MINISTRY OF WORKS, TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION 5. GOALS The telecommunications industry has an important role to play in attainment of Botswana's development goals. In order to link development of the telecommunications industry with Government's overall development policies, three interrelated objectives for the sector have been identified. These are: UNIVERSAL SERVICE Access to basic telecommunication services e.g. basic telephony, has been recognised in many countries as a citizen right, comparable with the right to basic education and primary health care. In Botswana, with 4.1 telephone lines per 100 inhabitants, there is still a long way to go in order to achieve universal services i.e. a telephone in every household wanting the service, at an affordable price. Expansion of networks and services should therefore be the primary goal of the telecommunications industry. By making universal services a primary goal, actors in the industry would be made aware of their expected responsibilities in the development of the sector. EFFICIENT SERVICES The former and present driving forces of economic growth are weakening and need to be supplemented and replaced by new and dynamic ones. The need for development and diversification of the economy has been stated by Government as a national goal. Whatever options and directions are chosen, it is evident that they will be dependent on a modern and efficient telecommunication infrastructure and services. The telecommunications policy should aim to promote a broad, reliable and efficient supply of telecommunications services in the country to international standards and at the lowest possible cost to consumers and to the national economy. REGIONAL BALANCE Economic development is taking place unevenly in different regions of the country and between rural and urban areas. This is a natural phenomenon in all economies, in developed as well as in developing countries. Traditionally, the State has intervened to counterbalance the gap created by market forces. In Botswana, with the majority of the population living in rural areas, an important challenge for Government is to integrate these people and areas into the economic and social development of the nation. The relevance of telecommunications in this process should be recognised. 11 TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY FOR BOTSWANA