National regulatory authorities (NRAs) are bodies under national laws and are entrusted with performing regulatory functions in the field of electronic communications. These government authorities ensure a balance between promoting efficient competition, investment and consumer interests with the development of electronic communications markets, services and networks in mind. Thus, regulators should be legally distinct and functionally separate from any other bodies that may levy undue influence, because independence and impartial decision-making are key elements of a well-functioning and over-arching regulatory setup.