SUVA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE &INDUSTRY FIJI BUSINESS FORUM Embracing Challenges and Identifying Opportunities RON BOX CEO Taf - TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF FIJI 4th June 2011Ron Box, CEO TAF

4th June 2011Ron Box, CEO TAF Taf - TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF FIJI Presentation Topics : TAF CEOS Objectives Roles of Ministry, FCC,TAF and Consumer Council Steps Ahead Challenges Future of Telecommunications in Fiji 1

4th June 2011Ron Box, CEO TAF CEO OBJECTIVES FOR TAF Open, transparent, responsive, approachable, communicative agency – accountable for its actions and decisions To be a reference point of contact for industry & the community on telecommunications regulation issues We will set the boundaries within which we will seek to promote competition, innovation and optimise customer choice and access to the widest range of services that are available Taf - TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF FIJI 2

4th June 2011Ron Box, CEO TAF aims Our aims are to: Provide a level playing field for ALL – Regulate for effective competition Be firm, fair – we will listen, consult & act with responsibility & integrity Communicate clearly and consistently in policy regulation & decisions Taf - TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF FIJI 3

4th June 2011Ron Box, CEO TAF4 Decisions will be based on natural justice, fairness & in consideration of all the known facts Evidence based regulator – simplicity & relevance Be E-interfacing with our stakeholders Continued.....aims Taf - TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF FIJI

4th June 2011Ron Box, CEO TAF Role of ministry, fcc, taf & Consumer Council Ministry of Communications: - sets policy & overarching framework. Currently manages & allocates spectrum through the Spectrum Decree 2009, Section 5 & 6 Fiji Commerce Commission: - – Promotion of effective competition, consumer protection, access arrangements – Operates Under Commerce Commission Decree of 2010 – Telecommunication issues under Part 5A – Control of substantial market power, interconnection access deficit charges, indirect access and access to facilities Taf - TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF FIJI 5

4th June 2011Ron Box, CEO TAF Consumer Council:- – Operates via The Consumer Council of Fiji Act 1983 and a 1992 Decree amending the Act – Its functions include :- To do all such acts and things which it may consider necessary or expedient to ensure that the interest of consumers of goods and services are promoted and protected Continuation Role of ministry, fcc, taf & Consumer council Taf - TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF FIJI 6

4th June 2011Ron Box, CEO TAF7 TAF role clearly outline in 2008 Promulgation – Just starting up as an Authority & there are many issues we need to discuss – Limited staff & resources but we will do our best – Need for clear understanding of roles & collaborative working arrangement :- TAF : MOC TAF : Fiji Commerce Commission TAF & Fiji Commerce Commission to work together and Consumer Council to assist industry & consumer understanding of our roles Continuation Role of ministry, fcc, taf & Consumer council Taf - TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF FIJI

4th June 2011Ron Box, CEO TAF STEPS AHEAD So much to do all at once Promulgation came into force in 2008 CEO started in March 2011 Grateful for World Bank & ITU assistance Taf - TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF FIJI 8

4th June 2011Ron Box, CEO TAF9 Focus on the most pressing issues: - Key areas : develop the regulatory instruments required in accordance with the Promulgation - Other major areas of focus include licensing, numbering, consumer protection and technical matters, USO, access to land facilities, establishing the Appeals Tribunal (TAT) We are resolving issues or putting in place a range of action through which they can be considered & resolved If you have a concern I would invite you to discuss it with TAF & raise our awareness of it Continued STEPS AHEAD Taf - TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF FIJI

4th June 2011Ron Box, CEO TAF CHALLENGES Meeting present demands and balancing competing priorities Establishing the TAF Office Determining the appropriate TAF Organisational Structure Development of our Web Site Promoting TAF awareness Finding suitable TAF Staff – require specialised skills, high level of responsibility, act with integrity and show accountability Taf - TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF FIJI 10

4th June 2011Ron Box, CEO TAF11 Training, Gaining and Retaining experienced Staff for ongoing TAF prosperity Growing the market – Licensing and authorising services Meeting all Stakeholders Demands The journey ahead: As Confucius said – A journey of a 1000 miles begin with a single step – We have taken a few steps but there are many more ahead Continued CHALLENGES Taf - TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF FIJI

4th June 2011Ron Box, CEO TAF future of TELECOMMUNICATIONS in fiji Must have a big picture focus but cater for Fijian needs & prosperity The Going mobile future – finding, providing adequate spectrum challenge Fixed line services dying – reliance on and provision of declining rapidly Regulating for effective competition Convergence of Services – how will industry/regulators meet the challenges to service public need and demand? Taf - TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF FIJI 12

4th June 2011Ron Box, CEO TAF13 Continued....future of TELECOMMUNICATIONS in fiji Taf - TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF FIJI The increasing reliance on telecommunications for essential eg. medical, commerce, banking, purchases, communication (internet) From Capacity to Connectivity – Network access and interconnection From availability to use – Universal access and service A Digital Future – Regulatory challenges in a brave new world On going regulatory role – TAF to be around for a long, long, time