Home Page | Background | NICI Infrastructure | NICI Policy | Internet Connectivity | NICI Indicators |
||
|
Rwanda |
|
Home Page | Background | NICI Infrastructure | NICI Policy | Internet Connectivity | NICI Indicators |
||
|
Rwanda |
|
The Sub-Plan for ICT Infrastructure Development
Final Version February 2001
Relevant Vision for Rwanda (VfR) Mission Strategies and Government Policy Commitments
Sub-Plan for…. |
ICT Infrastructure Development |
Relevant Vision for Rwanda (VfR) Mission Strategies |
To improve the information and communications infrastructure of Rwanda. |
Relevant Government Policy Commitments |
Commitment to Physical Infrastructure Development The GOR acknowledges that the level, scale and speed of the socio-economic development envisaged in the Vision for Rwanda (VfR) cannot take place without the necessary modern physical infrastructure: roads and general utilities; social infrastructure; telecommunications and communication infrastructure. The GOR is therefore committed to the rapid development, upgrade, improvement and deployment of the necessary infrastructure in all key areas. In this regard, the development of a reputable geographic information infrastructure will prove an important asset to support the development of the physical infrastructure. Commitment to the Development and Liberalization of the Telecommunications, Communications and the Mass Media Sector The Government is committed to: improving communication facilities and to diversifying the means of access through the utilization of appropriate telecommunications systems. The Government as part of its strategy and commitment to increasing access to telecommunication facilities; facilitating the rehabilitation and strengthening of telecommunication and communication facilities, is also committed to liberalizing the telecommunications and communications sector to encourage investment and competition in the sector. |
Key Players |
Government and the Private Sector as the lead Players |
1.0 Programme: General Profile Information
Programme |
IFR-1: Initiatives to liberalize the communication sector and for facilitate universal access to ICT infrastructure and services |
Relevant SUNRISE Component |
To improve the information and communications infrastructure of Rwanda. |
Type and Scope of Programme |
Policy initiative aimed at communication sector liberalization and the promotion of universal of access to communication services |
Implementation Details Requirements |
Non |
Programme Ownership |
Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Communications |
2.0 Policy-Relevant Strategic Goals and Programme-Specific Goals
| Policy-Relevant Strategic Goals |
|
Programme-Specific Goals |
|
3.0 Plan-Specific Actions and Time-Bound Measurable (TBM) Targets
Plan-Specific Actions |
Plan-Action Prerequisites and Linkages |
Time-Bound Measurable Targets |
Plan-Action Implementation Agency |
|
| I1.1 | Implement plan to liberalize the communications sector | Prerequisites
Plan-Action Linkage
|
Formulate and complete policy initiatives on the liberation of the communication sector by 2002 |
Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Communications |
| I1.2 | Develop and implement a programme to facilitate universal access to basic and value added communications services |
Prerequisites Non Plan-Action Linkage Non |
Develop policy and programme on universal access to basic and value added communication services by 2001 Implement and monitor the impact of the programme during NICI-2005 time frame |
Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Communications |
| I1.3 | Develop and enforce universal access and rural connectivity obligations within communication service operator licenses. |
Prerequisites Non Plan-Action Linkage Non |
Enforce and monitor during NICI-2005 time frame compliance with universal access obligations stipulated in Communication Service Provision Licenses granted to Operators |
Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Communications |
| I1.4 | Develop and implement programme to diversify and improve the quality of information, and access |
Prerequisites Non Plan-Action Linkage Non |
Develop programme for diversifying and improving quality of information and access by 2001 Implement programme during NICI-2005 time frame |
Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Communications |
1.0 Programme: General Profile Information
Programme |
IFR-2: Initiatives to expand, rehabilitate and upgrade of the existing ICT infrastructure |
Relevant SUNRISE Component |
To improve the information and communications infrastructure of Rwanda. |
Type and Scope of Programme |
National Infrastructure development initiative |
Implementation Details Requirements |
Non |
Programme Ownership |
Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Communications |
2.0 Policy-Relevant Strategic Goals and Programme-Specific Goals
| Policy-Relevant Strategic Goals |
|
Programme-Specific Goals |
|
3.0 Plan-Specific Actions and Time-Bound Measurable (TBM) Targets
Plan-Specific Actions |
Plan-Action Prerequisites and Linkages |
Time-Bound Measurable Targets |
Plan-Action Implementation Agency |
|
| I2.1 | Implement programme of National Road Network, expansion, rehabilitation and upgrade |
Prerequisites Non Plan-Action Linkage Non |
Carryout on-going expansion, rehabilitation and upgrade of the National Road Network during the time frame of NICI-2005 |
Ministry of Transport Public Works and Communications |
| I2.2 | Implement programme to privatize Road maintenance and set-up a Road maintenance fund. |
Prerequisites Non Plan-Action Linkage Non |
Privatize Road maintenance by 2002 Set-up a Road maintenance fund by 2002 |
Ministry of Transport Public Works and Communications |
| I2.3 | Develop and implement a comprehensive urban and rural electrification programme |
Prerequisites Non Plan-Action Linkage Non |
