- 11 ­ Telecommunications Corporation are transferred to Malawi Telecom as prescribed in section 71; (b) the postal assets and undertakings of the Malawi Posts and Telecommunications Corporation are transferred to Malawi Posts as prescribed in section 83; "voice telephony" means the commercial provision for the public of the direct transport and switching of speech in real time between public switched network termination points. PART II — MALAWI COMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY AUTHORITY Establishment of the Malawi Communica­ tions Regulatory Authority 3. —(1) There is hereby established the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (in this Act otherwise referred to as the "Authority") for the purpose of performing the functions assigned under this Act. (2) The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority shall be a body corporate by that name and shall— (a) have perpetual succession and a common seal; (b) be capable of suing and being sued in its corporate name; (c) be capable of acquiring and disposing of any moveable or immoveable property and performing such acts and things as bodies corporate may by law do or perform; and (d) have power to perform such functions and exercise such powers as are conferred by this Act. First Schedule (3) In addition to the provisions of this Act, the First Schedule shall apply to the Authority with respect to the matters specified in that Schedule. General duties of the Authority 4. —(1) The Authority shall have the general duty to ensure that, so far as it is practicable, there are provided throughout Malawi reliable and affordable communication services sufficient to meet the demand for them. (2) Subject to subsection (1), the Authority shall— (a) protect the interests of consumers, purchasers and other users of communication services in respect of the prices charged for the quality and variety of services provided and terminal equipment supplied. (b) promote open access to information by means of communication services; (c) promote efficiency and competition among persons engaged in provision of communication services or supply of communication equipment; (d) encourage the introduction of new communication services; (e) promote research in telecommunications, including radiocommunications; and (f) foster the development of communications services and technology in accordance with recognized international standards.