Deputies at the National Assembly on Monday enacted the Information and Communication bill.

This bill complements the Gambia Public Utility Regulatory Authority Act 2001, defining the role of the secretary of state for Communication, Information and Information Technology and the Gambia Public Utility Regulatory Authority in the information and communication sector.

In this bill, the rights and obligations of all operators have also been defined in the context of the liberalisation of the sector. Its principal objective is to create and provide policy making and regulatory framework for The Gambia’s information and communication sector and all matters related to it.

The bill also seeks to promote the formulation and implementation of the national information and communication policy, making it flexible for occasional modification and amendment, to ensure that services are provided to persons able to meet the financial and technical obligations in relation to the services. In addition, the bill seeks to ensure the promotion of universal access to information and communication services for all persons in The Gambia to a measurable and profitable extent, and to provide such access on the principles of affordability, accessibility and availability.

Mari Saine-Firadus, attorney general and secretary of state for Justice, who tabled this bill before deputies, argued that it seeks to promote the information and communication sectors in The Gambia by encouraging economically efficient investment and use of infrastructure to provide information and communication services. She added that it also encourages local and foreign investment in The Gambia’s information and communication sectors with the introduction of innovative services in the industry, in accordance with international best practices and trend.

According to SoS saine-Firdaus, the bill further encourages participation of Gambians in the ownership, control and management of information and communication companies and organisations, adding that it will pave way for the development of telecommunication satellite sector within the Gambian economy and effective research development efforts by all information and communication sectors in particular.

The bill, accordingly, also ensure protection of the right and interest of service providers and consumers within The Gambia and ensures efficient management, including planning, coordination, allocation, confinement registration, monitoring and caring of national resources under the information and communication sectors.

Other very pertinent points guaranteed by this bill are safeguarding of national interest, safety and security in the use of the self-help national resources. It also paves the way to enabling and facilitating electronic communication transaction, removes and eliminates legal and operational bias towards electronic transactions.

e-government has been a key interest of this government, and this bill, in response to that concern provides for e-government services through electronic communication and transactions within government and the public, amongst other things. According to SoS Saine-Firdaus, the bill provides for the right and necessary legislative framework to adequately cater for the liberalisation of prospects and technological changes in the industry, as well as to enhance full participation and competition in the ICT sector.

The existing Telegraphic and Wireless Act that the Department of State for Communication, Information, Information Technology continues to rely on, she went on, is outdated and inadequate to address the challenges faced by the sector. "Having a regulatory body is not enough unless protected by the legal framework, to enable it to function effectively. It is believed that the bill will create a level playing field that promotes equity, fairness and efficiency as well as investment in the sector," concluded the SoS.

Reacting to the bill, Hon. Mama Kandeh, member for Gimara Constituency, seconded the motion, describing communication as very important in any country. Hon. Seedia Jatta, Hon. Bekai Camara, Hon. Cherno Cham, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta and Hon. Momodou Sanneh, all expressed their views on the bill which was later enacted unanimously.