The Authority shall in the performance of its functions have regard to

(a) the principles of transparency, accountability, proportionality and consistency;

(b) best regulatory practice;

(c) the protection of the interests of consumers or users of communications networks or communications services and in particular to the interests of consumers' choice, quality of service and value for money;

(d) the impact on the environment of the activities undertaken by telecommunications service providers and telecommunications network providers;

(e) the promotion of competition in the provision of communications services;

(f) the various demands, interests and uses of the electro- magnetic spectrum;

(g) the needs and interests of persons with disability, the elderly, low income earners and the vulnerable;

(h) the opinions of consumers and members of the general public; and (i) the interests of both rural and urban dwellers.