suring that services are provided to the entire population on a fair and equitable basis. Public policy development takes place in several steps. It is generally carried out by government, but private sector may also analyse and contribute to the process in order to arrive at a favourable outcome. The process generally goes through the steps shown in Figure 2.18, namely problem definition, solution proposals and comparison, policy decision, implementa- tion and appraisal. The outcome of a policy setting is a set of government decisions in the form of regulation or intervention [15]. Broadband Telecommunications Public Policy Making Existence of a case for government intervention depends largely on one's political and philosophical viewpoint. Some consider the role of government is to intervene and regulate many aspects of national economy. Some want the government to remain out of the business of regulation and allow market forces to determine winners and losers. Broadband Telecommunications Technologies and Management Problem Formulation Proposals Adoption Policy setting Implementation Output Appraisal Performance Figure 2.18 Policy cycle One approach described by Mark Moore justifies government regulation and intervention in two cases [16]. One case is where there is 'market failure' - that is market forces have failed or are incapable of delivering a desirable outcome. Examples may be when private companies create monopolies which need to be regulated, or when no private company is willing or able to build a necessary infrastructure. Moore's second reason for government intervention is when there is a 'claim in fairness'. This is a situation created by failure of market forces to deliver an equitable service to a country's entire population. Both these cases are applicable to broadband telecommunications. At times the large cost of fixed network build-up and associated risks deter the private sector from investment, which means the government may have to intervene and invest to ensure a robust system is in pla