The Bhutan Telecommunications and Broadband Policy of 2014
December 2014
Strategies and Action Plans
The Bhutan Telecommunications and Broadband Policy of 2014 outlines the framework for the development and regulation of telecommunications and broadband services in Bhutan, recognising their role in socioeconomic development.
Objectives
- Universal access and connectivity: Ensure all Bhutanese have access to telecommunications and broadband services, focusing on availability, affordability, and usability.
- Market development: Promote private investment and competition to create an efficient market with affordable services.
- Green telecom initiatives: Align telecommunications development with environmental policies, promoting energy-efficient technologies and responsible e-waste management.
- Regulatory and institutional framework: Establish strong regulations and institutions to guide sector growth and innovation.
Policy elements
- Universal service fund (USF): Used to provide services in economically unviable areas, funded by license fees and operators’ revenues.
- Infrastructure sharing: Minimise environmental impact by promoting shared use of telecom infrastructure.
- Consumer protection: Require service providers to ensure service quality and comply with consumer protection laws.
- Disaster communication: Leverage telecom infrastructure for disaster management and contingency planning.
- Spectrum management: Optimise the use of limited spectrum resources for widespread ICT services.
- Licensing framework: Adopt technology-neutral licenses to foster innovation and competition.
Broadband goals
- Definition: Entry-level broadband is defined as a minimum speed of 512 kbps, with plans to periodically revise this standard.
- Expansion targets: Aim for 80% broadband service availability in urban and rural areas by the end of the 11th Five-Year Plan.
- Education and public services: Ensure broadband access in all academic institutions and support the digitization of government services.
- Affordability: Provide entry-level broadband services at accessible prices.
Implementation
- Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC): Oversees policy implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Telecommunications and broadband committee: Manages policy execution and ensures accountability among stakeholders.
Strategic action plan
The plan outlines measurable targets and responsibilities, such as:
- Promoting competition and investment.
- Ensuring community access and individual availability.
- Establishing frameworks for affordability and consumer protection.
- Enhancing education, health, and government service delivery through broadband.