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Objectives

The following three objectives are central to the vision of the national ICT policy:

1. Network Access
Universal access at reasonable cost to ICT networks will be an important factor in promoting employment, economic growth and social well-being. In the National Telecommunication Policy Paper, the government has declared that it is a fundamental right of all citizens to have access to diverse means of communication. Although it has to be acknowledged that this is a very long-term objective, the government will support all immediate steps to meet its ultimate goal. The regulatory commission shall develop specific indicators of ICT access, and shall identify targets for moving toward universal access nationwide within an achievable time frame.

2. Information and Knowledge Access

Just as there should be universal access to the network, so should there be universal access to information and knowledge. In the knowledge economy, success will depend on learning new and more efficient ways to gain access to a variety of information and knowledge-based resources. In the same vein, lifelong learning will become imperative in a society where individuals must cope with ever-present change. ICT will become the medium that will provide Afghans in all parts of the country the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills. In this regard, special attention must be paid to gender to ensure that specific programmes are directed to enhancing the capabilities of girls and women.

3. Government Use of ICT

The role of government as a model user of ICT is significant to the successful broadening of ICT applications. The government has already begun to use ICT to modernize and improve the way it operates by through the implementation of the Afghanistan Information Management System for information management and donor tracking. Significant savings and improved quality of service may be possible for the government through the use of ICT. The government must find best practice solutions in delivering e-government programmes and services to spur the growth of ICT and national development. The strategic use of public ICT procurement can stimulate development and innovation.