Multinational - PTA Telecommunications Network Inter-connectivity and Tariff Study

The Preferential Trade Area for Eastern and Southern African States (PTA) Telecommunications Network Inter-connectivity and Tariff Study, which is being undertaken under the framework of the second United Nations Transport and Communications Decade in Africa (UNCTACTDA II) programme whose objective, among others, is to identify and promote projects for sub-regional integration will complement the RASCOM Project. Lack of an optimized network and interconnectivity as well as the high tariffs are considered the most important factors contributing to the low inter-state traffic within the PTA area. Therefore, the implementation of the study recommendations will enhance the use of the RASCOM space segment significantly. The study components are as follows: i) to undertake a telecommunications network interconnectivity study; ii) to review the tariff structure and levels in the sub-region. At the end of the study, this sub-region will have an investment programme to assist in the improvement and integration of the network.