; (B) effective, transparent, and efficient spectrum allocation processes and reforms of competition laws that may impede the ability of companies to provide Internet services; and (C) efforts to improve procurement processes to help attract and incentivize investment in secure Internet infrastructure; (4) the removal of tax and regulatory barriers to Internet access, as appropriate; (5) the use of the Internet to increase economic growth and trade, including, as appropriate— (A) policies and strategies to remove restrictions to e-commerce, cross-border information flows, and competitive marketplaces; and (B) entrepreneurship and distance learning enabled by access to technology; (6) the use of the Internet to bolster democracy, government accountability, transparency, gender equity, and human rights, including through the establishment of policies, initiatives, and investments that— (A) support the development of national broadband plans or information and communication technologies strategies that are consistent with fundamental civil and political rights, including freedom of expression, religion, belief, assembly, and association; (B) expand online access to government information and services to enhance government accountability and service delivery, including for areas in which government may have limited presence; and (C) support expression of free speech and enable political organizing and activism in support of human rights and democracy through activities that expand access to independent sources of news and information and safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms online, in compliance with international human rights standards