information services and ensure their security, in a manner consistent with global technological evolution. 3) Set the policy for the provision of Universal Service to meet the requirements of economic and social development. 4) Identify plans that encourage investment in the Telecommunications and Information Technology sector, and that create suitable conditions to provide telecommunications and information services for users at fair prices. 5) Prepare draft legislation related to the Telecommunications and Information Technology sector, in consultation with the Authority. 6) Participate in preparing the National Plan for Radio-Frequency Spectrum. 7) Represent Syria before countries and organizations, and in international and regional and Arab unions, in all matters relating to Telecommunications and Information Technology, in coordination with other concerned authorities. 8) Ensure compliance with the obligations specified in international, regional and Arab agreements in the Telecommunications and Information Technology sector that Syria joined or is a party to. 9) Encourage training and capacity building activities, and promote research and development innovation and creativity, in the Telecommunications and Information Technology field; determine the financing needed to implement these activities; and participate in their implementation; propose the establishment of laboratories and research and development centers, and create training and educational programs, necessary for these purposes. 10) Increase awareness of the importance of Telecommunications and Information Technology in economic and social development in Syria. Chapter Three - The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority Article 4 Establishing the Authority (a) A regulatory authority named “The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority” shall be established in the Syrian Arab Republic. The Authority shall be linked to the Minister. It shall be responsible for regulating the Telecommunications sector according to the provisions of this Law. The Authority shall be a separate legal entity enjoying administrative and financial independence. Its headquarters shall be located in Damascus. 11