Develop a programme for urban and rural electrification by 2001 Target achieving at least 75% coverage of electricity in urban areas by 2005Target achieving at least 50% coverage of electricity in rural areas (medium and high density rural settlements) by 2005 |
Ministry of Energy, Water and Natural Resources Electrogaz |
| I2.4 | Implement programme for the rehabilitation and expansion and upgrade of the national telecommunication infrastructure |
Prerequisites Non Plan-Action Linkage Non |
On-going rehabilitation and expansion and upgrade of the existing national telecommunication infrastructure to be completed by 2003 |
Ministry of Transport Public Works and Communications Rwandatel and other Telecom and Communication Service Operators and Providers |
| I2.5 | Develop and implement a comprehensive programme for rural roll-out of telecommunication and communication infrastructure and services |
Prerequisites Non Plan-Action Linkage Non |
Develop a comprehensive programme to install public telephone access systems and mini-telecenters in rural communities (local trading shops, schools, local administration units, hospitals post offices etc) by 2001 Implement programme to achieve 80% coverage of medium to high density rural communities by 2003Achieve 100% coverage of medium to high density rural communities by 2005 |
Ministry of Transport Public Works and Communications Rwandatel and other Telecom Service Operators
Rwandatel and other Telecom and Communication Service Operators and Providers Rwandatel and other Telecom and Communication Service Operators and Providers |
| I2.6 | Implement telecommunication infrastructure digitization programme | Prerequisites Non Plan-Action Linkage Non |
Telecommunication infrastructure digitization programme to be completed by 2001 |
Rwandatel and other Telecom and Communication Service Operators and Providers |
| I2.7 | Implement programme to improve the Internet delivery infrastructure, the national Internet backbone and point of present throughout the country |
Prerequisites Non Plan-Action Linkage Non |
Achieve True Internet ‘Point of Presence’ throughout the country by 2001 Implement on-going improvement in the Internet delivery infrastructure and the Internet backbone throughout the NICI-2005 time frame |
Rwandatel, Rwandacell and Other Telecom Service Operators, Bandwidth Providers and ISPs |
| I2.8 | Government to formulate and implement a special initiative aimed at spreading Internet Access by promoting and facilitating the development of a competitive and vibrant ISP environment in Rwanda Note: Government as part of the programme to improve the Internet access and investment in Internet infrastructure development is to also encourage a competitive environment to facilitate the establishment of primary and secondary (including virtual ISPs) by private companies and public organizations and institutions (e.g. universities, colleges, Government Agencies etc) throughout the country including remote regions. |
Prerequisites Non Plan-Action Linkage Non |
Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communication in collaboration with other relevant Government Agencies to formulate and implement this special initiative by 2002 |
Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communication |
1.0 Programme: General Profile Information
Programme |
IFR-3: Fast Track National Communications Infrastructure Development Initiative |
Relevant SUNRISE Component |
To improve the information and communications infrastructure of Rwanda. |
Type and Scope of Programme |
A Fast-Track Communications Infrastructure Development Promotion Initiative |
Implementation Details Requirements |
Non |
Programme Ownership |
Rwanda
Investment Promotion Authority (RIPA) and Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Communications |
2.0 Policy-Relevant Strategic Goals and Programme-Specific Goals
| Policy-Relevant Strategic Goals |
|
Programme-Specific Goals |
|
3.0 Plan-Specific Actions and Time-Bound Measurable (TBM) Targets
Plan-Specific Actions |
Plan-Action Prerequisites and Linkages |
Time-Bound Measurable Targets |
Plan-Action Implementation Agency |
|
I3.1 |
The Rapid National Broadband Backbone Development Facilitation Initiative Note: This initiative is to promote the rapid development of an advanced broadband communication backbone infrastructure for Rwanda through private investment. The Initiative is designed to be the most competitive in the region for attracting world-class communication backbone technology into the country. It will serve as one of the initiatives designed to promote hassle-free communication backbone development to accelerate the process of building and expanding the communication backbone of Rwanda. The Initiative will make it possible for any company or organization wishing to invest in the building of a section of the national communication backbone using advanced broadband technologies to be free to do so without the need for securing license or going through lengthy process of authorization. The Initiative will ensure that any company local or foreign with the capacity to implement a section of the national backbone will be free to undertake this activity. The only restriction or requirement will be that advance (cutting-edge) technologies should be deployed and that a minimum capital investment requirement to be stipulated by Government from time to time is met. The Banks will be encouraged to support this type of ventures to accelerate the process of building the country’s communication backbone and infrastructure in the shortest possible time. |
Prerequisites Non Plan-Action Linkage Non |
RIPA in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communications to by 2001 develop an attractive and competitive investment promotion package and incentives to facilitate the implementation of the Rapid National Broadband Backbone Development Facilitation Initiative.
