to meet the needs of organizations and individuals. Article 56 Information infrastructure servicing State bodies 1. Information infrastructure servicing State bodies from the central to local levels shall be uniformly built and managed in accordance with regulations of the Government. 2. The budget for investment, construction, exploitation and maintenance of information infrastructure servicing State bodies shall be funded by the State budget and other sources. Article 57 Information infrastructure servicing public purposes 1. The State shall adopt policies aimed at prioritizing allocation of investment capital and shall apply a financial support mechanism to the construction and use of information infrastructure servicing public purposes and shall narrow the digital gap. 2. State administrative bodies for information technology at all levels shall be responsible to organize implementation of programs and projects for narrowing the digital gap, including: (a) Installation of systems of computers and internet access points at schools and public places nationwide; (b) Development of a body of instructors for computer use and internet access; © Allens Arthur Robinson - Vietnam Laws Online Database on www.vietnamlaws.com 22