Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Enhanced Integrated Framework ...

separate policies – one for basic telecom infrastructureand regulatory principles, and a secondfor ICT applications and a vision for theInformation Society. These policies have remainedthe basis for the reforms over the lastfive years. The basic principles have beengiven a statutory basis, in the form of the TelecomLaw that was promulgated in December2005. The telecom infrastructure aspects arebeing implemented by ATRA, which was establishedin June 2006. The ICT applicationsaspects are being implemented via the ICTCouncil, which was established in May 2007.The transparent approach taken to the adoptionof the policies and the consistency of thevision from design to implementation has producedrapid results. The fact that most of theexisting infrastructure was either antiquated orbroken meant that the industry was free to essentiallystart again with a clean slate. In 2003,the obvious choice for personal communicationswas wireless. Accepted global standardsmeant that the equipment was reliable, cheapand could be deployed rapidly. In July 2003,two nationwide mobile (GSM) networks beganoperation, following an international competitivetender. The licenses required commercialservice to be offered in Kabul within sixmonths of the effective date, with nationwideservice within 18 months. Pursuant to theoriginal Telecom Policy, these first two licensesalso were provided a legal duopoly for threeyears. In October 2005 and May 2006, two additionalnationwide mobile (GSM) licenseswere awarded, with identical terms and conditions.There was immediate strong demand formobile services, with over 5 million Afghansnow having access.The 2003 ICT sector strategy has been the referencetemplate for subsequent reform policies,procedures and activities. The Telecom Lawwas promulgated by President Karzai on 18thDecember 2005. The law is compliant with theWorld Trade Organization Basic TelecomAgreement framework requirements in that itseparates the three basic functions and assignsresponsibilities to three independent sectorelements, as follows (i) Policy – MoCIT; (ii)regulation – ATRA; and (iii) operations – LicensedService Providers. The Telecom Lawhas led to the establishment of the independentsector regulator, ATRA. The legal authority ofATRA rests with its five member board appointedby the President.Figure 7.2. Growth in phone useY 1381 Y 1382 Y 1383 Y 1384 Y 1385 Y 1386Despite the considerable progress in expandingthe use of mobile phones, much more needs tobe done to take advantage of the telecommunicationsrevolution in both the private and publicsectors. Impediments to the growth of ICTsector include:• Lack of Security represents an impedimentto construction and maintenance of ICT infrastructurein remote areas. Lack of clearproperty rights adds to construction times.• Government bureaucracy (length of timefor simple decisions) adds time and costs todevelopment and operation of the system.• Lack of electricity and high cost of dieselfuel for generators raises construction andmaintenance costs.Economical and Social Development 97