RIPA to aggressively promote the Rapid National Broadband Backbone Development Facilitation Initiative domestically and international |
Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communications
The Rwandan Investment Promotion Authority (RIPA) |
| I3.2 | Develop and implement an ICT infrastructure development initiative specifically directed at promoting and encouraging both domestic and foreign investment into the development of high-speed broadband communication infrastructure to specifically support offshore software development activities and ICT out-sourcing services in Rwanda. Note: This will be a special rapid infrastructure development initiative aimed at promoting a fast track, method to encourage both local and foreign companies to invest in high-speed broadband communication infrastructure development with minimum bureaucracy and regulation |
Prerequisites Non Plan-Action Linkage
P7.4 |
RIPA in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to by 2002 put in place and implement a special investment promotion package to encourage high-speed broadband communication infrastructure development to support offshore software development activities and ICT out-sourcing services in Rwanda. |
RIPA Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning |
The Multi-Sectoral Economic Development & ICT-2020 Policy Implications and the Risk Factors of the Sub-Plan
| Possible Contributions to the Realization of the GOR’s Multi-Sectoral Economic Development Policy | The implementation of the programmes and initiatives of this Sub-Plan will be crucial for the development of the key sectors of the economy. The development and the deployment of the necessary infrastructure (physical and communication infrastructure) is key to the implementation of a number of the programmes and initiatives of other Sub-Plans of NICI-2005. The multi-sectoral developmental impact of the ICT Infrastructure Development Sub-Plan is both direct and indirect (via other Sub-Plans). The agriculture sector, the service sector and the industrial sector will all benefit directly from the implementation of the programmes and initiatives identified in this Sub-Plan for improving, rehabilitating, upgrading and expansion of the nation’s communication and physical infrastructure. The possible direct contribution of this Sub-Plan to the realization of the GOR’s multi-sectoral development policy is therefore self-evident. On the other hand, the possible indirect contributions relate to the dependency of the components of some of the other Sub-Plans on ICT infrastructure development. For example, the deployment of advanced broadband communication backbone technologies is necessary for developing a viable ‘software-for-export’ industry envisaged under some of the programmes and initiatives of Sub-Plans like: Developing and Facilitating the Private Sector Sub-Plan; and the Foreign Direct Investment Drive in ICTs Sub-Plan. All programmes and initiatives identified for implementation under other Sub-Plans that relates to use of the Internet also to some extent do depend on the implementation of the key components of the Sub-Plan in the area of improving and spreading access to the Internet as well as improving both the short-haul and long-haul bandwidth link to the Internet. The multi-sectoral development contributions of these ICT infrastructure development- dependent Sub-Plans, could also be categorized as some of the indirect contributions of the ICT Infrastructure Development Sub-Plan to the realization of the GOR’s multi-sectoral development policy. |
| Areas of Emphasis as per the ICT-2020 Policy | The programmes and initiatives of this Sub-Plan have implications for both the exploitation and production of ICTs. For example, the deployment and spread of Internet infrastructure through the country as envisaged under some of the Programmes of this Sub-Plan is going to have a dramatic impact on the exploitation and utilization of the Internet and its resources in most sectors of the economy. Also since the use of the Internet requires the deployment of ICT equipment like: computers, modems, telephone, servers etc, it could be argued that the deployment and spread of the Internet infrastructure in the country will be having a far reaching impact as per the exploitation of ICTs within the country. Furthermore, a number of the programmes and initiatives targeted for implementation under the ICT Infrastructure Development Sub-Plan have direct relevance to the ICT Production policy orientation of the Government. For example, a number of the initiatives that will be directed at ICT infrastructural development efforts do lend themselves to contributing to the development of the local ICT industry. In addition, the highly skilled technical personnel normally required for most of the ICT infrastructure development activities often do play a key role in other related ICT system development initiatives; for example communication and telecommunication engineers do play a role in R&D initiatives aimed at developing and fabricating telecommunication and communication products, devices and systems. The ICT Infrastructure Development Sub-Plan will therefore contribute to the GOR’s policy goal to simultaneously pursue both ICT exploitation and production policy involving: the utilization and exploitation of ICTs to support the delivery of government services and the activities of various sectors of the economy as well as the production, development and delivery of ICT products and services ---- i.e. towards the development and promotion of an ICT industry and service sector. |
| The Risk Factors | Possible risk factors associated with the implementation of the ICT Infrastructure Development Sub-Plan relates only to situations where, there is no appreciable return on investment in infrastructure development especially in the areas of costly advanced ICT infrastructure. However, the likelihood of this risk manifesting itself is not high since, as expected, private sector will be the main if not the sole investor in this area. and it is not likely that they will invest if they are not sure that they will get a good return on investment. Furthermore evidence in other countries shows that the telecommunications and communications sector is a very lucrative one because of the advent of the Internet and the strategic role that advances in communication technologies are playing as a key socio-economic development factor in most regions of the world. Another possible risk factor relates to the possibility of Rwanda failing to attract substantial quality investment into the development of the ICT infrastructure after the Government have done all that it can in liberalizing the communication sector and providing costly (in terms of ‘revenue-forgone’) tax incentives and packages to attract investors. In the event that this happens, not only will there be that risk of revenue lost (actual cost and opportunity cost) but also Rwanda will run the risk of delaying its technological advancement in the area of communications and telecommunications and this will undoubtedly have an adverse impact on the implementation of some of the other Sub-Plans of NICI-2005 and on the economy as a whole. |
