MINISTRY OF WORKS, TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION 6.4 PROMOTION OF A CONTROLLED DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRY BY REGULATING SUPPLY CONDITIONS. Justif1cation. The fundamental purpose of telecommunication industry regulation is to optimize sector performance by creating an environment which is conducive to long term investment and by enforcing effective measures to prevent exploitation. When competition is introduced it is also necessary to create a "level playing f1eld'' and have a referee in the market Implications. Telecommunications regulation is a complex and demanding task even where competition already exists and resources are plentiful. In Botswana, where the monopoly position of the governmentowned operator is well entrenched and where skilled human resources are in short supply, the task may be daunting. Not only must the Regulatory Authority cope with the task to physically establish the organisation, but also within a short period after its establishment address a host of critical issues from licensing to pricing, interconnection and competition policies. It is envisaged that technical and financial support for development of the regulatory capacity and necessary human resources will be needed for a number of years. Given the fact that data available for the Regulatory Authority for its decision making, at least in the beginning, is mainly available from BTC or the Ministry, it is important that the Authority demonstrates its independence by developing its own information channels .s quickly as possible. To achieve desired development of the industry and enable the Regulatory Authority to carry out its functions, it is imperative that the Authority's legal mandate and its routine operations are defined in a manner which separates it from direct day to-day interference from either the Ministry or the dominant operator. An independent and well functioning Regulatory Authority has an important role to play in pursuit of the national goals. 6.5 PROMOTION OF USERS' INFLUENCE IN DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRY. Justif1cation. Users participation in shaping and development of the telecommunication sector will ensure sustained development and protect 16 TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY FOR BOTSWANA