Somalia’s parliament approves telecoms bill

MOGADISHU, Aug. 11 — Somalia’s parliament on Wednesday approved
the National Communications Act to regulate the country’s telecommunication
sector.

Abdi Ashur Hassan, minister for posts, telecoms and technology said the
bill, finally endorsed by 158 votes to 1, was submitted to parliament in
early July after consultations with all stakeholders in the last few
months. The telecommunications bill calls for the creation of telecoms
regulatory authority, development of the country with telecommunications
technology, protecting corporate and consumer rights and more participation
by private sectors in developing the sector.

Drafting of this bill started as early as 2004 and has been sitting in
front of 7th, 8th and 9th federal parliaments.Hassan said the Bill had been
allowed to remain idle for years, while technology was changing rapidly. He
thanked the federal parliament for approving this bill unanimously and
making a history. “We recognize the tremendous and increasing impact that
the telecoms sector has on the advancement of our economy and society. This
Bill is a major breakthrough for the Somali people and the
telecommunications sector in particular. It has been long promised, and we
are indeed proud, to present the Bill for debate and passage by this
honourable House,” Ashur said.-XINHUA