The criteria shall be reviewed regularly using available data collected from a variety of sources. A variety of non-governmental organisations, private organisations, government ministries and departments shall be approached for necessary information that will be used to develop the criteria. The facts provided by these organizations will allow the criteria to be applied consistently across the spectrum of localities. To ensure fairness, only criteria that can be applied to every locality should be used in the determination of the new rollout plan. In order for transparency to be achieved, the criteria for evaluating localities shall be analysed and presented in the Rollout Plan. Transparency is critical to encourage acceptance and support for the program. Citizens need to embrace and utilise the services being provided. The public can only support, enhance and effectively utilise the program if they see that the program is being implemented in a fair and equitable manner. 6.3 Eligibility Criteria The eligibility criteria analyses localities in order to see whether they qualify to be provided with service under the rural program. It is very important that a continuous review of the criteria is undertaken to duly capture any changes that may occur. For a locality to be eligible for provision of service under the Rural Telecommunications Program, the locality in question shall meet the following criteria: i) Have a population between 250 and 1500 ii) Have not been covered by the Rural Program since 1995 iii) Qualify as a special case, such as – Remote Area Dweller (RAD) communities – Border Posts – Permanent Veterinary Inspection Points – Locality with a population of less than 250, but have a Primary school 6.4 Prioritization of Localities In the event that funding for the rollout of infrastructure and services is limited, it will be necessary to deploy infrastructure in a phased manner. Prioritization criteria shall be applied to assist with the determination of localities where the needs are greatest relative to each other. The focus must be on determining how the unique localities can be fairly assessed so as to decide which warrants the highest priority for service rollout. The criteria must reflect Rural Telecommunications Strategy 26 October 2006 16