5.15 TELECOMMUNICATION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Recognising that telecommunications is a core component of ICTs, Research and Development (R&D) in the sector will be encouraged. Steps will be taken to ensure that the industry invests adequately in R&D to promote local industrial growth and hasten technology transfer. Universities and tertiary institutions will be encouraged to undertake R&D activities in collaboration with telecommunications service providers and manufacturers. 4.16 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES It is important that in development of telecommunication facilities, due regard is taken so as to minimise their environmental impact. The Government will therefore ensure that telecommunications operators minimize the effect of their infrastructure developments on the environment and reduce the inconvenience and intrusion caused by such infrastructure. 5.17 NETWORK SECURITY AND RELIABILITY The telecommunications infrastructure and networks are critical components of the national infrastructure. Regulations will therefore be developed to ensure that such infrastructure and networks are robust and resilient and have adequate security, redundancy and backup arrangements 5.18 NATIONAL SECURITY The Government will create statutory obligations of telecommunications service providers to assist law enforcement in executing legal intercept pursuant to the security needs of the country. 34