MINISTRY OF WORKS, TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION 3. BACKGROUND In 1992 the following Presidential Directives were issued by Cabinet: CAB. MEMO/117 SWC 13/30 Competition in the provision of Telecommunications. CAB. MEMO/98 SWC 13/30 An Appropriate Ownership for Mobile Telephones in Botswana. In implementation of the above directives, the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communications approached some experienced telecommunications authorities and consultants to consider, examine and advise on the following issues related to the restructuring and involvement of the private sector in the provision of telecommunications services: i) Formulation of appropriate telecommunication policy. ii) Drafting of appropriate telecommunication legislation. iii) Establishment of a telecommunications Regulatory Authority. iv) Interconnection and equal access policy for providers of value added network services (VANS) and Botswana Telecommunications Corporation(BTC). v) Interconnection charges and tariffs for use of BTC infrastructure and services by providers of VANS. Considering the complex nature of the assignment, and recognizing the unavailability of in-house expertise, a consultancy contract was awarded to a consortium consisting of Swedtel and ISO-Swedish Management Group in October 1994. A Reference Group was constituted to initially evaluate the consultancy proposals and then to direct and oversee the activities of the Consultants throughout the duration of the study. The Reference Group, under the Chairmanship of the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communications, comprises members from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Attorney Generals Chambers, the Directorate of Public Service Management and Botswana Telecommunications Corporation. 8 TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY FOR BOTSWANA