is unaffordable to most Namibians, and even the free-to-air NBC can be costly in rural areas where batteries are the only source of power. Internet is also prohibitively expensive for most Namibians. A number of players have entered the broadband sector, providing high-speed, constant Internet connections nationwide. The country’s first cellular phone service provider, MTC, has also introduced 3G wireless Internet access in some areas of the country where there is cellphone coverage. MISA Namibia is busy with a media ownership survey. SCORES: Individual scores: 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 3 Average score: 3.9 (2005 = 3.4) 2.2 Citizens’ access to domestic and international media sources is not restricted by state authorities. ANALYSIS: Access to domestic and international media is unrestricted, though it should be noted that the continuing ban on The Namibian with regard to government advertising and purchasing of the newspaper could lead to readers not having access to certain advertisements (see indicator 2.12). SCORES: Individual scores: 5, 4, 4, 4, 3, 4, 5, 2, 2 Average score: 3.7 (2005 = 4.6) 2.3 Efforts are undertaken to increase the scope of circulation of the print media, particularly to rural communities. ANALYSIS: The scope of circulation of the print media has improved during the last two years, notably with Trustco flying Informanté and other newspapers, like The Namibian, to Katima Mulilo, Oranjemund and Aussenkehr, meaning that readers in far-flung locations receive their newspapers on the same day that they are published. It is still very difficult to get newspapers in rural areas such as Kamanjab or in the Kavango region. Readers with Internet access can also read most of the daily newspapers online. SCORES: Individual scores: 4, 4, 3, 3, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3 Average score: 3.4 (2005 = 4.0) 2.4 Broadcasting legislation has been passed and is implemented that provides for a conducive environment for public, commercial and community broadcasting. ANALYSIS: The Namibian Communications Commission (NCC), which manages the country’s frequency spectrum, has restricted the number of FM frequencies allocated to broadcasting operators to So This Is Democracy? 2007 -200- Media Institute of Southern Africa