STATEMENT OF TANZANIA
BY HON. PROFESSOR M. J. MWANDOSYA (MP.) THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND
TRANSPORT, THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
Mr. Chairman,
May I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Government of the United
Republic of Tanzania, and on my own behalf to thank the Royal Government of
Morocco for hosting the 16th Plenipotentiary Conference of the International
Telecommunication Union in this beautiful and eternal city of Marrakech,
Morocco, in the African continent.
Mr. Chairman,
Let me also take this opportunity to thank the Secretary General and the
Directors of the bureaus of the International Telecommunications Union for their
tireless effort in spearheading the Union towards bridging the
telecommunications and Digital Divide between developing and developed nations
for achievement of Social and economic development of mankind. In order to find
the "missing link" this conference is an ideal global forum to draw up
necessary mechanisms that will attract investments in developing countries.
There has indeed been tremendous change and development in the
telecommunications sector since the restructuring of the Union in early 1990's.
Policies and legislations governing the telecommunications sector have changed
tremendously. The restructuring and privatization of the telecommunications
sector through introduction of new policies by the member countries and
introduction of competition in the sector is a clear manifestation of the
union's achievement.
Mr. Chairman,
We are in the 21st century. Developed Nations are already implementing the
third Generation Network services while developing countries are still using the
conventional technologies and telecommunications services in the rural areas are
virtually non-existent. It is therefore imperative to extend the coverage of
telecommunications services to rural areas in order to provide a stimulus to
economic and social activities. This can be achieved if policy makers,
stakeholders, and the ITU work closely together.
The successful implementation of the Buenos Aires, the Valletta, as well as
that of Istanbul Plans of Action on the programme of telecommunications
development in rural and remote areas for developing countries upon completion
will be a great achievement to the ITU. Already many developing countries are
implementing this programme. In Tanzania one of the Multipurpose Community
Telecentres is already operational, another is in the offing
Mr. Chairman,
My Government has opened up competition in non-basic services such as Mobile,
Data, Internet and Radio paging services. The incumbent basic telecommunications
operator, the Tanzania Telecommunications Company Limited is being privatized. A
35% stake has already been taken by a private investor. The sector has witnessed
improved telecommunications services as a result of an increase in direct
exchange lines from 85,000 lines in 1993 to over 200,000 lines this year being
operated by two Public Switched Network Operators. Mobile cellular services have
recorded a total of over 500,000 subscribers served by five (5) mobile operators
in the country resulting in stiff competition and reduction of tariffs. The
twenty (20) Internet Service Providers and fifteen (15) Data Communications
Operators have brought a tremendous improvement in access to ICT. There has been
an opportunity for creation of new jobs to young people, thereby improving
living standards and quality of life for greater participation in the Global
Information Society.
Mr. Chairman,
In preparation for the forthcoming two Summits of the World Summit on the
Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva and Tunisia in 2003 and 2005 respectively,
clear strategies/solutions to serve the society have to be drawn up by
telecommunications stakeholders through laying down concrete plans for every
humankind to have access to information. ITU has to consolidate these plans and
strategies initiated by stakeholders. The Global Infrastructure today cannot yet
satisfy the requirement of society in the use of e-applications in particular.
Hence the need for solving the infrastructure problem nationally, regionally and
globally. We have to join effort in this endeavour for ultimate success. The
Least Developed, the Developing and Developed nations have to work together as
three in one.
Mr. Chairman,
Tanzania has embarked on the development of an Information Communication
Technology (ICT) policy framework. A Draft National ICT Policy is being
finalized. The policy addresses all pertinent issues including institutional
arrangements, the need for continued effort for development of infrastructure
for ICT, human resource and participation of all stakeholders from public and
private sectors in the implementation of ICT related activities. The Government
has waived taxes for computers and associated accessories and mobile phones as a
way of encouraging importation and the use of such basic equipment and services.
With regard to local content issues, the draft policy recognizes the importance
of restoration of local culture and values.
Mr. Chairman,
The radio communication sector is another area where my delegation feels that we
should place due emphasis. I am particularly referring to the efficient
utilization of the radio frequency spectrum, which is a scarce resource. The
allocation of the radio frequency spectrum must take into account the very
specific circumstances of the countries and communities which are on the other
side of the digital divide; both globally and within individual countries.
Mr. Chairman,
Tanzania pledges to work with the ITU and member countries to implement the
resolutions, decisions and common positions adopted at this Conference as
regards radio communication. It is towards that end that we respectfully present
Tanzania to the service of ITU through membership to the ITU Council and the
candidature of Colonel Abihudi Newton Nalingigwa to the Radio Regulation Board.
Mr. Chairman,
Let me end the same way as I started by thanking the Royal Government of Morocco
for hosting this conference and ITU administration for excellent arrangements
put our disposal
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING.
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