H.E. Prof. Peter MSOLA Minister of Communications, Science and Technology Mr. Chairman, In Tanzania we have embraced the new technologi-cal developments and have put in place an ICT policy and implementation has enabled us to make extra-ordinary progress, particular coming up with a vibrant licensing framework which not only is technologically and services neutral, but has expanded avenue, of al-lowing small Tanzania investors to participate in build-ing an ICT infrastructure, operate networks and deploy new services on a small scale. This move is intended to serve as the catalyst for stimulating the growth not only in the ICT industry, but the overall economy. Mr. Chairman, Honourable Ministers, Secretary General of the ITU, Mr. Chairman, Your Excellencies, Since we have adopted policy framework for conver-gence and leverage on the ICT in our effort to uplift the Distinguished Delegates, socio - economic well-beings of our people, we have seen some moderate success and We are happy to share our experience with our fellow ITU members. We are proud to state that our ICT policy, legal framework, converged licensing framework and strategies to guide the sector have paid the following great dividends. Ladies and Gentlemen, On behalf of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and my delegation allow me to first extend our appreciation to the Government of Mexico for host-ing Our initial forecast in 1997 was to have a teledensity of 6 percent by the year 2020, but today our teledensity stands at 43 percent. this conference and for the hospitality extended to us in this beautiful city of Guadalajara since our arrival. The number of mobile telephone operators has in-creased from two in 1997 to seven currently operating Secondly, I would like to express our congratulations to you, Mr. Chairman on your election to chair this, 18th Plenipotentiary meeting of the ITU as well joining the voices of those who have already expressed gratitudes for the Secretary General, Dr. Hamadoun Toure, the elected officials, management and staff of the ITU for successfully convening this conference and for the work they have done for the past four years in spear-heading and four are at different stages of deploying networks. Subscription for mobile users has increased from 284,100 in 2000 to the present figure of over 18 million. Internet services have increased from 0.06% in 1994 to 12% today. Thanks to the governments deliberate strategy of public-private partnership and incentives to the private sector to invest in this area. the Union towards meeting its objectives. 86